How long do I need to wear foam under my garment for?

Question

I am one week post op from having Lipo on my lower abs and flanks. I have been wearing the foam under my garment the whole time. I was told to wear the compression garment for 6 weeks, does that mean with the foam too? The foam is really difficult to get into with the garment and I need my husbands assistance to get dressed with it. I return to work in 4 days and the only pants I can wear with having the foam are yoga or other type of sweat pants as my regular pants don't fit with the foam.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

My patients wear foam with outer compression for 3-4 weeks and then the outer compression for an additional 4 weeks.  You should speak to your physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi ayeshazkh,Thanks for your question. Some doctors dont believe in compression garments or topifoam. I do and recommend that patients wear it as tolerated for as long as they can to help improve any contour issues. There may be a slight asymmetries that occur with the compression but the topifoam helps to improve them. I would probably not wear it at work and then place it on after you get home from work. BUT every surgeon is particular about their postoperative care. You surgeon is your best source of information for these types of questions. I hope this helps.All the best,Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS

Michael Brucker, MD · Answer

I like to use foam in the abdominal area for about 2 weeks to help prevent creasing in the central abdomen which occurs when you sit.  I also advise patients not to wear tight fitting pants that can bind and create dents in the areas that were liposuctioned for up to 6 weeks.  That being said, only your surgeon knows exactly what was done so please check with his/her office for specific recommendations.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.I would recommend that you contact your surgeon with this question as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for their patients,  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

This question should be addressed to your own surgeon. It's my opinion garments are primarily for comfort. It's unlikely they have any effect on the long-term outcome.

Frederick K. Park, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I think that compression protocols from different surgeons will vary quite a bit.I would defer to your surgeon's personal choices in terms of this.Just to give you one point of view, I really believe in the advantage of the foam in the immediate post-operative period. For my patients, this is 5-7 days. I have been impressed by its effects in swelling and bruising in this time frame. Physicians who use the foam will all have stories of how there was no bruising under the foam, but significant bruising was seen starting in a distinct line at the edge of the foam.Yet our average patient has the same problems as you mention in getting the foam under the garment. So we stop the foam after the immediate post-operative period and the patient just wears her compression garment without the foam except when showering after this.This goes on for a minimum of two weeks but most of our patients do not mind the garment alone and wear them for several weeks.I hope this helps.Good luck!

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear Dkittyatx,The foam is intended to keep the pressure smooth under the garment and I ask my patients to try and use it for a week if possible, and then longer only in areas that get uneven pressure under the garment (such as under zippers or at the edges of the garment like the top). It is certainly a fashion disaster to try and keep using them when dressing for work. I will also have patients layer a Spanx type undergarment as long as it extends a little further than the area that had lipo, and this also helps to keep things smooth. Don't toss your foam as you might still wear it at night if your garment digs anywhere. You can run things past your doctors office just to see if they have any concerns. I actually tell my patients "Don't call me to ask about stopping the foam, just wear it as long as you think it is helping". Your question is common, and I think patients are better at navigating this stuff themselves.Best of luck!

Charles W. Spenler, MD · Answer

In our office the foam and garment are left in place for about a week. At the first week's post op visit the foam would be removed in our office. After the foam is removed only the pressure garment is required for the next three weeks.The purpose of the foam is to prevent fluid from forming in the areas of liposuction, to decrease bruising and to increase patient comfort. The foam has little benefit after one week and would need to be replaced.

How long do I need to wear foam under my garment for?

Answers (8)

More Liposuction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Liposuction Questions

Is it normal for one leg to look bigger than the other two months after liposuction?

I'm 7 weeks post lipo. Is it normal to feel sharp shooting pains and lots of itching?

I'm 7 weeks post lipo. Am I still swollen or am I beginning to gain belly fat? (Photo)

How can I get rid of these pockets of fluid after liposuction? (Photo)

Should I wear my compression garment during exercise after liposuction?

How to sleep after liposuction on midsection

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS