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Liposuction Recovery Using Compression Garments or Spanx?

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

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25 Doctor Answers | Asked 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.

Liposuction Compression Garments or Spanx ?

Compression Garments after Liposuction Surgery Guidelines - Is Spanx a reasonable product: My personal opinion is that the first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in and confirm that it fits well... more

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

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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

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

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

Compression Garments

Compression after liposuction is VERY important. My protocol for post liposcution surgery is to wear Spanx and the medical compression garment over the Spanx. Wearing both garments gets you the best compression and results for swelling.

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.

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

20 percent

Alternative compression garments besides surgical garments can be utilized, but check with your surgeon . I recommend at least 20% spandex or lycra in the garments fabric to get satifactory and uniform compression on the treated areas.

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