Will my swelling still go down without having to wear the compression garment?

Question

I’m 10 days post op (lipo of the abdomen) My tummy is swollen and hard. Wearing my compression garment is painful. Not wearing compression garment because it causes me pain

Andrew Turk, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally the garment is fitted snug to reduce swelling for several weeks. If there is discomfort then need to return to surgeon to evaluate area and maybe fit another sized garment.Swelling and healing from liposuction can take 6-12  months. It is important also to massage the area to help reduce lumps and irregularities from early scar formation. These postop maneuvers will help result in a smooth abdomen.These can all be addressed with your surgeon whom performed the liposuction.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you apetso for your question.  The compression garment is obviously meant to help bring down the initial swelling faster.  Swelling in general takes about 6-8 months to go down on it's own.  I would recommend maybe going up one size in a garment if your original one is too tight and also follow up with your surgeon to ask what he or she recommends.  Best of luck to you during your recovery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I ask my patients to wear compression garments to help obliterate dead space and reduce the incidence of fluid collections.  I ask my patients to wear the adjustable compression garment that I provide for 4 to 6 weeks, but you should ask your PS.  I have received no complaints about wearing the garment other than its itchy quality.  Wearing a soft t-shirt under it resolves this problem.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling in the first week after liposuction is quite common. It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively. We typically have our patients wear compression garments on the areas we did liposuction to help the skin and underlying tissues re-adhere as well as reduce swelling. However, if you garments are too tight they can restrict lymphatic drainage and blood flow leading to more swelling and complications. I'd highly suggest you contact your surgeon's office regarding your plan. Best of luck!

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you cant stop the body from healing itself but it still is better to wear it a little looser for a week or so. Good luck.

Ken Smart, MD · Answer

Wearing compression after liposuction is usually helpful, as long as the garment fits properly.  If it's too tight or compresses too hard in certain areas, it can actually be detrimental.  I always instruct my patients to open their garment daily and inspect for any areas that look like they are getting too much compression.  It should be adjusted several times per day so that the seams are not putting pressure in the same place.  You should contact your surgeon and be seen.  It could be that you need a different size garment.  I hope this helps-
Dr. Smart

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Get evaluated by your plastic surgeon to ensure everything is healing well.  If your garment is too tight it may be too uncomfortable to wear and you may need an intermediate size until some of the swelling resolves.

Joshua Kreithen, MD · Answer

Dear Apetso,
Compression is very important after liposuction.  I recommend tight compression for at least two weeks after surgery and then transition for another two weeks.  Other treatments like HIVAMAT or ZWAVE may also help, in additional to frequent self massage.  Hope this helps and good luck!

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Compression garments and massage are very important at optimizing the post operative result and helping the skin heal smoothly.  You need to address this with your surgeon and follow the post operative instructions.  If the garment is painful, perhaps it is too small.  Have your surgeon evaluate you in the garment to see if it fits properly.  Most patients feel good and secure in their garments.

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hi, in the healing process using a 
compression garment is a must. It function is to reduce excessive 
swelling. It also help to reduce bruising and provides the patient 
abdominal support preventing any complication such as seroma. Be safe.
Regards
Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Will my swelling still go down without having to wear the compression garment?

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