Is one week downtime too little after lipo revision and fat transfer?

Question

I'm having lipo revision on my legs to correct some areas where too much fat was removed. My surgeon is going to feather out and remove fat (via a syringe) from a fatty pocket on my thigh, then transfer it to some hollow areas along my legs. When I asked about how long he thought I should wear the compression garment, he quoted me the time of only one week. He also said I should abstain from exercise for just one week. This seems like a short time to me. He gave me the same time / restriction the last time he did a revision (fat transfer to a couple dents and dimples on my legs), and none of the fat stuck. My question is: Would it be advisable to wear the compression garment a little longer to ensure that the fat will stick this time? Would waiting longer to go back to working out also give the fat a better chance of survival? Thank you!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to give you specific advice without knowing more about your planned procedure.  For liposuction I generally recommend wearing the garment for three to four weeks.  Light activity can resume after two weeks and regular exercise around four to six weeks.  These time frames may be modified considering your revision is more minor.  I recommend discussing your concerns with your surgeon.  It's important that you are comfortable and confident as you prepare for your procedure.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

If your provider failed to give you results from previous transfer, then maybe doing the same thing twice doesn’t make so much sense.
Maybe having a few in person second opinion consultations with other plastic surgeons would be a good idea? Each provider will have their own protocols and they would be inappropriate for us to tell you to do something other than what your provider recommends.
Personally, I don’t think compression garments change outcomes after Liposuction or fat transfer.
I do think that immobilization of the tissues after that transfer is important for at least three weeks.Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Is one week downtime too little after lipo revision and fat transfer?

Answers (2)