Abdominal board vs Lipo-Foam under compression garment?

Question

Is an abdominal board better than lipo-foam use under the compression garment? Is it necessary? At what point would one use this? In the hispanic culture we swear by these abdominal boards but I don't know if it truly makes a difference since I've never had this procedure (will be having lipo NO TT).

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Foam of different sorts are typically used beneath the compression garments for the first few days to prevent bruising. At 3 days, my patients discard it before their shower then wear a compression garment.In my practice, A compression garment placed in surgery immediately after liposuction (steristrip protects the sutures) is recommended and beneficial after liposuction because:It restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure.It decreases the amount of bruising.It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking.If bulging ridges, creases or bands are present above, within or below your garment, then you probably need to change garments - see your plastic surgeon.It is common to have weight gain due to edema, serum that collects in the area, and the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially, the quicker this fluid resolves.Edema: a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.The length of time that the garment should be worn varies depending on the amount of fat removed, the elastic nature of your skin, how much loose skin remains, and other factors. Your surgeon would give you the best advice, however this is the general routine for my patients.The first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized, and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in so I can confirm that it fits well.Most important advice is to listen to your surgeon, as he or she knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin, and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend that my patients wear their garments for a minimum of three weeks full time then for twelve hours at a time (day or night). If there is not a lot of redundant skin, this continues to a maximum of six weeks.To be effective, the garment needs to fit snugly—but not too tight as that can make it difficult to sleep or cause pressure problems (inspect your skin when it is exposed if you are uncomfortable). As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits. A Spanx-type garment would work fine, rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor’s office.

John E. Nees, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
We abandoned the abdominal board many years ago. The compression garment (with foam padding over sensitive areas if needed) provides much better even compression to control swelling and to prevent bleeding. 
Best wishes...

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. The Topifoam I use is placed under the compression garment after the liposuction procedure is completed. I think this product is the best. I leave it on 24 hours and remove it in the office the next day.

Abdominal board vs Lipo-Foam under compression garment?

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Abdominal board vs Lipo-Foam under compression garment?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.