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Will Not Wearing Garment After Liposuction Ruin Results?

I had Liposuction for banana rolls 10 days ago and can no longer tolerate the girdle. If I go without it will it just prolong the eventual outcome of the lipo or will it ruin it?

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banana roll compression garment

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by Debra O. in chicago ,

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What ever makes you feel better is important but the results will be the same with or without.

When I first learned liposuction from Dr. Illoze while attending his first teaching course in Paris, I was taught that we had to tape the area that had been treated with liposuction with French Elastoplast. This was keep on for up to 10 days. People could not take showers, and many developed tape burns. From this we went to pressure garments which answered the problem of showers and tape burns. After a while some one asked the question do you have to use these pressure garments. A study... more

I don't think garments make any difference.

Hi! In New York City, we have stopped using garments for most liposuction patients. Several other experienced surgeons agree with me. We found that if you wear a garment, you will look better at one week after surgery. But at 3 weeks, patients look the same whether or not they wore a garment. So don't worry. You won't do any harm. You may want to look at some of my other answers about this.

I recommend Comfortweave compression garments with Epifoam

We have done studies on compression garments after liposuction and we have fought that they are quite helpful. I think that there is more rapid recovery from the swelling, bruising, edema with compression garments after liposuction. That being said all compression garments are not equal; there are different types of fabric weaves that can make a difference. We prefer Comfortweave garments such as those made by Marena as opposed to most traditional liposuction garments that utilize a... more

Garments are important for some patients post liposuction

Garments following liposuction seem to help minimize swelling and help with even flattening of the skin. However, the patient with excellent skin elasticity could 'get away' with not wearing garments. I do empasize the importance of post liposuction garments with my patients for 3 weeks following the procedure. I think it may help with marketing if you tell your patients or advertise that you do not use garments; however, most plastic surgeons will have their patients wear them.... more

Post-liposuction compression is important

With liposuction, not only is fat being removed, there is a lot of trauma to the subdermal or subcutaneous layer of skin. During the healing process, fibrosis results in skin contraction. The compression garment helps to ensure maximum skin contraction and that the skin heals evenly, without unwanted folds or creases. I recommend compression for all my patients.

There are very few absolute answers in surgery

With over 20 years of experience, I have come to realize that there are very few absolutes in surgery. Each patient, each doctor and each situation is unique. Although many surgeons have abandonded garments, I currently continue to use them at least in the immediate post operative period. Patients like the secure feeling of the garment, and it also holds absorbent pads in place which are typically removed the next day. Without these pads, there is substantial leakage of fluid onto your bed... more

Garment wears depends on extent of liposuction and volume removed.

The answer to this question is complex and is not always the same. It clearly depends on the extent and volume of liposuction performed. For modest amounts of fat removal, 10 days is most likely adequate if there is minimal bruising. For more extensive areas of liposuction with considerable volumes of fat extraction, use of a garment likely is required for a longer period. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon to see if they will permit you to ease up on garment. wear.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

The garment will help contract your skin evenly

The compression garment is used to help control the swelling and keep the skin even while contracting. Think of the area that was liposuctioned as a sponge filled with water from swelling. If you don't wear the garment during the first 2 to 4 weeks, you may have faster swelling in one area as opposed to another and have a "dried sponge" irregularity and lumpiness. The garment helps to evenly squeeze the swelling and control how the skin shrinks.

Garments are important....

Compression garments are very important. I emphasize the importance to my patients. There are many well made garments which are very comfortable. If the garment you are wearing is not comfortable you should check with your surgeon to see if you can try another style. There are many available online and a google search will find many results. I would find an alternative which is comfortable rather than going without to optimize your results. Good luck! -Evan Sorokin MD

It's very important to follow your surgeon's instructions after any surgery

Only your surgeon can answer this question definitively, but in general I have patients were their garments night and day except showering for a minimum of 4 weeks. I think this not only speeds the recover but improves the results. If the garment is uncomfortable, your surgeon can suggest other options, such as Spanx, which are available in many department stores.

Wearing Garment After Liposuction Ruin Results

I think “ruin” is a pretty strong word, although it is quite possible you won’t get the optimum results without following the correct post-op care. Following your doctor's post-surgical instructions to the letter is a big part of achieving the exact results you want. I generally recommend compression garments after liposuction because I feel they encourage the skin to smooth out better over your new contours. They also help keep swelling under control. I also suggest that my... more

Most Surgeons Recommend the Use of Compression Garments for the 1st 3 Weeks Following Liposuction

It’s not unusual for surgeons to recommend the use of compression garments following liposuction. Although, the majority of plastic surgeons recommend some type of compression, there are surgeons who don’t always recommend compression. It’s important to understand that every patient is unique. The importance of compression garments depends on a variety of factors. These might include the amount of fat removed and the patient’s baseline skin laxity to name a few... more

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 try to get a different size or brand.

Liposuction and Garments

Dear Debra O, you should follow your Doctors advice on the post operative routine. As you can see there are many answers to your question- but the key point is that you entered into an agreement with your surgeon to follow their advice for the best possible outcome. With Warm Regards, Trevor M Born MD

Yes, it will change the outcome

The compression garments are used for several purposes. First, after surgery the garment helps the edema resolve quicker. After this the garment helps guide the skin in its retraction. The underlying fat has been removed now the skin need encouragement to tighten up the remove the underlying void. This is why it needs to be worn for 6 weeks-this is the acute healing phase. Not wearing it means that you will likely not achieve the best possible outcome. So if you want to spend all that... more

Choose a looser compression garment

If the compression is garment is too tight, you might want get a looser one. In general, compression garment makes the swelling go away quickly and help the skin flat to settle on the undelying tissues.