Liposuction & compression garment - is it normal to start wearing it more than 24 hours after surgery?

Question

I am going in for liposuction on flanks & thighs for fatgrafting to breasts next month. The hospital said I will start wearing the compression garment the day after surgery. The reason being: "Tumescent fluid has to leak out after surgery, so it should be applied the day after". I am a little confused and wondering how others doctors recommend their patients to wear their compression garments post op from liposuction. Is it normal to start wearing it more than 24h after surgery?

Rafael Arenas, MD · Answer

Wearing the compression garment right after the liposuction, 24 hrs or 7 days depends on the doctors preference, type of procedure and technique; my advice is talked directly to your Plastic surgeon to get the information you need. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cool433586,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Protocols for compression vary by surgeon.  Typically I use compression right after surgery.  It helps to control swelling as well as give support to tissues as they heal.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident as you prepare for surgery.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

There is no right or wrong answer.  Some plastic surgeons routinely use compression garments post liposuction, while a smaller percentage do not use any post op compression.  If your surgeon is worried about drainage, they may leave the incisions open.  I close my incisions, use no drains and apply compression garments at the end of the procedure.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Different providers and institutions have their own protocols after these procedures. there’s no evidence to compression garments have any benefit or are necessary after liposuction or fat transfer. They do not alter the outcome of the procedure. if incisions are left open then it’s common for people to drain substantial amounts of fluid for the first couple of days. this can be quite messy and it often seeps through pads the garment and into clothing and furniture. we typically tell patients to simply protect bedding with extra towels for the first two days and on the second day takeoff the compression garment and wash it. there’s inherently nothing wrong with putting it on the day after the procedure but doing so may be uncomfortable especially if it hasn’t been sized correctly. you may need help putting on the compression garment especially if it’s very tight.
I recommend you follow the instructions you were given and ask your provider if you have further questions.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

There are two disturbing things about your question. First, the access incisions should be closed and there should be no, or essentially no, leakage of fluid post op. Some dermatologists in the past did this, but I know of no plastic surgeon doing so. Second, one of the uses of the compression garment is to reduce the amount of fluid the body secretes into the liposuctioned area and then help the body absorb the fluid, so it makes no sense whatsoever to delay applying the garment past immediate post op.

Liposuction & compression garment - is it normal to start wearing it more than 24 hours after surgery?

Answers (6)

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