What Happens if You Wear a Compression Garment That is Too Tight After a Full TT and Lipo?

Question

I had a full TT and lipo of the flank 3 weeks ago. I ordered another 2nd stage compression garment because I felt my other one was too loose. Naturally I ordered a smaller size and it seems a little tight. When I sit down my stomach actually creases in the middle with the smaller one. This did not happen with the larger one. It's not so uncomfortable that I can't breathe but it sure is VERY snug. Is this okay to wear or should I go back to the larger one?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Any concerns of the compression garment being too tight or not fitting properly should be addressed in person with the plastic surgeon.  The compression garment could cause a burn or pressure necrosis if too tight.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the questions regarding whether you should wear a tighter compression garment after a full tummy tuck and liposuction. This is a question your personal plastic surgeon should answer. However, I would not suggest wearing your smaller garment at this time. You mentioned that it leaves a crease in the middle of your abdomen. This is not good. Creases and pleats in the garment can cause permanent indentations and permanent scarring. Not at all what you want. At this stage, I would wear your larger garment until you talk with your plastic surgeon. Perhaps, there is a slightly smaller garment than you are wearing but slightly looser than the second stage compression garment.  Compression garments are important to minimize swelling. However, garments can be too tight and can cause problems.  When considering a tummy tuck or plastic surgery in general, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. If there are any other questions that I can answer regarding compression garments after a tummy tuck or liposuction, please contact my office.
  
Sincerely, 
  
Dr. Katzen

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Please note that there will always be swelling during recovery. While your compression garment should be snug and keep everything in place, there is no reason for it to be painful at all and if it is then you should contact your surgeon right away. Be sure that you follow your surgeon’s instructions as to caring for yourself during recovery, and he will be the best person with all answers. Best of luck!

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Compression garments are commonly recommended after aesthetic procedures to manage swelling, fluid accumulation and for support/comfort.  While they help to reduce problems and with recovery, there is scant evidence that they improve the aesthetic outcome.  There are some risk to wearing an ill-fitting or tight compression garment.  Creases can form in the skin which become adherent and result in a contour irregularity.  This is common in the adominal area when you sit and creases occur as you are describing.  If too tight and worn while drains are in, they can cause skin death due to too much pressure.  If your garment is causing skin creases, I would recommend going to a size that fits without causing skin creases.  Best wishes.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Compression postoperative garments should be never to tight  because lymphatic drainage can be blocked .

	Thanks for your question,  take care  Dr. Vega  Tijuana,Mexico

What Happens if You Wear a Compression Garment That is Too Tight After a Full TT and Lipo?

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What Happens if You Wear a Compression Garment That is Too Tight After a Full TT and Lipo?

Answers (9)

Answer: Compression Garments Not Without Risk

Answer: Compression Garments Not Without Risk

Answer: Post op compression garments

Answer: Post op compression garments

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.