Did I ruin my results after lipo by not wearing the proper compression garment for two days? I only wore Spanx.

Hello mushky88,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Proper post-operative care is essential to positively impact your liposuction final outcome. I usually recommend my patients wearing specialized compression garments to reduce swelling and help their skin contract smoothly to their new body’s contours. These specially designed garments must be worn around the clock for approximately 6 months. On the contrary, wearing standard liposuction garments, Spanx, or shape wear can compromise the final post-operative results. The right garment for you would be the one that provides proper support for the skin and offers the maximum possible comfort. It’s always best to discuss with your plastic surgeon about the type of garment and size that fits best your specific needs. Also, I typically advise my patients that, without lymphatic drainage massages, there is a risk that the swelling and inflammation could turn into fibrosis, which is a permanent hardening of the area. At least ten lymphatic drainage massage sessions are required, starting 24 hours after the procedure, to eliminate excess lymph fluid, alleviate swelling and discomfort, and also prevent complications such as seromas (fluid collection) and contour irregularities (indentations, and/or fibrosis). In my experience, manual lymphatic massages by their own have proven successful, in the majority of cases, in achieving uniform removal of swelling and ensuring smooth contours. Since every case is different, consult with your plastic surgeon about your specialized compression garments and any other specific needs and concerns. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz. 

First, congratulations on your liposuction! It seems like you’re doing an excellent job of following your plastic surgeon’s guidelines and doing everything you can to have a smooth, seamless recovery. A compression garment that is too tight can cause problems in its own right, so wearing Spanx until you were able to get a more comfortable surgical garment was perfectly fine. If you have other concerns during recovery, don’t be afraid to reach out to your plastic surgeon.