How much research with positive results has gone into the extended use of compression garments post-liposuction?

I would ask your plastic surgeon about garments and the duration of wear, because each plastic surgeon will a different protocol. The patients who tend to have healing issues with larger volume liposuction procedures tend to be the ones who do not wear the compression garments at all, wear them very inconsistently, or do not wear them snugly covering all areas of liposuction. Our office provides our lipo patients with an ADJUSTABLE compression garment.  The  patients like the support it provides to the back and to the abdomen.  The only complaint I have heard is related to the "itchiness" of the fabric which can be remedied by wearing a soft t-shirt under the garment. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Dear Jess_dnb,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question! Echoing others below, it sounds like your garment may be too small. While it may be a good size to go down to once your swelling diminishes, you should have large indentations. With liposuction the tissue tends to adopt the structure of it's surroundings - traumatized tissue is quite malleable. This means that you can sometimes retain those indentations more permanently than you'd like. Talk to your surgeon about a larger garment (still with good compression), and keep the other to go down to once your swelling lessens. Best of luck! 

I do think that compression garments make a difference.  I like my patient's to use garments for 6 weeks following liposuction and then Spanx after that.  In your case it sounds like the garments are too tight.  The garments should provide compression but should not cause the symptoms you are having.  I would discuss with your plastic surgeon.  Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

Thank you for your question. In our office we recommend that our patients wear their compression garments at least 18 hours per day. The garment should not be tight to the point where its leaving deep marks and causing difficulty in breathing. It sounds like you may have your garment on too tight. It should be snug but comfortable. I recommend that you contact your surgeon and let them know the difficulties you are having. They will be able to guide you to the best possible result based on the specific surgery you had. Good luck!

Hello and thanks for your questions.  Typically, your post BodyTite garment should be quite snug, but not to the point of being uncomfortable, not being able to take deep breaths, or leaving etched lines in your skin.  If a garment is too tight, it is completely counterproductive - it can cause more harm than good.  My best advice would be contact your surgeon to inquire about changing up your garment and to likely change over to a snug but more comfortable Spanx type garment that covers the same body areas as your surgical garment while you await an appointment with your surgeon.  I hope this helps!Best wishes!Daniel Brown, MD, FACSBoard Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMember, American Society of  Plastic SurgeonsCastle Connolly Top DocReal Self Top 500

There is not strong scientific evidence for 24 hours vs partial wearing of garments. Basically compression after liposuction mitigates swelling. If the garment is causing indentations I have my patients use lipofoam under the garment. If you are having difficulty breathing you may need a larger garment and then try fitting back into the smaller one once the swelling has improved.Regards,

Dr. Ravi Somayazula

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery- American Board of Medical Specialties

Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)- Subcommittee Task Force on Patient Safety

Member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)

Member of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons, Harris County Medical Society

Thank you for your question. There is definite benefit from 23/7 compression garments for a minimum of 2 weeks. Many physicians will recommend a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks. Each physician has their own post-op treatment plans and I would suggest calling your surgeon's office to express your concerns about your compression garment. In the end, both your surgeon and you are after the same endpoint - a great result.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.