What happens if I don't wear compression garment?

Like many plastic surgeons I encourage my patients to wear compressive garments. Most find them comfortable. However there is no evidence to suggest that not wearing a garment affects the long-term outcome.

Thanks for your question. I  have my liposuction patients wear a compression garment (faja) covering all treated 24/7 except to shower for 4 weeks post op.  This helps ontrol swelling as the compression on your tissues helps your body to reabsorb the edema fluid that accumulates in the tissues after any procedure. This can take quite some time to happen without help from the compression garments.  It also helps improve  contour.  Compression helps to keep the tissues adherent to the underlying structures while healing, this can help prevent the wrinkled skin appearance that can happen when the tissues heal in ways we don't want them to.

Thanks for your inquiry.  Most surgeons advise their patients to wear a compression garment after liposuction surgery because this is thought to decrease bruising and swelling, and help the tissues to heal properly.  Interestingly, a lot of my patients grow accustomed to the extra support and are reluctant to stop wearing it after 4-6 weeks!  Perhaps your garment simply isn't fitting well - have you spoken to your PS and see if there is a sizing issue?

Wearing a compression garment after liposuction serves several purposes in the recovery process. While it's strongly recommended to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions regarding post-operative care, including wearing compression garments, here are some potential consequences if you choose not to wear one:
1. Increased swelling: Compression garments help to minimize swelling by applying gentle pressure to the treated area. Without this compression, you may experience more significant swelling, which can prolong your recovery time and increase discomfort.
2. Risk of fluid accumulation: After liposuction, fluid can accumulate in the treated area, leading to a condition known as seroma. Compression garments can help prevent this accumulation by promoting proper drainage of fluids. Without compression, you may be at a higher risk of developing seromas, which may require drainage procedures or additional medical intervention.
3. Poorer contouring: Compression garments help to shape and contour the treated area during the healing process. Without this support, there is a risk that the skin may not adhere properly to the underlying tissues, potentially resulting in irregularities or uneven contours.
4. Longer recovery time: Wearing compression garments can help expedite the healing process by reducing swelling and promoting tissue adherence. Without compression, your recovery time may be longer, and you may experience more discomfort during the healing process.
5. Increased risk of complications: Failing to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments, can increase your risk of experiencing complications such as infection, poor wound healing, and delayed recovery.
It's important to discuss any concerns or discomfort you have with wearing compression garments with your plastic surgeon. They can provide guidance on the appropriate duration and type of compression garment to wear based on your individual needs and the extent of your liposuction procedure. While wearing a compression garment may feel restrictive or uncomfortable at times, it plays a crucial role in promoting optimal healing and achieving satisfactory results following liposuction.

While the "jury is out"
with respect to the long-term results, it is generally accepted that the use of
a compression garment, especially in the legs, is beneficial. It will decrease
the immediate postoperative swelling and help the skin redrape over the
underlying tissue. This will also help the skin contract and shrink. I suggest
to my patients to wear the garment continuously for 3 weeks immediately after
the operation and then for 3 weeks at night. The garments should be comfortable
— possibly your garment was not the correct size. I suggest you talk to your
surgeon about your options at this point. Good luck with your recovery.

Wearing a compression garment is very important after liposuction, as it helps with absorption of the fluid injected for the procedure, reduces swelling, and reduces bleeding and bruising.  It also helps with smoothing the loosened skin as it heals to the underlying tissues.  I would recommend you follow your doctor's postoperative instructions and resume wearing the garment.  Keep in mind, however, it may be more difficult to get rid of the swelling and take longer than if the garment was worn continuously.  Be patient, liposuction results may take weeks-months to see the final result.

After liposuction is it very important to wear your compression garment every day and night for at least one complete month. The function of the compression garment is to compress the swelling that forms after the fat is removed. The garment also helps the skin to readhere to the body. If you do not wear the garment you will be much more swollen that is why you do not see the difference in the areas that were treated. For my patients, the garment is mandatory to ensure the best recovery and results. In my opinion, the garment is not an option. Yes it will make a difference if you start wearing the garment again for at least one month. Good luck to you and I wish you a beautiful result!

Great question.  We as Plastic Surgeons have our liposuction patients wear compression garments after surgery because they help with working out some of the excess fluid injected, they help reduce your postop swelling, and they also help "compress" your skin against your body which in theory should help it scar into place tightly.  I would continue wearing your garment for as long as your surgeon recommends.  If it is much too tight to the point of being unbearable, you should get another garment that is one size bigger and that should help.  Best of luck!