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Liposuction Recovery Using Compression Garments or Spanx?

Can I use Spanx instead regular compression garments during my recovery from liposuction?

Asked 38 months ago by tarann in Bay City, MI

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Good Post-Lipo Compression Garment is a MUST!

Take it from a plastic surgeon who has done more than 1000 liposuctions. A good Post-liposuction Compression Garment is a must! this is because it helps to Reduce excessive swelling Reduces incidence of seroma or fluid collection. Give abdominal and support for posture. Reduces bruising. I found spandexes to be usesless and if you are going to wear a spandex, you might as well not wear anything.

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S. Sean Younai, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Compression garments after Liposuction

I always recommend compression garments for my patients after Liposuction. Typically, I supply two sets of garments, so that the patient will always have one clean garment to change into each day, and I recommend that they are worn continuously, 24/7, for the first three weeks, except to shower. I find that the commercially-available medical compression garments are easier to put on during the early stage of the recovery process, and provide stronger support and compression, than Spanx or... more

Athleo Louis Cambre, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Spanx are fine for liposuction patients

To Tarann, For most liposuction patients, I stopped using regular compression garments several years ago. They are uncomfortable, cumbersome, and they don't improve the final result. If you wear a compression garment, you will look better one week after liposuction, but after three weeks, patients who wear garments look the same (in terms of bruising and swelling) as patients who do not wear garments. I have made this comparison. For some patients who have liposuction of the stomach,... more

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

I like tight compression. Docs vary on this however.

Hello, What you will find is that docs vary on the issue. I like tight compression believing that it tends to mold the remaining fat nicely. It also tends to limit the swelling somewhat. Spanx are more comfortable but do not compress as much. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon

For best results, use the compression garments your physician provides

While it may be tempting (and more affordable) to buy a non-medical garment, I believe that you should wear a medical grade compression garment for at least the first 4 weeks after surgery. Medical garments provide more compression post surgery, and further guarantee the best possible results. Thanks for your question, and I hope this answer helps! Stephen A. Goldstein, MD, FACS

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Post-liiposuction compression: do what works.

By far, the two most important considerations regarding the results of your liposuction are the skill of the surgeon and how good of a candidate you are for the surgery, particularly with respect to the elasticity of your skin. It is important to follow the instructions of your surgeon religiously after surgery but the garment that you chose to wear is not really all that critical as long as it provides smooth firm support. Beware of anything that buckles and forms a crease as this can... more

James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Spanx are a completely reasonable alternative to liposuction garments.

Gentle continuous pressure on the area treated is all that is necessary from a compression garment. Spanx fill the bill and are a good alternative.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Compression garments after liposuction

I prefer compression garments. But, not all compression garments are the same. I research to find what I believe to be the most effective and comfortable compression garments for each procedure. Compression garments are not comfortable, but most of my patients report that they enjoy taling the compression garment off, but they sooon learn that in many cases they feel more comfortable with the compression garments on. In my opinion, the right compression garments can help recovery, improve... more

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Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

I recommend Spanx for the "second stage."

Prior to liposuction surgery we have patients purchase a retail garment such as Spanx. They keep that at home to be used later. When they have surgery, we provide the initial postop "medical" compression garment. After using it for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend they switch and use the retail (second stage) garment another few weeks. Plastic surgeons vary in their routines, so ask yours for specifics. Best wishes, Sutton Graham, MD

Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Choosing between spanx or compression garment

I usually prescribe compression garments but some of my patients use Spanx. I feel that the results are similar in both cases. Furthermore, the garment should be able to extend above and below the liposuction site. When I do localized liposuction (one or two areas), I will always recommend a garment. However, when I do a lot of liposuction, I tend to avoid garments altogether. The reason is that bunching is very hard to control with a very large garment. Good luck with your procedure.... more

Sirish Maddali, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

Spanx or Compression Garment for liposuction recovery

Both compression garments and Spanx are good for post-liposuction compression. It goal is to have compression over the areas which were treated. So, it really depends on which garment or Spanx garment does the job. The Spanx tend to be a bit less expensive and more comfortable. However, you should discuss it with your surgeon.

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David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Compression garment better

I think compression garments are better than spanx. Spanx aren't made the same way and will not provide the same compression as the garments that are designed for post-liposuction care.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Liposuction garment

Every surgeon is different with their post op directions to their patients so I would follow your surgeon's direction for after surgery. I normally recommend that the compression garment is worn for 4 weeks depending on exactly what areas were treated. I find that the garment is helpful and if yours is uncomfortable, you can use spanx.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Proper selection of post-liposuction garment.

Ideally the patient ought to wear a well pre-fitted post-liposuction garment for at least a week. There are a number of factors to consider when pre-fitting a patient for this, your surgeon ought be be able to explain to you his choice in the garment. In our practice in addition to the garment we fit our patient with a special foam, which greatly reduces bruising and swelling. After the first 7-10 days it is adequate to wear a properly sized spanx type of a garment,... more

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Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Choosing a compression garment after liposuction

More important than the type of compression garment vs. spanx issue is compliance. I would advise you to choose a garment or pair of spanx that you feel comfortable wearing for 3 to 4 weeks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Why not both

I use the compression garments for my patients, but do not like how the rigid elements of the garment bunch up when the patient move into different positions. I find that wearing a pear of spanks underneath the garment make for a more comfortable and fitting compression garment.