I need another opinion on wearing garment 6 weeks after Smart Lipo. Will only wear it during the day give me bad results?

Question

I have very sensitive skin and I had been getting a rash and funny smell on my stomach from my garment(which I have worn all day/night until past couple of days). I spoke to my PS who stated I need to wear the garment at all times except for showering and didn't seem concerned with rash/smell. I have chosen to take it off at night (only) to let my skin breathe and now the rash/smell is gone. Will only wearing my garment during the day really give me bad results?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Hopeful in OH,compression garments are used in order to reduce swelling and improve healing. 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

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Temporary swelling occurs after all lipo procedures. Eventually all swelling will go away whether you wear a garment or not. Compression garments are used to control swelling so that it doesn't make you uncomfortable. The longer you wear the garment, the better the effect. However, if you're sensitive to the fabric, you run the risk of causing skin reactions which may mark your skin permanently. For this reason, I would recommend you try a different fabric.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

I have not use compression garments in my patients for over 22 years and the results appear to be even Superior to those when the patients wear them. But all doctors are different as their techniques are different also. But I personally believe that after 6 weeks post-operatively you can stop wearing your garments as it will provide you with more comfort on day-to-day basis. Good luck from New York City

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i have done almost 900 Smartlipo cases. if you are getting an odor then clearly, you need to stop wearing the garment and air out your skin!!!!!! that is plain commonsense. you may be getting a yeast infection from the garment too. In most cases, if my patient has good skin tone, i only recommend the garment for 5 days. if the skin tone is poor, i may recommend it for 6-12 weeks but I always recommend going several hours with it off, to prevent the problem you are having. if you have decent skin tone, there is no reason to wear it longer than 5-7 days.david berman md

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. In general, the compression garment is worn to control swelling and to prevent bleeding. Based upon the life experience of the plastic surgeon, he / she has developed a protocol which has provided the most success. Some surgeons advocate the garment for 3 months, others (like me) recommend 4-6 weeks, some recommend no garment at all!
Mitigating factors such as skin irritation may modify your physician's protocol. We have sensitive patients wear a thin garment beneath the compression garment. It may be wise to contact your surgeon again to make him / her aware of the severity of the problem. 
Best wishes...

I need another opinion on wearing garment 6 weeks after Smart Lipo. Will only wear it during the day give me bad results?

Answers (5)

Answer: I disagree with your PS

Answer: I disagree with your PS

Answer: Pros and cons of compression garment

Answer: Pros and cons of compression garment

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Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

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I need another opinion on wearing garment 6 weeks after Smart Lipo. Will only wear it during the day give me bad results?

Answers (5)

Answer: I disagree with your PS

Answer: I disagree with your PS

Answer: Pros and cons of compression garment

Answer: Pros and cons of compression garment

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.