Can Not Wearing the Compression Garment Really Affect the Final Results of Lipo?

Yes, it absolutely can! I personally have my liposuction patients wear the garment 24/7 except to shower for 4 weeks post op for 2 main reasons:1.) Controlling swelling: the compression on your tissues helps your body to reabsorb the edema fluid that accumulates in the tissues after any procedure. This can take quite some time to happen without help from the compression garments2.) Improving contour: the compression helps to keep the tissues adherent to the underlying structures while healing, this can help prevent the wrinkled skin appearance that can happen when the tissues heal in ways we don't want them to.For those reasons many of us would argue that the compression is as important as, if not more important than, the method of liposuction used in determining the final outcome. While spandex/spanx will be better than nothing, your garment from the surgeon will be the best.Hope that helps!

How does a Compression Garment help after Liposuction? yes it speeds the final result and may help help the skin retract better. However if you are having severe anxiety attacks I would ask my surgeon if it is OK not to wear it. With my patients, the answer is wear it only if tolerable.If you have had suction of the knees, thigh, or abdomen, the doctor will have put on a compression garment at the end of the surgery. The extra pressure this garment provides helps reduce swelling and discomfort. You should not remove this garment at all until the second or third day after surgery. After that, feel free to remove the garment temporarily for laundering. We want you to have circumferential pressure for 4-6 weeks, but you may switch to an exercise garment (Lycra or Spandex) whenever it feels comfortable to slip it on or off, as you will have to do so in order to go to the bathroom. See the below link for a more fuller explanation and general advice.

It helps with easing swelling and reducing the risk of seroma. It also helps your skin retract. You should really be wearing it. Ask your surgeon if there is another option.

                  It’s not unusual for surgeons to recommend the use
of compression garments following tumescent liposuction.  Although, the majority of plastic
surgeons recommend some type of compression, there are surgeons who don’t
always recommend compression.  It’s
important to understand that every patient is unique.

                  The
importance of compression garments depends on a variety of factors.  These might include the amount of fat
removed and the patient’s baseline skin laxity to name a few.  In some cases, not wearing a
compression garment may have no significance.  In other cases, it might be the difference between an
excellent result and an average result.

                  We
generally recommend the use of compression support garments for about three
weeks following surgery.  We also
recommend a low salt diet before and after tumescent liposuction.  Exercise is usually started early in
the post-operative period, and we want patients to ambulate as soon as possible
following surgery.

                  It’s
important to discuss this issue with your surgeon before proceeding with
surgery so you will have an understanding of why post-operative compression
garments are important for you.  In
some cases premature cessation of compression might adversely impact the
results of liposuction.  In the
vast majority of cases, it would probably not affect the result, but instead lead to prolonged swelling.

 

Yes.  No garment equals more swelling, more irregularity, more scar tissue, and a less than optimal result. Thank you for your question and good luck with everything.

The use of compression garments after liposuction procedures can be a bit controversial. Most plastic surgeons think compression garments help with swelling, and the prevention of fluid collections known as seromas. It is also becoming more common to use foam (tappy foam or epi foam) over the treated areas to decrease bruising. However, compression garments can also cause problems such as patient discomfort, circulation issues, and skin indentation. It is for these and other reasons that some plastic surgeons prefer to not use compression garments at all. It is best for patients to discuss these issues with their plastic surgeon to determine what is best for their particular situation.

Thank you for the question.

You'll find that, like most things in plastic surgery, there are a lot of different thoughts (and very little science) regarding garments after liposuction surgery. Therefore you should adjust specific questions to your operating surgeon.

Personally, I asked patients to  use  a compressive garment for the 1st month after surgery.   Talk to your surgeon and see if a mild anti-anxiety medication may be indicated. 

I hope this helps.

I ask my patients to wear compression garments for two weeks postop and then at night for another two weeks. This reduces postop swelling which in turn reduces pain and speeds healing. If your girdle is excruciatingly painful, it might be the wrong size. I'm sorry to hear about your reaction. I haven't had a patient complain about the compression garment. They come in many varieties and it is important to select the correct one for each patient. One size definitely does not fit all!

The compression is important.  Check back with your doctor.  I personally believe that it will adversely affect your outcome if you do not wear the compression.  Possibly you could get a prescription for a few weeks to help you with your anxiety or use a different type of compression.  Please check back with your doctor. 

Good Question. You are not the first person  (or the last) who did not wear a compression garment after liposuction.

The first couple of days does the most good. After that, it is a matter of choice. The first couple of days, compression helps to avoid fluid puddles within the area that was liposuctioned. Later, tenderness will keep you from doing anything you shouldn't.

After a couple of days, don't fear, you are in good company. Many have gone before, and have resisted wearing the tight compression garments. They seem to do okay.

What is important? Don't do anything that causes pulling or pain in the treated area. Stay active with low impact exercise. Concentrate on proper eating (many have a problem with sweets and starches). See a coach (nutrition and/or exercise) and be glad you have the procedure behind you. Congratulations!