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What's the Purpose of Wearing a Compression Garment?

asked 3 years ago by merryberry3 in Toronto, ON, Canada
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 3,074 times
Tags: compression garment

To reduce swelling or bruising? Can I take a break from it maybe 2 hours a day? I was 118 pds and gained 10 pounds after the procedure. Today is day 5 and I am 122 pounds. Is that normal? My bruising is getting better but still quite black. I am taking Zinc & vitamin C & E. Will they help?

8 answers to What's the Purpose of Wearing a Compression Garment?

We very seldom use garments after liposuction.

Hi! Other surgeons in New York who do a lot of liposuction agree with me on this. Garments are uncomfortable, and, for most patients, don't improve the final result. Patients who use garments tend to look better after one week, but after 4 weeks, you cannot tell the difference.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Oh My..

Let's start from the beginning. Stop the Vitamin E. Hopefully you have a list of meds not to take from your physician. Don't take any of them. You have significant bruising so it must be gotten under control. The garment is intended to help the skin retract after liposuction. It's like suddenly placing a smaller letter in a large envelope. We need the envelope to shrink. I insist on 23hours/day for the first 3-4 weeks then 12 hours/day for 3-4 weeks. Severe bruising, like you have,... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

I find that firm but comfortable compression is important for liposuction results.

I have found a big difference in my patients who use compression vs. those who do not use compression. Compression garments help reduce swelling (edema) and aid in pushing fluids into the lymph system for remval from your body. The compression from the garment will help hold skin firmly against the body, aiding in proper skin retraction and general body contouring. I feel that the compression garments help to shape the overall result greatly. Unfortunately, compression is not easy... more

Thomas T. Nguyen, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

It really is up to you.

Originally when liposuction was introduced to the world of plastic surgery it was felt that you had to put French Elastoplast on the areas. This tape was left in place for 10-14 days. It often caused tape burns and certainly was uncomfortable and prevented the patient from taking a shower. So in order to avoid this we turned to compression garments and felt these were needed to get the skin to go to the right place. Fortunately it was discovered that in the long run it made no difference... more

Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD
Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction garments help control swelling

After liposuction there are channels and spaces where the fat has been selectively removed, and inflammation sets into the area. The tender tissue will swell and the suctioned area will retain fluid like a sponge. The garment will apply uniform pressure over the treated area and provide support, much like wrapping a sprained ankle to reduce and control swelling. The swelling reaches a peak after three to five days so it is not surprising to see the weight gain. We ask our patients not to... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

They help with swelling.

Hello A compression garment will help minimize swelling after liposuction. There is some bruising that happens postoperative and the garment may also help with that. Garments should fit snugly, but not too tightly. They should not act as tourniquets and they should not be so uncomfortable that you can't sleep in them. The photo you posted shows a significant amount of bruising for day 5. I would make sure to visit your surgeon in the next couple of days. I suspect your bruising will... more

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Garments are initially preventative

Garments that are placed at the time of surgery is preventative to reduce the amount of edema and bruise by applying counterpressure. You have significant bruising and with bruising you always have swelling and fluid accummulation since the pigmentation that causes bruising is hydrophilic or water-attracting. I would certainly advise wearing the garment continuously for the first weeks since this is when most of the swelling and bruising will occur. Once the edema has occurred, it will take... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Compression Garment Purpose after liposuction

Following Liposuction compression garments are required for three main reasons: It restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure It decreases the amount of bruising It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking It is common for weight gain due to edema and serum that collects in the area as well as the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially the quicker this fluid... more

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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