Are Creases Formed by the Post-Op Garment Normal and Will They Go Away?

Compression garments type and when applied varies from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon and not dependent usually on the type of lipo performed. In my practice, A compression garment placed in surgery immediately after liposuction (steristrip protects the sutures) is recommended and beneficial after liposuction because:It restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure.It decreases the amount of bruising.It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking.If bands or creases are present then you need to change garments - see your plastic surgeon.It is common to have weight gain due to edema, serum that collects in the area, and the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially, the quicker this fluid resolves.Edema: a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.The length of time that the garment should be worn varies depending on the amount of fat removed, the elastic nature of your skin, how much loose skin remains, and other factors. Your surgeon would give you the best advice, however this is the general routine for my patients.The first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized, and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in so I can confirm that it fits well.Most important advice is to listen to your surgeon, as he or she knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin, and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend that my patients wear their garments for a minimum of three weeks full time then for twelve hours at a time (day or night). If there is not a lot of redundant skin, this continues to a maximum of six weeks.To be effective, the garment needs to fit snugly—but not too tight as that can make it difficult to sleep or cause pressure problems (inspect your skin when it is exposed if you are uncomfortable). As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits. A Spanx-type garment would work fine, rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor’s office. For Small or moderate amounts of liposuction it probably doesn't make a difference if a garment is used or not.

Numbness is common after liposuction and can take a few weeks to subside. Creases are generally temporary and will go away. When there is no further drainage from your incisions, you may find that wearing an undergarment beneath your compression garment increases comfort. This can also help prevent indentations in the skin. Should you decide to wear an undergarment, make sure that it is tightly fitted, thin, and covers the entire treated area and then some, with minimal seams. Leotards and spanx are examples of suitable undergarments. Please ask your surgeon if this is okay for you.

Creases of compression garment causation in the skin tends to be temporary. I have never seen a permanent crease in the skin after swelling resolves, nor heard of this from my colleagues. It may take days to weeks, though, after the garment is not being worn that the creases can go away. If it is an uncomfortable crease, than you may need a better fitting garment. See your surgeon.

The  creases you describe are very common after liposuction and will disappear.  They are due to the tissues in the area being swollen, ie having more fluid in the tissues, and the tight garments leave lines where they displace the fluid, like tight socks on your legs.  As the tissues heal, the swelling will disappear and so will the lines.

I typically see my post op liposuction patients within a couple of days after surgery to evaluate them.  If there are areas where the garment is leaving impressions, then we either change out the garment, or have the patient take it off completely.  I have seen cases where the impression remained even after several months, however this is rare.  Talk to your surgeon.