Is it required to use lipo foams and ab/backboard?

Thank you for your question. Plastic surgeons vary in their individual protocols using compression garments. In my practice, I use compression garments for 4-6 weeks, with foam pads both anteriorly and in the lower back. I use drains for the first few days.I think you are focusing on some details, but not on possible major issues. Your surgeons are not board certified plastic surgeons, they are cosmetic surgeons with no clear background of their training. You cannot be awake under general anesthesia. By definition, general anesthesia is done with a patient being paralyzed, intubated ( a breathing tube in your wind pipe), and given anesthesia gases which work in the brain. You can have "awake" surgery with the tumescent solution, or numbing solution placed into the fat compartment with  various degrees of sedation from oral to intramuscular injections or intravenous sedation.I hope you will have a successful surgery. Good luck.

Thank you for your question.  It is not necessary to use lipo foams or ab board post liposuction. Wearing the compression garment for 2 weeks will be fine.  I however ask my patients to wear it of a total of 6 weeks.  The first two weeks 24 hours and the additional 4 weeks only 12 hours a day.  Some of my patients feel more comfortable in the garment and even wear it longer.  It will not effect your results, but help keeps the swelling down.  Every surgeon has post op introductions you should follow. As long as you follow them you will be fine. With General anesthesia means you will not be awake.Make sure you are aware what type of anesthesia you are getting .Be sure to express your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you

Thank you for your question.  Foam and back boards are not necessarily required after liposuction.  I do typically recommend foam for about 72 hours post op on the abdominal area.  This will help with any indentations from the garment.  I would suggest you speak to your surgeon because General anesthesia means you will be completely asleep during the procedure, so make sure you understand what type of anesthesia is being used.  Best of luck to you. 

Post operative protocols will be provided to you by your PS's office; follow that advice! Plastic surgeon preferences for compression garments and length of time to wear differ. For a period of six weeks, my patients typically wear an adjustable garment with multiple bands so that tension can be adjusted and the areas of liposuction are less likely to get a fluid collection.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Compression garment protocols and adjunctive therapy like foam pads etc. vary from surgeon to surgeon. Post-operative compression garment therapy is very important in order to achieve the best results. However, if a garment does not fit correctly, unevenly distributes pressure, or  is too tight... it may affect and hinder ones overall result. It is always best to review and make sure your garment is adequate by reaching out to your surgeon in order to maximize your result.