How long can I go without my TT/lipo garment on safely so I can shower and wash it?

Question

I don’t like the feeling of my garment being off, but I need to shower and wash it. How long can I go with t off safely. Are there any ramifications for having it off for a couple hours? I have hand washed it, but I want to launder it in the washing machine which will take more time.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

It depends on how recent your surgical procedure was. For the first week after any liposuction procedure (or tummy tuck with drain), I do not want my patients to remove their compression garment at all for the first week after surgery. This is because removal of the pressure on the tunnels created when fat is removed would allow blood or serum to fill these tunnels and reduce adhesion and healing. This causes more scar tissue, ridges, and visible irregularities.I'd rather have you wear a slightly smelly garment for a week without showering (you're not running foot races, are you?) rather than have to explain (and re-operate) why you have poor results, lumps, and ridges! Yes, even if you pee or worse on your garment--you can use a washcloth and a hairdryer.If you remove a properly-snug compression garment in that first week, you will also find that even for a super-quick shower or hand wash, you will swell enough that it is impossible to get the garment back on. (How do you think I know this?)After the first week, swelling is diminished enough that removal just for showering and laundering is OK, but for best results continue garment for 2-3 weeks, and Spanx or other foundation compression for at least 6 weeks. "Final" healing and results take a full 4-6 months.

Steven Vath, MD · Answer

Hello! All of our discharge paperwork instructs our patients that it is OK to remove the garment for a couple hours to wash it. If you are nervous about it or the garment eases discomfort, another option would be to purchase Spanx (or similar brand) shapewear to use while you wash your garment. You may notice a slight increase in your swelling if you choose to go without it for a couple of hours, but you will not do any long term damage or compromise your final result by doing so.Best wishes in your recovery!

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions!  Typically, it is best to put on a separate garment while the first one is being cleaned/dried, especially if you are less than a month out of surgery.  There are several options online for purchasing a 2nd garment. You will need to consult your plastic surgeon if it is unclear which 2nd garment is appropriate for you.

How long can I go without my TT/lipo garment on safely so I can shower and wash it?

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How long can I go without my TT/lipo garment on safely so I can shower and wash it?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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