What is the best way to buy a compression garment before surgery?

A compression garment is used following a BBL procedure to aid in the recovery from the liposuction.  When looking for a faja to use after a BBL you will want to find one that:- provides a lot of compression on the abdomen/flanks/bra-roll- has no compression in the buttocks/hips areaYou may also want to consider finding a faja that allows for easy use of the restrooms so that you can minimize taking the garment off/putting it on.Typically a thong faja with high sides or a faja that has loose compression or is open in the rear is used during a BBL recovery because there is no compression on the fat injection sites.  As far as size goes, the most important consideration is whether or not it will be tight enough - the tighter, the better.  Its not a bad idea to have a few options of different sizes on hand to try on after your surgery and return the ones that don't get used.  An online search for BBL recovery faja or BBL post-surgical garments should provide some options.

Plastic surgeon preferences for compression garments and length of time to wear differ.  Your PS's patient coordinator should be able to provide you with a list of recommended compression garments and website or address for purchasing.  I typically ask patients to use adjustable garments with multiple bands so that tension can be adjusted and the areas of liposuction are less likely to get a fluid collection. The garments typically do not cover the buttocks.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question.  If you are purchasing a garment on your own, you want to get one that you don't have to struggle into since you will have some swelling after surgery.  You can also purchase a compression body garment on-line and one that provides full body support and includes reinforcement on the upper thighs to help lift and sculpts the top of the buttocks. Good Luck!

Hello ashleymyaa,
I appreciate your questions. Every patient is unique and plastic surgeons have different post-operative protocols, customized for every patient, to achieve the best results. Based on my experience, wearing post-surgical specialized compression garments, immediately after the surgery, is an essential measure for speeding up patients’ recovery. I typically suggest my patients obtaining their specialized compression garments (2 of them) and one foam corset prior to the Brazilian Butt Lift surgery (BBL) so that they won’t have to worry about getting them after the procedure. I usually suggest them wearing the foam corset up to 8 weeks and the compression garments for 6 months, around the clock. These specially designed garments are fundamental in helping controlling swelling, bruising and also with contouring by preventing wrinkling of the skin and enhancing skin retraction. I recommend my patients switching to smaller/tighter garments as days go by and they get a smaller, beautifully sculpted figure after BBL. It’s always best to discuss with your plastic surgeon about the type of garment and wearing time that fits best your specific needs. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz. 

trauma due to excessively tight binders and garments after liposuction surgery of the abdomen and back is an underrated problem that causes significant morbidity in the post operative period.There are many examples where advice has been given regarding girdles after surgery. Garments that are too tight can cause severe damage to the skin. The purpose of a garment after surgery is to reduce swelling and bleeding. The girdle does not need to be very tight. The girdke’s role is not to shape the body. The surgeons job is to shape the body. The girdle’s job is to reduce swelling. I would recommend you purchase an inexpensive girdle at a retail store that is two  sizes greater than the size you can currently fit in comfortably. You will always be better off with a girdle that is too loose then too tight. You should take your girdle off the day after surgery and inspect your skin completely and go into a different girdle. Never stay in your girdle more than 24 hours. Hope this helps. Best regards