How long can I go without wearing a faja? I will be about 5 weeks post-op.

Hello alysirr12,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Plastic surgeons have different post-operative protocols, customized for every patient, to achieve optimal results. I typically recommend my patients wearing specialized compression garments around the clock (except for showering) for approximately 6 months, to reduce swelling and help their skin contract smoothly to their new body’s contours. The skin retraction and swelling after surgery usually would occur up to six months. Therefore, in order to have uniform skin retraction during those six months, I recommend wearing compression garments up to that time. Moreover, it is important that patients avoid exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months after surgery, and always use a strong sun-block, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater). Since every case is different, consult with your plastic surgeon about your specific needs and concerns. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Thank you for your question.  Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. I  have my patients wear a compression garment (faja) covering all treated areas 24/7 except to shower for 4 weeks post op.  This helps ontrol swelling as the compression on your tissues helps your body to reabsorb the edema fluid that accumulates in the tissues after any procedure. This can take quite some time to happen without help from the compression garments.  It also helps improve  contour.  Compression helps to keep the tissues adherent to the underlying structures while healing, this can help prevent the wrinkled skin appearance that can happen when the tissues heal in ways we don't want them to.