Can I remove my compression garment to sleep? (Photo)

Question

I had liposuction of my stomach and full back. It has been exactly 9 days since surgery and I have not slept more than maybe a collective 4-5 hours summing it all up. The compression garment makes it very uncomfortable to sleep. I have had 7 lymphatic massages thus far and still have one of the two drains in(the other one came out on its own and has left a huge hole that is oozing liquid) Can I remove it to sleep? I'm exhausted.

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

Many of us do want our liposuction patients to have some level of compression for at least 4-6 weeks after such surgery but that doesn't mean you can't take breaks from the garment.  Please call your surgeon, he or she may feel similarly (allow you to take breaks) or may even have an idea for an alternative garment if yours isn't fitting well.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their personal preferences. But 9 days post op is to early to sleep without the compression garment. Typically I have my patients wear the compression garment at all times including for sleep for 6 to 8 weeks after a tummy tuck or liposuction. This helps with swelling.  You should however, follow the recommendations from your plastic surgeon and consult him or her for what  you should do. Good luck :)

Alfonso Gonzalez Cepeda, MD · Answer

As part of the importance of aftercare, it is important to wear your compression garment at all times for at least one complete month. 9 days is a very short amount of time into the recovery process. The garment should give good support. Maybe your garment is too small for you and you need a different size. Please make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to see what he suggests. I hope you find a solution!!!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

If ou were my patient I would change you to spanx and remove the drain! But you really need to check with your chosen surgeon FIRST!!!!

Can I remove my compression garment to sleep? (Photo)

Answers (4)