Compression Garment too tight. I damaged my skin, can you please tell me how I can help it heal faster? (photos)

Question

I had lipo about 10 days ago. I put on the second faja at 1 week. It felt tight but I thought as long as I could tolerate it, it would be fine. Well by the end of that day, after a long day of way too much movement, I took off the faja to find my thighs like this! The newly damaged area was NOT lipo'd at all. What is this? Skin nerosis? Hematoma? Is there a way to speed up the healing process? Please help! (I did speak to my surgeon who instructed me to put cream on it)

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

If there is pain because of an overly tight compression garment it is probably not the right fit and you need to see your plastic surgeon for an evaluation and remedy. Compression garments type and when applied varies from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon and not dependent usually on the type of lipo performed. In my practice, A compression garment placed in surgery immediately after liposuction (steristrip protects the sutures) is recommended and beneficial after liposuction because: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.If bulging ridges above or below, creases or bands are present then you probably need to change garments - see your plastic surgeon.It is common to have weight gain due to edema, serum that collects in the area, and the tumescent fluid that was injected. This will resolve over time. The more you wear the garment initially, the quicker this fluid resolves.Edema: a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.The length of time that the garment should be worn varies depending 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 advice, however this is the general 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 so I can confirm that it fits well.Most important advice is to listen to your surgeon, as he or she knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin, and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend that my patients wear their garments for a minimum of three weeks full time then for twelve hours at a time (day or night). If there is not a lot of redundant skin, this continues to a maximum of six weeks.To be effective, the garment needs to fit snugly—but not too tight as that can make it difficult to sleep or cause pressure problems (inspect your skin when it is exposed if you are uncomfortable). As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits. A Spanx-type garment would work fine, rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor’s office.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell from the photograph was going on. I would recommend you report to your plastic surgeon. Liposuction garments do not need to be extremely tight.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is hard to tell from these photos what is happening.  However, this looks like either normal bruising that will take 7-14 days to subside (maybe quicker with Arnika Forte and pulsed dye laser or Excel V laser treatment) or a localized skin rash from the garment.  I suggest seeing your surgeon for advice.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Post op questions are best handled by your surgeon. It appears as though you may either a rash or localized bruising secondary to your GARMENT. God luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Speaking to your surgeon IS NOT enough! Go see him/her ASAP to be examined in person. This is of concern your bruising so late after surgery...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is really difficult to tell what I am looking at in the photos because it is such a limited view. It may represent normal bruising, but it is always best to be seen in person.

Felipe Muñoz, MD · Answer

Thanks for your pictures.It is normal to have ecchymosis after liposuction.  It will take about 5 or 6 weeks from surgery to significantly subside. Please discuss this with your surgeon.Best wishes.

Patrick C. Wilson, MD · Answer

It appears that you have some normal bruising after the liposuction.  However, you need to follow up with your plastic surgeon to confirm that it is normal and not a rash.  I have my patients wear a light t shirt or tank top under the compression garment to prevent the garment from rubbing or cutting into their skin.  Best of luck!

Ashok Govila, FRCS, MCh, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Many thanks for the question.Plastic surgeons call it echimosis which is extravasation of blood and serum under and into the skin.It can also extend into untreated area because of gravitation.It commonly recovers completely in 3 weeks time at the most.Although I know you will get the advise of the treating surgeon but since you posted this question I am giving my opnion. I treat such situations with Arnica 30 tablets and cream to be applied twice daily and replace the compression garments to more reasonably softer and less compressing.Also reduce the  duration that you are using garments for.I wish you all the best

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It appears you have a pretty severe skin rash.  You may be allergic to the material in your garment.  Contact your surgeon as soon as possible for an exam, and to discuss other compression garments.

Compression Garment too tight. I damaged my skin, can you please tell me how I can help it heal faster? (photos)

Answers (10)

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