What are the compression garments like after liposuction? If I can not tolerate spanx for very long, would that be a problem?

Question

I’m interested in liposuction, but I have IBS and low colonic motility due to gabapentin for fibromyalgia. I have a hard time wearing spanx because it causes me stomach upset and back pain at times. I’m worried I won’t be able to tolerate the compression garment after surgery. Is It different from spanx or would the lipo help relieve some of the pressure on my stomach? I’m 5’6 and 180lbs. I worry that something like coolsculpting or sculpsure wouldn’t give me much results. Thanks

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I prefer adjustable garments with multiple bands so that tension can be adjusted. The key here is the size and the ability to tighten the garment, not the brand or make.  I would ask your plastic surgeon about garments and the duration of wear, because each plastic surgeon will have a different protocol. The patients who tend to have healing issues with larger volume liposuction procedures tend to be the ones who do not wear the compression garments at all, wear them very inconsistently, or do not wear them snugly covering all areas of liposuction.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. 
Compression garments are typically used after body contouring procedures including liposuction to alleviate the swelling and to help improve the final contour. They are similar to spanx. 
If you can't tolerate the spanx, and you understand that your results won't be optimal, it is not compulsory to wear compression. 
Consider an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over which options will help you to reach your specific goals. 
I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Dear mishy98,
Thank you for your post. Compression garments are usually quite important to keep the healing process moving along and to ensure your results take on a nicely sculpted look. There are many different types of compression garments available, from ones that are very similar to Spanx to those that can be adjusted for patient comfort. However, compression garments are meant to fit tightly; otherwise, they will less likely be effective. Additionally, while in the long run liposuction may alleviate some pressure, you will have some swelling after the procedure which may make the pressure worse temporarily.
This is a concern that is quite specific to you and your procedure, so you will need to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about this in person. Be sure to ask them what type of compression garment they provide or recommend, how long they require patients to wear it and whether they feel it is absolutely necessary in your case. You may be able to try on a compression garment before the procedure to see how it feels. Your surgeon may also be able to evaluate your concerns and advise whether a less invasive option like CoolSculpting could give you good results more comfortably. Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Compressive garments early after liposuction are generally provided for comfort. For a few weeks they will help with the acute swelling. In my own practice of patients find a compressive garments uncomfortable they are fine to not wear them. It has no effect on the long-term outcome.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients are encouraged to maintain compression for 6-8 weeks post op (4 weeks full time and 2-4 weeks part time). Garments should be snug but not necessarily unbearable. They will initially be tight and will loosen as swelling subsides necessitating either a second stage garment or alterations. While different from Spanx, they are essentially the same thing only more intense (Design Veronique and Isavella are 2 major distributors)That being said, regimens and garments will vary from practice to practice. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, the goal of the garment is to remove excess fluid and aid in sculpting by speeding up the healing process as the body heals, that being said the final result is the same just takes longer to heal. I have had patients not wear them at all just be prepared for a bit longer recovery

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Anyone who qualifies for safe outpatient surgery can be a candidate for Liposuction. In your case, based on a limited photo- you may not see much of a change in your figure. Non-surgical treatments may offer a very limited benefit in this case. You may consider lifestyle change with a focus on diet and exercise to melt away both intra-abdominal and outer body fat.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mishy98,
most plastic surgeons recommend compression garments in order to reduce swelling adn promote healing. 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.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. 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.

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction garments are used by most liposuction surgeons, however, they are a doubled-edged sword. Liposuction garments are used to decrease post liposuction swelling, but at the risk of causing what is called a "Garment Deformity,". With this being said, it is important for patients to be followed closely after having liposuction and using a garment. The risk of deformities goes up with garments, if your surgeon is doing "skin tightening" techniques (superficial liposuction). There is a misconception that many patients have about garments, though - that it makes the skin flatten out better. The truth is, that even if a patient did not use a garment, they would in all likelihood experience the same result. It would just take longer for recovery and their discomfort after the procedure would be increased. I typically have my patients wear their garments for at least two weeks after surgery and if they have had significant skin tightening technique (superficial liposuction) I have them wear their garments for 4 weeks.

What are the compression garments like after liposuction? If I can not tolerate spanx for very long, would that be a problem?

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