Compression garment after Smart Lipo

In my experience with Smartlipo (I've done thousands of laser lipolysis cases since 2006), compression is a must! I often use the "jello mold" analogy with my patients.  Jello is liquid prior to setting, and will take on the shape of whatever mold you put it in.  The same goes for healing from a laser lipolysis surgery.  A compression garmet ensures that you "mold" smoothly and evenly. Depending on the area you had treated, I recommend a "second stage" garment (one without zippers) for up to 6 weeks for 10-12 hours a day while awake. Congratulations! Linda Quinn, MD      

To date, there have been NO scientific articles supporting any improvement in final results using, compession garments, after liposuction. Many doctors recommend garments to reduce swelling and increase patient comfort after a procedure. That is their primary purpose...not improved results. With Smart Lipo, I don't recommend compression except after thigh liposuction, and then I use Jobst stockings. One significant concern is that with Smart Lipo we are now working extensively in the superficial fat for the first time. It you leave a belt mark or elastic mark you can actually cause new collagen to form a "ridge" there. We have seen this with an abdominal case, and I have heard of this anectotally about arms from a well known Denver plastic surgeon who strongly recommends against Smart Lipo compression. Talk your doctor to see what he or she believes is best and ask Why?  

I'm very happy to hear that you are healing nicely; sounds like you are going to have some satisfactory results.  The compression garment is a vital part of the procedure.  After the procedure, swelling and bleeding are inevitable.  The more swelling and bleeding you have, the higher the chance of forming excessive scar tissue.  The compression garment helps reduce the amount of swelling by literally "pushing" out the residual fluid while holding pressure down on the oozing blood vessels to stop them from continuous bleeding.  I recommend to my patients that they should wear the compression garment 24 hours a day for the 1st week, then 12 hours a day for the 2nd week and then no more.  Again, after the fat is removed, we do not want too much chafing between the overlying skin and the underlying muscle layer.  Although not proven with scientific studies, many of my patients anecdotally tell me that they feel their results and healing are better with wearing the compression garments longer past 2 weeks.  There are also other alternatives to the compression garments.  Spandex or tight fitting biker shorts/shirts can also be used to substitute for compression garments after the 1st week (which most of the healing has already occurred).  I hope this helps!   Alex Liu, MD/MPH