No compression garment after Liposuction?

Question

I received Liposuction to abdomen and flanks, so far i am very happy with the results except for the lumpy feeling, i keep massaging to try and create some movement. After 2 weeks i stopped wearing my garment because the foam caused a skin irritation/huge rash + it keeps leaving dents. Can i stop the use of my garment as long as i keep massaging and keep a good posture?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would ask your plastic surgeon about garments and the duration of wear, because each plastic surgeon will have a different protocol.   The patients who tend to have healing issues with larger volume liposuction procedures tend to be the ones who do not wear the compression garments at all, wear them very inconsistently, or do not wear them snugly covering all areas of liposuction. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Marco Carmona, MD · Answer

Hi
Good question. I perfom a lot of liposuction surgeries and I always recommend my patients to use the compression garment 24/7 for at least 3 weeks after surgery. 
You should consult with your surgeon and after examining you, he for sure can give you the best answer for your case.
Dr Marco Carmona MD

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your Doctor about their protocol regarding compression. I have my patients wear compression for 3-6 weeks straight then overnight for 3-6 months after their procedure. For liposuction after care, I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. Best, Dr. Emer

Elizabeth Hall-Findlay, MD · Answer

The length of time you should wear your compression garment will vary greatly depending on how much work you had done. You should follow your plastic surgeon’s advice because we all differ. My patients typically use their compression garments for two to four weeks but only following extensive liposuction. Compression does help with some of the concerns you may be noticing -- swelling, bruising, “lumpiness” and sagging skin but studies show that the long term result is much the same with and without compression. I would recommend looking into a different compression garment that is not so irritating. After two weeks, you may be able to transition into a more comfortable and less restrictive one that feels more like a shapewear garment than a medical compression garment. It can take about 6 weeks for the swelling to settle and another 6 months for the lumpiness to disappear.
You should contact your surgeon’s office or revisit your post-operative care documents; your surgeon’s recommendations may be very specific to their practice, and I would place their advice as the most important to follow. If you contact them and let them know that your compression garment is causing significant discomfort, they will be able to give you your best alternative options.

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hi, in the healing process using a compression garment is a must. Its function is to reduce excessive swelling. It also helps to reduce bruising and provides the patient abdominal support preventing any complication such as seroma. My recommendation for you is to discuss this with your plastic surgeon so he/she can help to resolve your concern. Be safe.
Regards
Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Bradley Remington, MD · Answer

Great question.  The common sense answer is that it does help to diminish the swelling and bruising after the surgery.  It also helps to 'redrape' the skin - provide a smooth contour.  I think a different garment/girdle is what your need, without the foam.  Any good department store carries these garments in their foundation department.  Select one that is comfortable and wear it for at lease another two weeks, or as advised by your plastic surgeon.  It is helpful!Cheers,Brad Remington, MD

Garrett M. Crabtree, MD · Answer

I usually have my patients wear a compression garment 2-3 weeks after surgery. Consult with your surgeon for their recommendations.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Not all doctors recommend garments after lipo. I usually recommend 3-6 weeks for my patients. Best to ask your surgeon.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Best to ask your surgeon but in many cases, 2 weeks is enough. You can ask about trying a different garment also.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You should follow the recommendations of your doctor.
My practice is devoted exclusively to liposuction and fat transfer procedures.
I asked my patients to wear the garment for two weeks only.
I know of no scientific evidence that show compression garments have any positive impact on the final results.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

No compression garment after Liposuction?

Answers (10)