What is the purpose of a faja? If I stop wearing it will it effect my results?

Question

I’m 2 months post op of a tummy tuck with lipo. I stopped wearing my faja at about 6 weeks because I’d just had enough of it and I feel comfy without it now. Is this going to effect my overall result or are they purely just to reduce swelling? Thanks.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The purpose of compression garments is to reduce swelling and help maintain contour to the surgical areas. I recommend my patients wear the compression garment we provide for the first 3 weeks post surgery, 24/7, then an additional 3 weeks at night only. At 6 weeks post op, there are no garment restrictions. I also recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear princessasiaa,
most plastic surgeons recommend their patient to use faja or compression garments in order to reduce swelling and promote healing. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The best person to answer this question is your board certified PS as all PSs have varying post operative protocols.
My patients typically wear the garment as much as possible for six weeks.  Should the swelling resolve faster than usual, they will opt for a smaller size garment.  
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear princessasiaa,Thank you for your question. In the first 4 weeks after a tummy tuck and liposuction, a faja reduces swelling and prevents seroma (liquid) formation. I usually recommend my patients to wear a faja as much as possible the first 4 weeks. After that, I encourage them to wear a faja as much as they can tolerate up to 3 months after surgery. I do think the faja helps reduce swelling in active patients as they start exercise at the 6 week mark. As you can see from the answers, surgeons have various answers based on their beliefs and experience.Hope this helps,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

The length of time you should be wearing your compression garment will depend on the specifics of your surgery and your surgeon's post-op recovery plan (post-op guidelines or rules).The best person to answer your question about not wearing it after six weeks is the surgeon who performed your tummy tuck. Generalities are okay, but you want specific advice for you and your results.A good fitting compression garment helps reduce swelling, but it also allows your new body shape to heal evenly and smoothly. It helps prevent lumps and bumps forming in the recovery period and can help prevent complications like fluid accumulations or seromas.Since you made it to the six week mark you should be okay, but it's still always best to follow your surgeon's specific post-op instructions and contact that surgeon with any questions or concerns during recovery.Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The purpose of compression is to help manage swelling and to support healing tissues.  Your surgeon will advise when you can stop wearing the compression garment.  I encourage patients to wear it for about three to four weeks.  Some find it helpful to wear during recovery when they are on their feet all day or very active.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
I suggest my patients to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first month, to get the best results.
It is important for the compression garment to be very tight, for it to help with the swelling, after surgery. Please, follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Compression garments are recommended to be used to reduce swelling on the abdominal region a few weeks post surgery. The best resource of information regarding the use and disuse of compression garments would be your board certified plastic surgeon as he/she knows your condition best and each surgeon has a different protocol.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

I have patients wear their faja after body contouring surgery for 1 month. After one month (4 weeks) I do not think they will gain any extra benefits to their results. Some patients like to wear them for longer because they like the support and it helps reduce swelling after a long day, however it is not necessary for the final result. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

What is the purpose of a faja? If I stop wearing it will it effect my results?

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