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

Question

I’m very loosely considering liposuction of some sort to my upper arms,flanks, mid/upper back. these areas have been resistant to diet, exercise, and strength training for my entire life. I cannot wear compression garments, I can hardly tolerate spanx or any constrictive clothing.Are any types of lipo possible without requiring post op garment?or is a garment absolutely necessary? what happens if one is not worn?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @SDlivin, thank you for your question. That depends on  what your plastic surgeon recommends, because only he knows the surgical technique he applies and the type of equipment he or she use to perform the surgery.  It is important to follow the specialist instructions in order to have successful results. Is important that you take into account that inadequate compression can generate more inflammation. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.  American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I tend to believe that a good compression garment really helps the outcome of the surgery. The intention of the garment should be to compress areas of lipo. I think its very important that the garment is used everyday and only removed when needed to shower for up to 8 weeks. Some surgeons don't believe them, but my patients have been very satisfied with how the garments helps the outcome. Hope this helps. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I prefer my patients to wear a compression garment after every type of liposuction, however I understand your concern. 
Compression after liposuction helps with the recovery and the result.  Compression helps reduce post surgery discomfort and swelling.  By helping in the recovery process this way, the recovery can go more quickly.  I believe that compression also gives a better result as it can help the skin retract and giver a smoother more even result.
If you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery in all other respects and understand the purpose of the compression garment and absolutely can't wear the compression it is still ok to go ahead,

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. A compression garment is necessary to ensure proper healing. A patient can avoid it, but surgeons suggest it in their regular practice after liposuction. Don't take any risks. Your safety and good results are the most important. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Compression is useful after surgery in supporting tissues as they heal as well as managing swelling.  Each surgeon has her/his opinion and will advise if you can consider surgery without it.  Massage is often recommended, but would be even more important if you do not use compression.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Garments are necessary for comfort, to control the swelling and prevent excess swelling, and to help the skin to shrink.  You won't get the best results with no garments.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I don’t know any plastic surgeon who doesn’t use compression garments the same time there is no scientific evidence, indicating that they are necessary.
I know plenty of individual people who had liposuction and never wore compression garments, other than what was put on them after the procedure. 
In my opinion compression garments do not change the outcome of the procedure, but do you serve some moderately useful purposes early after the procedure.
They are certainly not nearly as important as some make them out to be, but this is also just my opinion.
Most likely, the majority of plastic surgeons will instruct you to wear compression garments. I’m not suggesting to not follow postoperative instructions, because that would be highly inappropriate.
Delivering quality liposuction results and a regular basis, including the ability to make accurate assessments and deliver predictable outcomes is far more difficult than most people believe. Being a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience does not mean that somebody has a masters Liposuction. There is a significant number of providers offering this procedure both board-certified and doctors from other specialties, who in reality are not particularly good at this Operation.
Liposuction results are permanent and irreversible. If done, poorly people can be left disfigured. Poorly done liposuction results are very difficult to improve upon.
I suggest having multiple in person, consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons who seem to do it a lot of liposuction.
Because there’s so much variation in skill in competance for this procedure, I highly recommend patience before more selective then they think necessary when it comes to find the right provider. Being bored, certified in plastic surgery with years of experience in an overall good reputation is not sufficient to confirm that somebody has the skills necessary to deliver, consistent quality results.It is also important to understand your own candidacy for the procedure. Some people are good candidates for Liposuction and others are not. Individuals who are excellent candidates for Liposuction have the potential for getting excellent results. This Requires finding an excellent provider. Patients who are not good candidates for Liposuction, do not have the potential of having high quality results regardless of who does the operation.Understanding your own candidacy for the procedure, and finding the best provider are by far the most to important variables, and I suggest patients focus their efforts exclusively on those two variables. Finding providers who are willing to do the procedure with you not wearing compression garments who also have clear evidence of having mastered the procedure might be challenging.
It’s a free world, and each person gets to make their own decisions when it comes to having cosmetic surgery. Your best bet is to go out and talk to individual providers and you’ll hear firsthand what each of them has to say. It doesn’t really matter what my opinion is. The opinion that matters is the provider who’s going to do your procedure. 
Sometimes it’s best to follow instructions and recognize that reviving from surgery isn’t always comfortable or convenient. 
Good luck,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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

Answers (7)

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