Not wearing a compression garment after arm liposuction?

Question

Hi had a small liposuction in my arms, but I I didn’t wear the compression garment for the first week will this affect the results? Thank you!!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It may negatively impact your results, but this is difficult to determine. I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding compression. I have my patients wear compression for 3-6 weeks straight then overnight for 3-6 months after their procedure. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I usually provide compression garments to my patients which cover all of the areas liposuctioned.  The patients who tend to have healing issues with larger volume liposuction procedures tend to be the ones who do not wear the compression garments at all, wear them very inconsistently, or do not wear them snugly covering all areas of liposuction.  Post-operative protocol varies from PS to PS, so best to consult with your PS to determine his/her preference.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles, CA

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

blotgirl.  Compression garments after liposuction are helpful in decreasing swelling and speeding contraction of skin. They can be uncomfortable right after surgery of the arm regions, and I don’t think you caused any problems by not wearing your garment for the first week. Consult with your Plastic surgeon for further follow-up. Best of luck.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, this issue is hotly debated even amongst plastic surgeons. I like garments to help squish the extra fluid out and help counteract swelling. However, we do not have great evidence that it actually changes the long term result. My understanding is that it helps you get to your result faster but not actually better

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear blotgirl,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he/she recommends to his/her patients.Wear the garments if he/she recommended it. They help with fluid buildup. Follow up with your plastic surgeon as to when to stop. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello, thanks for sharing your query. Compression garment are important after lipo as they obliterate the dead space and help in reduction of swelling. We cannot determine how much results will change if you dont wear garment but definitely the recovery and swelling will be more if not compliant with Compression garment.

Not wearing a compression garment after arm liposuction?

Answers (6)

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