Is there a reason to wear a bodysuit compression garment after Vaser Liposuction?

After your liposuction surgery, your body will create fluids that can build up, causing excessive swelling. By applying even, consistent pressure in the area of your surgery, compression garments prevent fluid from accumulating. Therefore it decreases the swelling tremendously.

The goal is to have uniform compression to keep the skin flat while healing, and to prevent or minimize postoperative swelling. The garment has to cover the entire area that was operated on completely, as well as some amount of overlap on to non operated fields. A back brace or anything like pictured in the photo would not be sufficient.

Thank you for your question regarding the use of a bodysuit compression garment after Vaser liposuction. Compression garments are an essential part of the recovery process because they provide even pressure over the treated areas, which helps to reduce swelling, improve skin retraction, and prevent fluid accumulation. A bodysuit is typically recommended over a back brace because it offers more comprehensive coverage, ensuring that the entire abdomen, flanks, and surrounding areas receive equal compression for optimal healing.

While a back brace may seem more convenient, especially for going to the bathroom, it won’t provide the same level of support and coverage as a bodysuit. A bodysuit ensures that the compression is evenly distributed over the treated areas, which is crucial for achieving the best possible results after liposuction. Additionally, bodysuits are designed to help contour the body's shape during healing, while a brace may only focus on a small section, potentially leaving other areas unsupported.

If comfort or bathroom convenience is a concern, some compression garments come with zippers or snaps to make them easier to wear and remove. It's best to follow your surgeon's advice to ensure the best possible outcome.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

While the brace like wrap can certainly be nice and an actually more affordable option they usually don’t completely cover the liposuction area. They stop under the breast and just above the hip. If your surgeon went all the way up to your upper back or blended the Lipo lower than your hip then you will see a dent where the wrap ended. Some people like the adjustable compression of the wrap and just use a wrap on top of their body garment which can give you the best of both worlds.

Yes, there are several important reasons to wear a bodysuit compression garment after Vaser Liposuction. Compression garments play a crucial role in the post-operative recovery process and contribute to achieving the best possible results. Here are the key benefits:

1. Reducing Swelling and Bruising
Lymphatic Drainage: Compression garments help facilitate lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling (edema) and bruising by preventing the accumulation of fluids in the treated areas.
Minimizing Hematoma Formation: By applying even pressure, these garments help prevent the formation of hematomas (collections of blood outside of blood vessels).
2. Promoting Skin Retraction
Skin Conformity: Compression garments help the skin conform to the new contours created by liposuction. This aids in skin retraction and smooths out any irregularities or lumps.
Improved Results: Wearing a compression garment enhances the overall aesthetic results by promoting a smoother and more even appearance of the treated areas.
3. Supporting Healing and Comfort
Stabilizing Tissue: Compression provides support to the tissues, reducing movement and discomfort during the healing process.
Pain Reduction: The pressure from the garment can help reduce post-operative pain and discomfort, making the recovery period more comfortable.
4. Enhancing Circulation
Blood Flow: Compression garments improve blood circulation, which is essential for healing and reducing the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
5. Preventing Complications
Seroma Prevention: By applying consistent pressure, compression garments help prevent the formation of seromas (pockets of clear serous fluid) that can occur after liposuction.
Infection Control: Compression garments can also act as a barrier, protecting the treated areas from external contaminants that could lead to infection.
6. Maintaining Results
Shape Maintenance: Consistent use of a compression garment helps maintain the new body contours achieved through Vaser Liposuction, ensuring the longevity of the results.
Adherence to Surgeon’s Protocol: Following the surgeon’s post-operative protocol, which often includes wearing a compression garment, is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Duration and Usage
Initial Phase (First Few Weeks): Typically, patients are advised to wear the compression garment continuously for the first few weeks post-surgery, only removing it for short periods, such as showering.
Extended Use (Up to 6-8 Weeks): Depending on the surgeon’s recommendations and the patient’s healing progress, the garment may need to be worn for up to 6-8 weeks, gradually reducing the duration as healing progresses.
Choosing the Right Garment
Proper Fit: Ensure the garment fits properly – it should be snug but not too tight, as excessive compression can impede circulation and cause discomfort.
Quality Material: Choose a high-quality compression garment made from breathable, elastic materials designed specifically for post-surgical recovery.
Coverage: The garment should provide adequate coverage of the treated areas to ensure even compression.
Summary
Wearing a bodysuit compression garment after Vaser Liposuction is essential for reducing swelling and bruising, promoting skin retraction, supporting healing, enhancing circulation, preventing complications, and maintaining the surgical results. Following your surgeon's specific recommendations regarding the type and duration of compression garment use is crucial for a smooth recovery and achieving the best possible outcome.

Hi there,

Yes wearing a compression garment after Vaser liposuction (or any form of liposuction) is generally recommended and plays a significant role in recovery.
The garment assists with reducing swelling, improving circulation and skin retraction, reducing complications and helps the body maintain the new shape achieved through Liposuction.

Hi there! It is important to follow your doctor’s guidelines. With any liposuction, you will have residual swelling that takes months to resolve. Especially in the first few weeks to months, it’s is important you wear a body garment that compresses most of the your torso after abdominal liposuction, If you compress only the area shown with the belt, you are 1. Not getting full upper abdominal compression and can have more inflammation, swelling, internal scar tissue in areas without compression 2. It will push fluid up and down when you really want everything compressed so your body’s lymphatic system can work better. Some doctors may only have you wear an abdominal binder, but that is their preference. Just make sure you discuss this question with your surgeon at your consultation!

There are many schools of thought on compression and at the end of the day it is extremely individualized from doctor to doctor. The main purpose for compression is to give the patient support during the first several days to help with pain during movement and then to decrease and distribute evenly the acute postoperative swelling. I would discuss your question more with your treating physician.

There is no scientific evidence that compression garments offer any advantages after liposuction.
My personal belief is that most plastic surgeons use them only because everybody else does.
My best recommendation is to follow your doctors postoperative instructions.
Most plastic surgeons provide patients with compression garments after surgery.
Personally, I don’t think compression garments will change outcomes, but some providers do believe they are quite important.
In our practice, we have patients wear them for two weeks.
Best,
Mats Hagström MD