Is wearing Spanx instead of the garment 8-days post liposuction okay?

Question

Today I removed my stitches and looking at the big mirror I noticed my right side has a bulge looks like fat (I hope not) right where the garment was creating a crease. I tried straightening the garment but it just creates creases I think the issue is my torso is too short I bought another one from another brand and still same issue it creates creases so then I remembered my spanx when I wear it it's so smooth so I went and changed into that instead, is this fine or can it damage my results?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about getting a compression garment that fits. My patients wear customized compression. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, I recommend 4 to 6 weeks of wearing the compression garment following surgery.   It appears that the compression garments you have tried are too small.  Did you try turning them inside out so the seams do not touch your body?  Some of my patients wear soft t-shirts underneath the garment.  The lines of compression are not as likely to cause contour deformity as any portion of the skin that is wrinkled by the compression garment.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

Body garments after liposuction are very important
but an ill fitted garment could cause irregularities.
The smooth spanx may be your best option. Discuss
it with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It is best to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon regaring this matter as each surgeon has his own protocols that his patients should follow and he would also know best about your current condition.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a question for your surgeon. We all have our own unique protocol when it comes to compression garments. Obviously, you need one that fits correctly. Best of luck.

Is wearing Spanx instead of the garment 8-days post liposuction okay?

Answers (5)