How long should i wear a compression binder after Liposuction?

Question

I had a combination of ultrasonic & power assisted liposuction on my abdomen and flanks. My doctor asked me to wear the compression binder for 4 weeks. It's already 4 weeks now and I am healing well. I've read that it's better to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks. I just have a binder. Is it ok to move from a binder to a spanx bodysuit after 4 weeks? Is the spanx bodysuit good enough to wear after 4 weeks or should i continue wearing the binder?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I have my patients wear them both full body plus wrap around abdominal binders for two weeks, then just the abdominal binders overnight for another 2 weeks.  After 7-10 days I have them get back into the gym.  I think it helps bring the swelling down faster with longer compression, but I don't think it affects the ultimate outcome necessarily.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Compression garments type and when applied varies from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon and not dependent usually on the type of lipo performed. I would recommend following your plastic surgeon's advice.  In my practice, A compression garment placed in surgery immediately after liposuction (steristrip protects the sutures)  is recommended and beneficial after liposuction because:It restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure.It decreases the amount of bruising.It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking.If bands are present then you need to change garments - see your plastic surgeon.It is common to have weight gain due to edema, serum that collects in the area, and the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially, the quicker this fluid resolves.Edema: a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.The length of time that the garment should be worn varies depending on the amount of fat removed, the elastic nature of your skin, how much loose skin remains, and other factors. Your surgeon would give you the best advice, however this is the general routine for my patients.The first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized, and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in so I can confirm that it fits well.Most important advice is to listen to your surgeon, as he or she knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin, and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend that my patients wear their garments for a minimum of three weeks full time then for twelve hours at a time (day or night). If there is not a lot of redundant skin, this continues to a maximum of six weeks.To be effective, the garment needs to fit snugly—but not too tight as that can make it difficult to sleep or cause pressure problems (inspect your skin when it is exposed if you are uncomfortable). As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits. A Spanx-type garment would work fine, rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor’s office. For Small or moderate amounts of liposuction it probably doesn't make a difference if a garment is used or not.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I recommend you wear the garment during the day for another 2 or 3 weeks. After that time, you can then wear spanx.

Guillermo Koelliker, MD · Answer

I like my patients to wear the garment for 4-6 weeks depending on the extent of the liposuction and their age. Younger skin does have more elasticity than older , sorry to say but each case is different.  I use Tumescent lipo and ask my patients to stay 10 days total (2 nights private hopsital room) at my spa.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some surgeons do not even use compression garments. I like my patients to wear them 3-6 weeks.  Best to ask you surgeon.

How long should i wear a compression binder after Liposuction?

Answers (6)

Answer: COMPRESSION GARMENT POST OP LIPO

Answer: COMPRESSION GARMENT POST OP LIPO

Answer: Compression and liposuctoin

Answer: Compression and liposuctoin

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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How long should i wear a compression binder after Liposuction?

Answers (6)

Answer: COMPRESSION GARMENT POST OP LIPO

Answer: COMPRESSION GARMENT POST OP LIPO

Answer: Compression and liposuctoin

Answer: Compression and liposuctoin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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