Is it too late to wear compression garment at 3 wks after Liposuction?

Compression garments may help provide some support to your tissues and help you feel better. They can also help swelling resolve more quickly. They do not have a big impact on the final outcome so you can wear them as much as feels comfortable.

 Like many plastic surgeons I asked my patients to wear a compressive garment for about six weeks. This is without proven benefit for the use of these devices. I see no problem in beginning their use at three weeks.

It wont make a difference at this point whether or not you wear compression.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Initially we ask patients to wear compression garments after liposuction to minimize the bruising and minimize the swelling. After the first 3-5 days the effect on bruising is minimal. The swelling increases in most patients for 4-5 days, usually peaking about day 5. From that point it takes about 6-8 weeks for 80% of the swelling to decrease and the last 20% will take a couple of more months. After the first 10 days, the compression garments can help decrease the swelling but only modestly. They will decrease the overall amount of swelling somewhat but will not shorten the total time to final recovery. Eventually, the swelling will resolve on its own - with or without the garments. At six months you cannot tell who wore the garments and who did not but at three months those who wore the garments will be less swollen.In this particular case, I think there would be little advantage to wearing the garments.

This is a question for your surgeon as he knows what was done and how you've healed so far. Please contact his or her office for post operative instruction. Good luck. Dean Vistnes.