Stealth

I saw a difference immediately (the doctor let me see) and it persists. I use the garments 24/7 still (told to do so for 10-14 days then go to waking hours for 1-2 weeks). Secondary garments advised included spanx undergarments til 4-6 wks postop. I have minimal bruising (had full stomach and flank/love handles), but some swelling, well controlled with garments. Garments are very annoying tho. As for activity, we were told no activity that causes persistent pain to the area. No heavy lifting and workouts for at least a week. My husband had some extra work so he has to wait more like 2-3 wks. The compression garments are designed to help regain your skin turger, but the final outcome will depend on your inital skin laxity and thinness. At 30, I suspect your skin has a good chance of recovery with faithful use of the compression garments. as for diet, we were recommended to drink lots of water to flush the area and get rid of the toxins. there weren't any stringent diet requirements otherwise, but I'd personally avoid a salty diet (increased water retention). HTH, S

I had lymphatic massage today, and the therapist specifically said it is not meant to be vigorous. Vigorous massage, she said, only gets the deeper muscles. The lymphatics that are getting clogged aren't that deep. I would be concerned that vigorous massage is repeatedly injuring the areas, and would recommend a softer, gentler touch. I was also recommended arnica, which I'm taking faithfully, a homeopathic antiinflammatory. we were instructed to take it starting a few days preop, and continue postop. I do have swelling, but manageable (~1wk postop) S

I suspect you have pockets of swelling still. Check with your doctor, but I'm guessing you need to wear your compression garments faithfully and may need lymphatic massage. If it persists beyond 4-6months, I'm guessing it may be more permanent.

Our doctor is going to special order our compressive-wear based on the areas we are having done. After a certain time, I was told we could switch to spanx undergarments. check with your doctor to be sure on all of this.

My understanding is that part of the smartlipo procedure is designed to develop skin tightening. The compression-wear is designed to keep the skin and underlying tissues approximated so that they heal faster and tighter. Without it, my understanding is that swelling may occur more substantially and interfere with tightening. We are undergoing liposculpture in 10 days (woohoo) and we're planning on keep the compressive-wear on for a month if we can. I was advised you can switch to a spanx outfit after 10 days or so, but check with your doctor to be sure on all of this. Good luck! S