Do ab boards have to be worn 24/7 as well as lipo foams?

Question

Hi! My surgery is coming up and my Dr told me to get ab board and foams to wear after lipo for a month. I am wondering if they have to be worn at night as well. Some people say yes some say no. Why is wearing at night a bad thing???

Johanna D'Agostino, MD · Answer

Good luck on your surgery!!!Although every surgeon has their own protocols when it comes to post surgical care, most surgeons would agree that for the first few weeks (4-8), wearing a compression garment for as many hours as possible is going to help with the final results. Compression, cause your skin to tighten, decrease swelling and fluid build up. The foams are used because they provide uniform, smooth compression on the area. The board, will help prevent unwanted creases to be created over your abdomen from wearing the tight garment. Although uncomfortable, wearing any of those items at night is absolutely not a bad thing. To achieve the best results, follow your surgeon’s recommendations.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi ChloeDuggan, thank you for your question about whether ab boards have to be worn 24/7 as well as lipo foams. Every plastic surgeon is different in their surgical approach and their post-operative orders. I would suggest you follow your chosen plastic surgeons post-op orders for VASER HI DEF lipo. The majority of the VASER HI DEF lipo results are from the surgical technique, not the lipo foam and ab boards. That means most of your results are directly related to the surgery. Post-operative care is important, but not as important as the ab etching surgery itself. The main concern after abdominal etching is the post-operative swelling. Post-operative swelling can be minimized with compression garments, lymphatic massage, diuretics, foam, and abdominal boards. After ab etching, most plastic surgeons recommend medical-grade compression garments and lipo foam for about four to six weeks. If you are still swollen after six weeks, you will need to continue the garments and foam. Compression garments and lipo foam are to be worn 23 hours a day. Ab boards are used to flatten and minimize swelling from the pubic region to the umbilicus (belly button). Ab boards also help prevent a crease from forming in the lower abdomen from the garment, especially when you are sitting. Ab boards should also be worn 23 hours a day. Lymphatic massage can also help to minimize swelling. Lymphatic massage is usually initiated 3 to 5 days after the onset of ab etching. Lymphatic massage is performed 2 to 3 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks. In the end, follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations. Good luck! I hope that I have answered your questions regarding whether ab boards have to be worn 24/7 as well as lipo foams. VASER hi def abdominal sculpting or etching is a technically difficult procedure. Your plastic surgeon must know his abdominal wall anatomy. When seeking revision VASER hi def abdominal etching, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the VASER hi def procedure. Not all plastic surgeons own a VASER machine and most plastic surgeons do not perform the VASER hi def procedure. Do your research. Make sure your selected plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 VASER hi def abdominal etching surgeries and have the before-and-after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before-and-after photos and review their RealSelf profile. If you cannot find an experienced, VASER hi def plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling, if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Abdominal boards and lipo foams are often used as part of the postoperative care following liposuction procedures, including abdominal etching. However, whether they need to be worn 24/7 depends on the specific recommendations of the surgeon and the individual patient's needs.

It's essential for patients to follow their surgeon's postoperative instructions diligently, including guidelines regarding the use of abdominal boards, lipo foams, compression garments, and any other recommended postoperative care measures

sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

he use of abdominoplasty fajas (compression garments) and lipo foams after surgery can depend on the recommendations of your surgeon, the specific procedures performed, and your individual healing process. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions for post-operative care, as they will provide guidance based on your unique situation. Here are some general considerations:

Abdominoplasty Fajas (Compression Garments):

Usage Duration: Surgeons often recommend wearing compression garments, including fajas, to help reduce swelling, provide support to the treated area, and aid in shaping the contours of the body.
24/7 Use: In many cases, surgeons recommend wearing compression garments 24/7, especially during the initial stages of recovery. This continuous use can promote better results and help minimize swelling.
Lipo Foams:

Purpose: Lipo foams are often used in conjunction with compression garments to provide additional even pressure and support to areas treated with liposuction.
Usage Duration: Surgeons may recommend wearing lipo foams for a specified period during the initial stages of recovery. The duration and specific instructions can vary based on the extent of liposuction and the surgeon's preferences.
Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions:

Individualized Recommendations: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions tailored to your surgery and recovery. This may include information on how long to wear compression garments and lipo foams, as well as when and how to remove them for activities such as showering or cleaning.
Healing Process:

Adjustments Over Time: As your healing progresses, your surgeon may adjust the recommendations for garment use. You may transition from 24/7 use to wearing them during the day only, and eventually, discontinue use as advised.
Always prioritize communication with your surgeon and follow their post-operative instructions diligently. If you have any concerns or questions about the use of compression garments or lipo foams, address them with your surgeon to ensure you achieve the best possible results and have a smooth recovery.

Sean Satey, MD, FACS · Answer

I have my patients wear a circumferential lipo foam for 2 weeks (or until the drains are removed). It helps prevent contour irregularities and provides even opposition of the skin to the underlying muscles. The compression foam is worn on top of this. After the drains are removed, I have my patients stop their foam use and continue with compression therapy for an additional month, 24 hours a day. After that, my requirement is 12 hours on and 12 hours off for an additional 6 weeks. Most of my patients enjoy wearing the garments for 24 hours a day due to comfort.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

BOTH THE TABLETS AS THE FOAMS HELP TO SHAPE YOUR BODY AND THE LONGER TIME YOU USE THEM YOU WILL HAVE BETTER RESULTS.

Gabriel Mecott, MD · Answer

Hi Chloe!I ask my patients to wear the foam 24/7 (they remove it for shower or to wash it). The rationale is that I don´t want the girdle to make irregularities in the places where it makes folds. So, as long there is some edema, these folds can cause depressions or actual sulcus on the skin. After a few weeks, when the patient feels that there is no more edema, there is no need for foams or boards under the girdle. On the other hand, if by any reason the patient can´t use the girdle, there is no need for foam or boards, since no folds will be formed without it. So, based on that, I think they should use them 24/7. I hope this makes some sense to you. I hope everything goes well with your surgery!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Ab boards are not necessary. They will only create unnecessary compression especially if you sleep on your tummy. The first few days following abdominal liposuction are critical until blood flow gets established. It is a bad idea during these first few days to place any firm compression against your tummy.