What is a good garment to buy for wearing right after liposuction?

Question

I'm having full body liposuction done. The surgical center doesn't provide the post-op garment. What is a good garment to buy for wearing right after surgery?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

For full-body liposuction, the best garment is usually a medical-grade post-surgical compression garment, not regular shapewear. It should cover all treated areas, fit snugly without digging into the skin, and allow you to use the bathroom without fully removing it. For trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, or back work, many patients need a full-body or mid-thigh garment, sometimes with adjustable straps, zippers/hooks, and access openings.

The most important point is to ask your surgeon exactly what style and compression level they want before you buy it, because too loose will not support swelling well and too tight can create marks, discomfort, or circulation issues. Measure yourself based on your current size, consider buying two so one can be washed, and bring the garment to surgery so the team can confirm the fit. If you develop increasing pain, numbness, skin color changes, or tight bands from the garment, contact your surgeon promptly.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry regarding post-liposuction garments. It’s indeed surprising that your surgeon and the surgical center didn’t provide or recommend any post-operative garments, as wearing a suitable compression garment is essential for optimal recovery.

For post-liposuction recovery, brands like Marena, Veronique, and Contour are well-regarded in the plastic surgery field. These companies produce high-quality, medical-grade compression garments designed to provide adequate support and help reduce swelling post-surgery.
It’s crucial to wear the compression garment consistently for at least six weeks post-operation. If swelling persists beyond this period, it's advisable to continue wearing the garment, potentially in a smaller size as the swelling subsides.
I hope this information assists you in finding a suitable garment to aid your recovery after liposuction. Best wishes on your healing journey!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Brave6854,
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.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Dear Brave6854. 
My recommendation for you is first to ask to your doctor, there are thousands of brands that any doctor can recommend you but you need to follow your plastic surgeon protocol about fajas. Fajas can cause you burns and deform your body after the procedure. The fabric of the girdle should allow your skin to breathe. Here in Dominican republic are brands like: Maria E, Fajate and Casa Columbia all 3 brands are Colombian fajas.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You can google compression garments, or best, go to a shop that specializes in compression garments and Faha clothing for best results. Shapers is good.

Pedro Puebla, MD · Answer

To be frank, I've consistently used Marena products, and I must say, the compression and softness are exceptional. You'll absolutely appreciate it; it's nothing like wearing a typical uncomfortable faja&mdash;it's incredibly comfortable.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your surgeon should be able to guide you with appropriate compression manufacturers based on the planned procedure.  Typically if you are truly having full body liposuction you will need a body suit that covers your arms, torso and legs.  Some patients prefer to buy more than one so that one can be worn while laundering the other.  Be sure to ask your surgeon about post op massage as well.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Plastic surgeons usually offer and are responsible for selecting appropriate compression garments. Do use a compression garments and who is responsible for perch in the garments and if so, getting the correct size and brand should’ve been discussed thoroughly during your preoperative consultation.
The fact that this was not addressed as a big red flag.
delivering consistent quality, liposuction, results is more difficult than most people realize. The number of providers were truly excellent and have mastered this procedure is in a small minority. Patients should be more selective than they think necessary when it comes to choosing providers for Liposuction. Patient should not leave consultations without having clear understandings of the whole process, including who will supply compression garments and all other aspects of pre-and post operative care. 
I recommend patients of multiple in person, consultations before scheduling, permanent and irreversible body contouring procedures. The number of plastic surgeons who are truly excellent and Liposuction is relatively small. Being board-certified, and plastic surgery with overall good reputation and years of experience does not mean that somebody has mastered any one single procedure especially Liposuction.
During each consultation, I recommend asking each provider to open up your portfolio and show you their entire collection of before, and after pictures of previous patient who had similar body characteristics to your own. An experience provider should have no difficulty showing you the before and after pictures of at least 50 previous patients.
Being shown a handful of pre-selected images, representing the best results of a providers career is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like in the hands of each provider or how many of these procedures they’ve actually performed.
There’s no correct number of consultations needed to find the right provider. The more consultation, someone schedules, the more likely they are to find the best provider. I recommend patients avoid virtual consultations whenever possible, and I highly recommend against traveling long distances for elective surgical procedures.
As a general statement, I recommend patients consider having at least five in person, consultations before scheduling, permanent and irreversible body contouring procedures.
Plastic surgeons often think they’re far better at Liposuction than they actually are. The procedure is much more difficult to master than most people recognize.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

What is a good garment to buy for wearing right after liposuction?

Answers (8)

More Liposuction Questions

With liposuction, do the treated areas essentially look thinner while those secondary areas appear the same?

Loose/bumpy skin after lipo. What options do I have?

Thigh liposuction and skin tightening - which types would be best for me? (Photo)

Is a compression garment absolutely necessary for lipo, or optional?

Extra skin or bad Lipo? What are my options? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS