Is It Safe to Remove Compression Garment for a Short Time?

Question

Is it okay to remove your compression garment long enough to wash it after surgery?  I didn't think ahead enough to purchase an alternate.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is OK to remove your garment, and leave it off long enough to wash it. However, it is best to wear something loose and flowy while you have it off, to avoid clothing rubbing against the incisions or causing indentations in the liposuctioned or surgical areas. I hope this helps!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, dianas new beginning. Thank you for your question regarding the use of compression garments after surgery.

It’s generally safe to remove your compression garment for a short period, such as the time it takes to wash and dry it. Compression garments are crucial for helping reduce swelling, improving circulation, and supporting the surgical area as it heals. However, short breaks to maintain hygiene and cleanliness are typically acceptable.

When removing the garment, try to limit the time without it to the absolute minimum necessary. Have your clean replacement ready to put on as soon as possible to ensure continuous support. If you find that washing and drying your garment takes longer than expected, you may want to consider purchasing a second garment for convenience. This way, you can wear one while the other is being cleaned, ensuring you always have the necessary compression.

If you have any concerns about the time without the garment or notice any increased swelling or discomfort, it’s best to consult your plastic surgeon for personalized advice. Your surgeon can provide specific recommendations based on your individual healing process and the type of surgery you had.

Good luck with your recovery, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding the use of compression garments after surgery.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for surgeon’s to recommend the use of
compression garments following abdominoplasty and liposuction.Although the majority of plastic surgeons
recommend some type of compression, there are surgeons who don’t always
recommend compression.It’s important to
understand that every patient’s situation is unique and for this reason, the
use of compression varies from patient to patient.In
some cases, not wearing a compression garment may have no significance.In other cases, it might be the difference
between an excellent result and an average result.We generally recommend the use of compression
support garments for about three weeks following surgery.Under these circumstances, it’s not
unreasonable to remove them for brief periods of time to bathe.

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

Does a Compression Garment help after Liposuction? yes it speeds the final result and may help help the skin retract better. There is no problem removing it to clean it or take a shower (ask your doctor when you can first do this).If you have had suction of the knees, thigh, or abdomen, the doctor will have put on a compression garment at the end of the surgery. The extra pressure this garment provides helps reduce swelling and discomfort. You should not remove this garment at all until the second or third day after surgery. After that, feel free to remove the garment temporarily for laundering. We want you to have circumferential pressure for 4-6 weeks, but you may switch to an exercise garment (Lycra or Spandex) whenever it feels comfortable to slip it on or off, as you will have to do so in order to go to the bathroom. See the below link for a more fuller explanation and general advice

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

It should be fine to take off your garment to wash it, but make sure you put it back on after it's been washed.

Shain A. Cuber, MD · Answer

Often times a patient may feel like the garment is too tight or even restricting breathing. It is certainly fine to take off the garment for an hour or so to clean up or to let any discomfort subside. If you feel the garment is causing problems, please discuss it your surgeon. Good luck.

Parham Ganchi, PhD, MD · Answer

It is routine for patients to remove their garments to shower. This is a good time to wash the garment and then put it back on. Some like to buy a second garment to wear while they are washing the other.

Walter D. Gracia, MD · Answer

Yes, After liposuction it is ok to remove the garmet for short periods, generally 1-2 hours begining on the second day after surgery. If the garmet is too tight at other times it is ok to unzip the sides for brief periods .
I use the garment for abdominoplasties also and this helps a great deal. The same time periods for removal apply.

Todd B. Koch, MD · Answer

I generally have my patients wear a compression garment as much as possible for 2 weeks after Liposuction. The garment can be removed to shower after 48 hrs. I have had patients not wear any garments after surgery. There is no evidence that a garment expedites or improves results but my patients seem to be more comfortable wearing one.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

Practicially speaking, if you are using a compression garment, it is usually snug for a reason. This makes getting in and out of it difficult by yourself so surgeons will often tell you to keep it on continuously for 5-7 days and may want to change it themselves so you do not disrupt tissues while struggling with the garment. After this initial phase, the stimulus to edema subsides and the swelling generally decreases making the change of garments easier. For this reason, many surgeons allow you to come out of the garment for short periods of time during the next couple of weeks. You might even ask your surgeon how crucial the garment is after this time period. During this second phase of healing, a less snug-fitting garment that is more comfortable might suffice.

Is It Safe to Remove Compression Garment for a Short Time?

Answers (14)

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