Would wearing compression garments be beneficial after lower body lift?

Question

I'm three days post op. My butt is still swollen but very flat. My surgeon assured me that she would make it as round as possible. She also said that I won't need to wear compression garments because people are more likely to hurt themselves putting them on and they aren't proven to benefit the healing process. She said I could wear spanx for comfort. Would wearing a "butt training" spanx like in the photo help shape and round out the butt.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on having a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  I would strongly suggest you follow YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON'S INSTRUCTIONS.  He or she performed your body lift and knows exactly  what was done and what you need for optimal healing.  For my 360 circumferential lower body lift patients, I have my patient's wear an abdominal compression garment while the drains are in place.  Once the drains are removed, I have all my patients wear a compression garment from the rib cage to the mid calf for, at minimum, 6 weeks.  Most patients wear these garments longer.  Compression garments help to reduce swelling, optimize body shape, and reduce swelling.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding wearing a compression garment after a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  If you have any other questions regarding a 360 circumferential lower body lift, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello mniemi,Congratulations on your surgery!  Every plastic surgeon has a different post operative regimen which s/he has found works best for them.  My advice would be to listen to your board certified plastic surgeon's advice to optimize your results.  I personally do believe in post operative compression to aide in swelling reduction when liposuction is performed with a LBL but as far as outcome the surgery itself is the best predictor of how your final results will look.  If you have concerns be sure to communicate with your surgeon so she can reassure you and make sure that you're doing everything you can to achieve the best results.Best of Luck with your healing!Dr. Rednam

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

The recommendations for compression garments varies widely between surgeons.  In my experience, compression garments serve to help reduce swelling, but do not change final outcomes.  However, your surgeon is best qualified to give you specific advice.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your lower body lift, mniemi!
I think you should follow the recommendations made by your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeons. Some surgeons prefer not to use compression garments, while others recommend it for a certain timeframe. 
It’s true that compression garments are just there to keep swelling at bay and they seldom affect the final results. I’m not certain that the butt training Spanx can shape your butt, but wearing it isn’t a problem.
Good luck!

Would wearing compression garments be beneficial after lower body lift?

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Would wearing compression garments be beneficial after lower body lift?

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