Wearing of neck garment after chin lipo

Question

I had minor lipo under my chin almost two weeks ago and followed neck garment instructions fully the first week, then only took it off for work after that. I went on a trip this weekend and forgot to put it on of night. Will two full days and one night effect the final outcome of the surgery?

Kara K. Criswell, MD, FACS · Answer

As surgeons, we appreciate your concern to be compliant with all post operative care.  In regards to your question, the first week is the most important week for compression to the surgical areas to decrease swelling.  At each post op appointment, the surgeon will see how the healing is taking place and, if any additional days or weeks would be necessary for the garment to be worn.  Most likely there is nothing to worry about at this stage, but again your follow ups with your surgeon will give you the peace of mind we all need after a surgical procedure.  Enjoy your results!

Lawrence Osman, MD · Answer

While you should check with your surgeon, I think it would be very unlikely that skipping a couple of full days at this point would effect your outcome.

Andrea Jarchow Garcia, MD · Answer

Good morning!! Do not worry at all about forgetting to wear the neck support for the weekend trip away. The neck support is there to help limit swelling and fluid accumulation immediately after surgery. It also assists with helping the skin re-drape to the underlying tissue. Continue for now as the doctor recommended but do not worry yourself about it. The end result will again not be influenced.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The answer is, no. That will not affect your final outcome. Many surgeons recommend some kind of compression or support after liposuction, but there is no definitive recipe on how that should occur. Don't worry about it. Best wishes.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

While you should follow the advice and guidelines of your own surgeon, I'd say that missing a few days at this point should not affect the final result.  I generally use a chin strap/wrap full-time for about a week after the surgery, although that also depends on the extent (if any) of skin undermining associate with the lipo, as well as the extent of the lipo.  A small area of lipo in a 26 year old person is not treated the same as a larger lipo with skin undermining in someone twice that age.  So if it was minor lipo and you wore the strap for the first week, you should be okay.  Either way, though, touch base with your own PS.  I hope that this helps and good luck, Dr. Alan Engler, Member of #RealSelf500

Wearing of neck garment after chin lipo

Answers (5)