What's the Purpose of Wearing a Compression Garment?

Question

To reduce swelling or bruising? Can I take a break from it maybe 2 hours a day? I was 118 pds and gained 10 pounds after the procedure. Today is day 5 and I am 122 pounds. Is that normal? My bruising is getting better but still quite black. I am taking Zinc & vitamin C & E. Will they help?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients who undergo liposuction can expect swelling and discomfort following this procedure.  In an effort to decrease swelling, most surgeons utilize compression garments in the post-operative period.  Although each patient should be considered individually, we generally recommend three to four weeks of compression following liposuction.
	Compression minimizes swelling, minimizes bruising and decreases post-operative pain.  It helps to remodel the soft tissue by collapsing the tunnels created by the liposuction cannula and controls skin shrinkage following the procedure.  Compression contributes significantly to the contour improvement seen with this procedure.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I generally advise patients wear their garment 24 hours a day for three weeks, removing it only when bathing or washing it. From 3 to 6 weeks, wear your garment in the day only. It helps with easing swelling and reducing the risk of seroma. The garment should fit snugly but not to the point that you can't breathe or are feeling sore.  It's best to follow your PS's advice or express your concerns directly to them so that they may respond. Your weight gain is probably related to swelling, which can be controlled by wearing your garment, drinking plenty of fluids (and going to the washroom regularly) as well walking leisurely around to keep your circulation going.You should talk to your surgeon about the vitamins you're taking.

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

Following Liposuction compression garments are required for three main reasons:

	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

	It is common for weight gain due to edema and serum that collects in the area as well as the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially the quicker this fluid resolves.

	The length of time that the garment is worn varies dependent 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 advise. However in general this is the 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 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.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

Let's start from the beginning.  Stop the Vitamin E.  Hopefully you have a list of meds not to take from your physician.  Don't take any of them.  You have significant bruising so it must be gotten under control.  The garment is intended to help the skin retract after liposuction.  It's like suddenly placing a smaller letter in a large envelope.  We need the envelope to shrink.  I insist on 23hours/day for the first 3-4 weeks then 12 hours/day for 3-4 weeks.  Severe bruising, like you have, will require a lot of compression.  Because you need to control the skin shrinkage and bruising at the same time.
So wear the garment as much as you can.  Try to keep moving and don't take anything that will make you bruise.

Thomas T. Nguyen, MD · Answer

I have found a big difference in my patients who use compression vs. those who do not use compression.  Compression garments help reduce swelling (edema) and aid in pushing fluids into the lymph system for remval from your body.   The compression from the garment will help hold skin firmly against the body, aiding in proper skin retraction and general body contouring.   I feel that the compression garments help to shape the overall result greatly.  
Unfortunately, compression is not easy after liposuction, because every body is different and your body changes quickly after surgery; first swelling significantly and then slowly getting smaller.  We have found that in order to get proper compression, it takes alot of effort. My staff are trained to work with my patients to take measurements and  select appropriate compression for each patient.  We order all of our garments from Design Veronique (www.designveronique.com) because we find that the quality and comfort are the best and the customer service department is very helpful in getting you a proper fit.  They also offer money back guarantee. 
If your surgeon recommends compression, follow his advise.   However, if the compression garment does not fit properly, it will be very uncomfortable and may make things worse.  Contact your plastic surgeon if the compression garment that you are wearing is too uncomfortable and find out if he wants you to switch to something else.

What's the Purpose of Wearing a Compression Garment?

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Answer: I find that firm but comfortable compression is important for liposuction results.

Answer: I find that firm but comfortable compression is important for liposuction results.

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What's the Purpose of Wearing a Compression Garment?

Answers (10)

Answer: Oh My..

Answer: Oh My..

Answer: I find that firm but comfortable compression is important for liposuction results.

Answer: I find that firm but comfortable compression is important for liposuction results.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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