How Important is a Compression Garment in Abdominal Liposuction?

asked 10 months ago by chanita717 in harrisburg,pa
Latest answer by Kimberly Butterwick, MD
Question viewed 342 times
Tags: abdomen, 2 months post-op, compression garment

I am 6 weeks out from having ab lipo and wore my velcro-type elastic garment religiously for 2 weeks straight (except for showering), and then switched to only wearing it at nights afterwards. I was pleased results, but when I stopped wearing the garment around-the-clock,I swelled up like a Beluga whale!I also haven't been watching my sodium intake for the last four weeks (not too bad, but I have attended a few cookouts!)If I go back to wearing it, will it help me regain my contour I had?

6 answers to How Important is a Compression Garment in Abdominal Liposuction?

Liposuction Garment Necessary for only a few days

Many years ago, people were advised to wear the lipo garments for weeks. Now, we know that one only needs to wear a garment for 24 hours after the drainage stops. So that means usually just two or three days. People often like the feeling of support that a softer girdle like Spanx provides, so you may want to transition to something like that. Using a lipo garment longer means you are using it as a corset. The effect is temporary and has no effect on the outcome of... more

T. Wayne Day, MD
Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon

Compression garment after liposuction

The amount of time that one needs to wear the garment differs with different types of liposuction. You really should check with your surgeon about the recommended time. With tumescent liposuction, the gentlest type, we have our patients wear the surgical garment 24 hour/day for one week and then a lighter garment, like a Spanx, during the day for 3 weeks. One thing you could do is try wearing your garment during the day when swelling tends to get worse. Then when... more

Kimberly Butterwick, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

Garment after Liposuction

I think the compression garment helps for the first month post operatively. After that, it is questionable. It does take 3 months for swelling to go away and even longer for the skin to bounce back. Some of my patients like to use the garment for a prolonged period of time (it can't hurt). Keep doing what you are doing with watching the salt intake, exercising, etc. Also, keep in contact with your surgeon so that he/she sees how things are healing and can give you... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Compression garments following liposuction

Compression garments are helpful for reducing swelling following liposuction, but they are not critical. Garments are unlikely to influence your final outcome. They are most useful in the first month following liposuction.

David Stoker, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

How long to wear compression garments after liposuction

Most patients will wear compression garments for about four weeks after surgery. There is no exact rule as to what is the best duration of time to wear them, as each surgeon will have his/her own protocol. If the surgery is done properly there is no significant beneft to wearing the garment for excessively long periods of time (ex. 3 months). Some patients continue to wear the garments for longer than one month simply because they like the comfort and support, especially when they... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal Swelling Post-Liposuction Normal

From your description, it indeed appears that your swelling is due to edema, or fluid in the tissues. It is normal to undergo varying cycles of swelling for the first 3 months after surgery. This is why alot of women continue wearing some sort of compression as much as possible for three months or more. Watching your sodium intake can help as well. I have had patients say it took them three months to fully get the swelling to go away for good. I would just be patient... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

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