How Tight Should a Compression Garment Be?

Liposuction garments should give moderate compression for the 1st month after liposuction. We compress alittle less today than we did many yrs ago since we want both drainage of fluid and compression.  If too much compression, then patients get nauseated and vomit and there is less fluid able to escape by leaking out as we would like. If no compression, then there is also less drainage since the fluid just sits in the abdominal fat layer cavity creating a seroma or hematoma which will need draining manually. You do swell for the 1st 3-4 days so do expect the compression garment to get tighter for a few days before the swelling starts to go down. You won't be any bigger than you were prior to the lipo surgery though.  That is why you only see a little improvement at the 1 week time.  After 1 week you start to massage and exercise which help stimulate the lymphatics to help drain away the fluid faster and you see a big difference at 1 month.  Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

Thank you for your question.  I don't typically recommend double compressing an area.  I would recommend a tighter compression though.  This helps with bringing down the initial swelling and helping from any fluid build ups.  I would recommend contacting your Plastic Surgeon discuss the situation and follow their recommendations. 

I definitely laree with my colleagues that have answered
you here already. You should feel snug in your compression garment, but it
should not be uncomfortable or painful. As the swelling reduces the garment
will not be as snug, but if you have any concerns at all about your healing
process then do not hesitate to contact your surgeon.

My personal opinion is that the first elastic garment/girdle 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 and confirm that it fits well.Most important advise is to listen to your surgeon's advice as he best knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend my patients wear their garments for a minimum of 3 weeks full time then for 12 hrs (day or night). if not a lot of redundant skin following liposuction to a maximum of 6 weeks. To be effective the garment needs to fit snug but not too tight as to cause pressure problems (inspect your skin if discomfort and when skin is exposed), or prevent you from sleeping. As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits - A Spanx type garment would work rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor;'s office.Liposuction requires compression garments for three main reasons:it restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressureIt decreases the amount of bruisingIt assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking#LiposuctionGarmentTightness#TightnessofLipoGarment

Post-operative garments for
compression are frequently utilized following liposuction surgery.These devices minimize swelling, decrease
pain, decrease discomfort and help remodel tissue. It’s
important that these devices fit snugly, but not too tightly following
liposuction procedures.In this situation
the goal is to remodel tissue, decrease pain and minimize swelling.Severe compression goes beyond this point and
can be associated with postoperative pain and discomfort.Post-surgical
compression garments facilitate recovery following liposuction and minimize
postoperative discomfort.If you have
questions regarding their use, it’s important to contact your plastic
surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to
thoroughly discuss this issue with you and alleviate any concerns that you
might have about the use of compression garments.

Compression garments should feel snug but comfortable.  Occaisionally, you may have periodic swelling in the area you had surgery and the garment needs to be adjusted.  If it is too tight, the garment can irritate the skin and create irregularities (creases) in the skin.  Ask you surgeon to show you how snug he wants it.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Brian Joseph