What Garments Are Used for Ankle Lipo and Knee Lipo?

Typically the same compression garments used for varicose vein or lower extremity venous compression are commonly utilized for this purpose.

Liposuctions of the knees, calves and ankles cause a lot of swelling in the feet and ankles afterwards so to help prevent this we use support hose such as what patients wear when they get sclerotherapy for varicose or spider veins.  It covers from your toes up to the mid thighs and is comfortable and keeps the feet swelling to  a minimum.  Use about 20 mm Hg compression.  Most pharmacies carry these if your doc doesn't.  Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

As liposuction works on the knee on the inner, and sometimes the area above the knee of the end of the upper leg, it is best to wear a garment that doesn't roll down and compress the upper knee area with the hem causing signficant pressure.  You can wear a full ankle to hip compression garment.

I usually provide my patients the garments that are necessary.  I would recommend asking you surgeon about this.

But in general I have my patient wear some sort of compression for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery.  For lipo of the lower extremity, the knee and lower, I have my patients wear a full garment that extends down to the ankles.

Thank you for your question! Post-op garments are very important after liposuction to help with swelling and circulation. Following lower leg liposuction, you may be in a waist to ankle compression garment. This is similar to a pair of leggings and may or may not have stirrups. Or, you could be in a compression stocking. These are usually above the knee compression socks. The garment choice is whichever is the best fit for your body shape and can be discussed with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

Liposuction of the knees and ankles usually require a garment to be worn for 3-6 weeks after surgery.

Often using compression garments after liposuction assists with minimizing swelling after surgery, and may shorten the recovery time. There are many different types of garments available for the different body areas treated and your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with advice on which one suits you best.