When doing Lipo, do you really need these foam pads?

We use foam pads ALL the time after lipo suction surgery to reduce swelling and bruising.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons.

Every practitioner has his or her own sets of recommendations for optimal outcome, based on their experience with patients. In over 20 years of performing liposuction, we have not found it necessary to use foam pads. If you are uncertain about the advice you are being given, please consult your board-certified dermatologist. We are always happy to answer your questions so that you understand all aspects of your body contouring with liposuction. You might also want to explore noninvasive fat-removal procedures such as CoolSculpting, Vanquish and ThermiLift, or a combination of liposuction with ThermiLift (ThermiSculpture).

I usually use padding for the first week after liposuction and then a compression garment for up to 5 more weeks.  I think that it gives a nice smooth contour and minimizes bruising for a faster recovery.Dr. Rodger Shortt is a plastic surgeon in Oakville, Ontario.  His strives to provide the best possible results and care.  He is one of few plastic surgeons in Canada with a 5 star rating on RealSelf, RateMD and Ontario Doctor Review.  He is the Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training Program and an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University.

I am very strict with my hi definition patients that they need to wear the garment for 4 weeks, with foam padding under the large body suit.  I suggest you speak to your physician about their protocols. 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

Thank you for your inquiry, It sounds as though your surgeon wants you to have the best results possible. The foam compresses the area and allows for a smoother recovery period. Even though not 100% recommended, speak to your surgeon so you are both on the same page if you do not want to use them. Good Luck.

Thank you for your question. As a certified surgeon I do recommend using the foam padding  with your Compression Garment, the results you will have are significant. Some of benefits of having the foam are, it helps reduce the inflammation of the abdomen quicker and also it prevents the garment from marking you as that area is very sensitive.
Dr. Ricardo Ventura.

No, it is absolutely not necessary and will not effect the final result.  However, I use almost all the time because I feel it helps with comfort and swelling.  I have the patient discard it at the first dressing change.

Know, the foam pads are not essential however they do help with both comfort and providing a smoother appearance during the healing process.  You are less likely to get creasing from your garment if those foam pads are underneath it to cushion the high pressure areas.