How long should you wear TED hose or panty hose after a mommy makeover?

Compression hose are used in surgery to help prevent blood clot formation. They are typically not needed after a patient is moving around on a regular basis. Some surgeons prefer patients to wear them for a week or so while others don't suggest it after surgery. It's best to discuss this with your surgeon who is most familiar with the details of your health history and planned surgery.

Exactly how long you need compression after a mommy makeover depends on exactly what your makeover consisted of and how your swelling develops post-op.  If you did not have liposuction with your makeover, then you would be wearing TED hose.  These are worn to prevent blood clots.  These need to be worn during the first week after surgery and you need to be moving around your knees and feet to keep the blood circulating to prevents clots.  If you have had liposuction, then you are probably in panty hose.  These serve both the blood clot prevention goal and are also designed to keep swelling in the suctioned areas to a minimum.  This helps the skin shrink and “stick back down” in the correct position within your body.  These panty hose need to be worn for at least 3 weeks (depending on healing and swelling).  As surgeons we understand that wearing these compression devices are a pain, however, they are essential to keeping you safe and getting you the best possible results!

Thank you for your question.  Regarding your post-op care, you should discuss this directly with the surgeon who performed your surgeon has his or her own opinion.  All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Wearing support hose is not critical but because of anticipated swelling patients will probably benefit by their use for about six weeks. However the specifics for their use should come from your own surgeon.

Thanks for sharing your question.  This is a great question to ask your plastic surgeon directly.  He or she has a post-operative protocol and they can best be your guide.  In our office we do not have all patients use compression hose after surgery, however all patients do have a custome fit surgical garment (garments).  Very best to you.  -Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS