How long should I wear leg compressors after surgery?

These are good if you are immobilized for some reason or other for extended periods of time.  If you are home and ambulating routinely, you really do not need this.  

The best, most effective prevention of blood clots after surgery is to walk. Any movement of the calf muscles keeps the blood flowing. If you find yourself resting in bed longer (due to nausea, exhaustion, etc.), you can do toe-up exercises, or better yet, draw the alphabet in the air with your feet! Compression socks can be helpful for up to 30 days after surgery. These easily go along with your walking routine, without causing much fuss. Compressors on your legs are typically not necessary after surgery. If you like them and they are comfortable, you could wear them at night, but I prescribe actual walking to my patients. 

Thank you for your question. The purpose of compression stockings and the lower extremity intermittent venous compression device is to lower the risk of deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism after certain surgical procedures (such as a full tummy tuck). I personally provide this device for all my tummy tuck patients to be used during surgery and for 24 hours after the procedure at home. I also recommend wearing venous compression stockings for one full week after a tummy tuck. I certainly encourage frequent walking as well. Ideally the device should be provided to you for that short period of time, if not you should be able to rent one at a medical rental store. This may all seem like overkill, however if it can help prevent one pulmonary embolism, it is more than worth it!