I Didn't Wear a Compression Garment for 8 Hours - is This Damaging?

Question

I had lipo of my lower abdomen done two weeks ago, and I have been wearing my compression garment consistently for 24 hours a day for these 2 weeks. Today I removed my compression garment for about 8 hours (it's a long story, but I definitely needed to take it off). I did wear spanx but they weren't tight at all. Will this hinder my healing at all? My stomach still felt swollen and stuck out over my pants just like before I had surgery. I thought the swelling would've gone down a little by now...

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

As you can see, each plastic surgeon has his or her own technique for wearing compression garments.  In my practice, I only require my patients to wear a compression garment for 2 weeks after liposuction.  I have been doing liposuction since 1983, and I find 2 weeks is more than sufficient to get the results one hopes for out of compression.  We do ultrasound (the kind physical therapists use for sore muscles) for a minimum of 4, and sometimes up to 8 times, post liposuction to decrease swelling and bruising.  Also, DMSO is an important component of my post liposuction program. This also decreases swelling and bruising. 

	Compression garments certainly have their place after liposuction, but in my practice, after you have worn it for 2 weeks, your girdle has done all it can do.  Don't worry, not wearing it for that 8 hours made no difference whatsoever.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The fat that is removed during your surgery creates extra space under your skin. Your body naturally fills this space with fluid, leading to swelling and possible complications. Your compression garment compresses your skin against your body so that the amount of fluid buildup is dramatically reduced. It also makes your skin follow the leaner contour of your body so that it does not sag. Wearing a compression garment can also improve your circulation. You need to wear your garment as advised by your surgeon, since you now understand how much swelling you can experience by not doing so. While 8 hours is a long time, please wear your garment and talk to your surgeon if you have concerns about your recovery. Best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The patients who tend to have healing issues with larger volume liposuction procedures 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. 8 hours should not have much of an effect. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction garments are useful in the postoperative period, especially in areas that tend to swell considerably after surgery such as the abdomen. Make sure to massage your skin between washings to ensure that your skin rebounds appropriately. Taking a small break with the garment will likely not compromise results. I always advise my liposuction patients to take supplements to reduce postoperative swelling.

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

wearing a support girdle after liposuction is very important in keeping swelling, brusing, and the chance for developement of seroma to a minimal. Even more important than wearing a girdle is to massage all the areas that were liposuctioned. I usually ask my patients to wear thier girdle 24 hours a day for the first 3 weeks, and then half time for the second 3 weeks.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

You did not hinder your liposuction results by removing your garment for that time frame. You are still very early in your recovery period and will notice swelling for some time yet. I know it's hard, but be patient. Make sure you keep your follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon so he/she can monitor your progress.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I doubt that not wearing the compression garment for 8 hours will cause untoward results.  Some surgeons do not even use them.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

While it is optimal to wear the girdle per your plastic surgeon's instructions, taking it off for 8 hours should not compromise the result.  Sometimes it takes longer than you'd like for the swelling to resolve so be patient.

Stuart B. Kincaid, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

Not wearing your compression garment does not change your outcome you are still early on from your surgery. Try to wear it as much as possible for the first 2 months. You are still swollen and that takes months to subside. Make sure you follow up with your PS.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

It is important to wear a compression garment following liposuction. The garment helps reduce bruising and swelling and can help with your final contour. That said removing the garment for a few hours, two weeks following your surgery, should not be a problem. Be sure to check with your surgeon to see how much longer they would suggest you wear it. Best wishes.

I Didn't Wear a Compression Garment for 8 Hours - is This Damaging?

Answers (10)

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