Is it okay to take off compression garment while eating?

Question

I wear my compression garment all day & night but it gets super uncomfortable after eating ( feels tighter of course) So is it okay take off then put back on once my food settles?

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

Compression garments are recommended to keep consistent pressure over the operated area. This helps prevent excessive swelling (that could pop stitches or over stretch your skin) and helps prevent the collection of fluid in the tissue. Taking off or loosening your garments for a minute or two will not cause any problems…but it is a ‘slippery slope!!’ the first time you take it off for a few minutes…the next time it is half of an hour, and then the next thing you know it’s off for hours or you forget where you left it and it doesn’t go back on! That is when you start to have complications you could have avoided. If it feels worse after meals, maybe eat less food more frequently, or loosen it A LITTLE, but do not get in the habit of going without it until your doctor says it is safe. Think about how much time (and money) you have invested in trying to look and feel your best…do not let a little discomfort make you lose site of your goals! Hang in there!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mommiesoso,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

It's unclear what type of compression garment you are wearing or how long it has been since your surgery, so I am unable to provide you with clear advise. However, I usually suggest that my patients should wear the compression garment at all times other than when showering for at least the first 6 weeks. If you are feeling a little bloated, you could try avoiding starchy, carbohydrate heavy or gluten filled foods as they are more likely to expand the stomach and make you uncomfortable. Instead, stick to protein sources which will keep you full with green veg.

Rajat Gupta, MD, MS, DNB · Answer

It is not an issue if you wear compression garment while eating. It is always better to wear it as long as you can. If feeling uneasy, you can definitely take it off while eating and then put it back.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for your post. I would recommend making sure that your garment fits properly if it is hurting you. I have my patients stay in the garment except for when they are showering. This decreases the risk of healing problems. I would call your surgeon for a follow up to see if they have a garment that might fit you a little better.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. I would advocate loosening your garment while you eat, if possible, or perhaps consider a larger garment if eating causes you too much tightness to develop.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I recommend a properly fitted garment for the first 6 weeks, but your surgeon should be your best reference in this matter.  The patients who tend to have healing issues  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.  Loosening or removing the garment one hour at each meal should not have much of an effect.   Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Michael Zwicklbauer, MD · Answer

Certainly taking off compression for an hour or two will not affect your results.  It's more important to make certain that your garment is correctly sized for you if it's causing pain

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon who is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.  Obviously you will need to remove it for bathing or laundering, but should be wearing it according to your surgeon's instructions otherwise.  Compression garments should feel supportive but should not be excessively uncomfortable.  If you are unsure about the fit of your compression garment, check with your surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Please ask your surgeon. You did not state what specific surgery you had (any liposuction ?) nor stated how far out from surgery you are.

Is it okay to take off compression garment while eating?

Answers (13)

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