Is it necessary to have different compression garments after liposuction, during stage 1 and stage 2?

Question

Is it really necessary to have different compression garments for different stages of your recovery, or will one do? I'm reading that the stage 2 garment compresses more.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is no best garments after liposuction but there are different companies that product quality garments or tailors who produce custom garments.  Some of my favorites are Marena (entire line), Dale (first stage abdominal binder), Medical Z (after liposuction), Design Veronique (entire line), and BellaDeena (second stage, long term).  The above are all superior quality, but must be used properly to help -- which is to decrease swelling after the procedure and to compress the skin to the new contours without creating irregularities.  I have all my patients use 2 stages , they decrease after 3-4 days to much tighter compressions.  This is very important for those with hi definition or lipedema procedures! Best, Dr. Emer.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

I recommend my patients wear compression garments
for 2 weeks after abdominal liposuction, 1 week after neck liposuction, and 4
weeks after lower extremity liposuction. Numerous styles of postoperative compression
garments are available.  Postop­erative
compression minimizes bruising and aids in drainage. It is important to use
firm compression immediately following liposuc­tion. Mild compression is
sufficient after 3 or 4 days. Mild compres­sion assists patients in feeling
more secure and decreases pain by restricting movement of the treated tissue. Best, Dr. Khorasani.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Liposuction garments help with smoothing the contour after liposuction and limiting swelling.  Typically stage 2 garments can provide some support after the tighter surgical garments are no longer necessary; maybe at 2 or 3 weeks.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Compression garments help reduce the swelling after surgery, but in Atlanta heat and humidity these garments can be intolerable.  Each surgeon will have their preferred post operative dressings, but typically after four weeks patients can transition to a thinner, more comfortable compression garment, if they choose.  The different compression garments will not affect your long term result, so if you prefer, stick to only using one.  Hope that this helps.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

I have my patients wear a garment for a total of six weeks after liposuction. After the first three weeks post-op, I usually allow patients to get into a more comfortable garment instead of the big girdle they had been wearing. This allows them to feel more comfortable in something a little less restrictive and wear a wider range of clothing. Although these are my post-op instructions, I would recommend following the specific instructions your surgeon has given you.

Wendell Perry, MD · Answer

The stage one and stage II garments generally differ by zippers. The stage one garment has a zipper so it's easier to get on and off and the stage II garment doesn't. The real reason to get a second garment is it when the swelling goes down the original garment may be to lose. A tight garment is important for your swelling going away. It's more about the garment putting proper compression than stage I or stage II.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

I use compression for 4 weeks post-op.  In Florida the 1st garment can be rather heavy and hot so I recommend switching to spanx type garments after a week.  There are some plastic surgeons who use no garments and the post-op course is really up to your doctor.  Good luck.

James E. Leake, MD (retired) · Answer

most of my patients wear garments for 4 weeks after surgery. one is okay during that time. but the first one tends to be bulky, and patients sometimes prefer a slimmer and more comfortable one under their clothes.

Is it necessary to have different compression garments after liposuction, during stage 1 and stage 2?

Answers (8)

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