Do I need to wear my compression garment 4 weeks post op if it no longer gives compression?

Question

I’m 4 weeks post op lipo of abdomen and flanks. I’m wearing a size XS compression garment, however I find it doesn’t give much compression anymore now that the swelling has gone down quite a bit. Would it be pointless to continue wearing it? I was advised to wear for six weeks by PS.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

I always advise people to follow their surgeon’s directions after liposuction, because each practitioner has developed methods that provide them with the best possible results. If your compression garment isn’t doing you any good at this point, you can switch to Spanx or another garment that provides some compression. Or, you could ask for a follow-up visit with your doctor to get the all clear and go compression free.We perform tumescent liposuction in awake patients with small cannulas that only requires one to wear compression for 2-3 days. Liposuction performed with larger cannulas under general anesthesia takes much longer to heal.

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Opinions vary from surgeon to surgeon as to how long patients need to wear compression garments after liposuction. Additionally, based on your recovery, swelling, etc, your surgeon may recommend use longer or shorter than "typical."  My general guidelines for patients is 3-4 weeks around the clock, but I encourage you to discuss these specifics with your surgeon to maximize your results.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding compression. I have my patients wear customized compression for 3-6 weeks straight then overnight for 3-6 months after their procedure. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I recommend that my patients wear compression 3 weeks 24/7 and 3 weeks at night only, for a total of 6 weeks. The compression garment helps reduce swelling and maintain a smooth contour. As swelling decreases over time, your garment may become more loose-fitting. At this point, I recommend that my patients go down a size in the garment. However, please discuss this with your plastic surgeon, as each surgeon has unique and individualized post operative instructions. Best of luck!

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The best person to advice you will be your specific surgeon as every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures.  I  have my liposuction patients wear a compression garment (faja) covering all treated 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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Not all surgeons use compression garments. I prefer patients wearing them for 3-6 weeks. You are best to ask your surgeon.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. If the garment is no longer providing compression, you may want to transition into a second stage garment as surgical garments do help reduce swelling, keep the skin smooth and taught. Wearing a compression garment for at least 6 weeks is my recommendation. All the best!!

Do I need to wear my compression garment 4 weeks post op if it no longer gives compression?

Answers (7)

More Liposuction Questions

Will flanks come back if I was to get pregnant after lipo? (photos)

Is it normal to have fever days after fat transfer? I had abdomen liposuction 1.5 months ago.

Would large volume liposuction work for me? (Photo)

Is it normal to have pain 8 months after liposuction?

Cost of lipo to outer thighs/saddlebags. 5'7, 140lbs.

Liposuction with local anesthesia or general? What is better?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS