Is Mark Left by Compression Garment After Lipo Permanent?

Question

The seam of my compression garment left a horizontal dent in my stomach 1 month post lipo. The compression garment ordered by my doctor had a seam that ran about an inch below my belly button. It was very tight after surgery and I noticed a small line left in my skin. I expected it to go away, flatten out esp. since I started wearing a new seamless garment 1 wk after surgery. A month has passed and the line has become even more obvious. The area right below the seam is also very puffy and protruding. My doctor thinks we should monitor it for another month. Worried its permanent.

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

If caught early and treated, probably not. Compression garments type and when applied varies from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon and not dependent usually on the type of lipo performed. In my practice, A compression garment placed in surgery immediately after liposuction (steristrip protects the sutures) is recommended and beneficial after liposuction because:It restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure.It decreases the amount of bruising.It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking.If bulging above or below, creases or  bands are present then you probably need to change garments - see your plastic surgeon.It is common to have weight gain due to edema, serum that collects in the area, and the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially, the quicker this fluid resolves.Edema: a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.The length of time that the garment should be worn varies depending on the amount of fat removed, the elastic nature of your skin, how much loose skin remains, and other factors. Your surgeon would give you the best advice, however this is the general routine for my patients.The first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized, and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in so I can confirm that it fits well.Most important advice is to listen to your surgeon, as he or she knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin, and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend that my patients wear their garments for a minimum of three weeks full time then for twelve hours at a time (day or night). If there is not a lot of redundant skin, this continues to a maximum of six weeks.To be effective, the garment needs to fit snugly—but not too tight as that can make it difficult to sleep or cause pressure problems (inspect your skin when it is exposed if you are uncomfortable). As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits. A Spanx-type garment would work fine, rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor’s office. For Small or moderate amounts of liposuction it probably doesn't make a difference if a garment is used or not.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

No, it shouldn't be permanent and will go away with time. You can ask your surgeon about massaging the area to even out contour irregularities.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

creases can occur temporarily from seams or the way the garment folds in on itself when sitting. These lines are often temporary but can take months to resolve. External massage, can possibly help hasten its resolution, but you would have to ask your surgeon about the safety of this.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

These tend to not be permanent but it may take 2-3 months to see it resolve, It is not uncommon for compression garments to cause temporary irregularities.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.

	We currently don't use compression garments on most liposuction patients. They don't improve the final result.  But we haven't seen garments cause a permanent indentation.  Surface irregularities can be a complication of the procedure itself.  I am afraid that after a month this might well not go away.  But for now, I would be optimistic and wait.

Is Mark Left by Compression Garment After Lipo Permanent?

Answers (5)

Answer: Irregularities from compression garment wear tend to be temporary

Answer: Irregularities from compression garment wear tend to be temporary

Answer: Compression garments after liposuction are usually harmless.

Answer: Compression garments after liposuction are usually harmless.

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Is Mark Left by Compression Garment After Lipo Permanent?

Answers (5)

Answer: Irregularities from compression garment wear tend to be temporary

Answer: Irregularities from compression garment wear tend to be temporary

Answer: Compression garments after liposuction are usually harmless.

Answer: Compression garments after liposuction are usually harmless.

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.