Can I Remove Compression Garment For a Few Hours per Day?

Some people heal quickly and don't swell much, others take longer. There is no real standard. My own routine is as follows:


Starting at 10 days to two weeks, patients begin to go without the garment for an hour or two a day at first. If it is too early, then swelling occurs that can take up to the next day to appear, so move ahead slowly. 

If there is an increase in swelling, then you are not ready to start weaning from the garment. WAIT.

If no swelling is noted, continue with 1 to 2 hours out of the garment for 3 days. Then double the amount of time out of the garment. The same rules as above apply.

I suggest making a change no more often than every 3 days. That way your body becomes accustomed to the lack of compression. 

In my practice, compression garments for liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and back are worn for a total of 2 months. Most of the time for the first 4 weeks and then about 12 hours a day for the next 4 weeks. In the first month, you could take off the garment for an hour at a time to wash it or to take a shower. You could also take it off for a little while if you feel extreme discomfort. Every surgeon has his or her unique instructions for the compression garment that works for them. I recommend you discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon. Best of Luck and Happy Healing. 

When Can I remove the compression garment for a few hours per day - for my patients the answer is after the first post operative day when ever you feel you have to. How long does a #CompressionGarment need to be worn to help after #Liposuction? For most, my patients wear garments for 3 wks day and night then 3 additional weeks for half a day.If you have had suction of the knees, thigh, or abdomen, the doctor will have put on a compression garment at the end of the surgery. The extra pressure this garment provides helps reduce swelling and discomfort. You should not remove this garment at all until the second or third day after surgery. After that, feel free to remove the garment temporarily for laundering. We want you to have circumferential pressure for 4-6 weeks, but you may switch to an exercise garment (Lycra or Spandex) whenever it feels comfortable to slip it on or off, as you will have to do so in order to go to the bathroom. See the below link for a more fuller explanation and general advice.