Can I Wear Spanx After Liposuction?

Spanx are a great compression garment but mostly used as a 2nd stage garment. I would recommend using the garment recommended by your surgeon in the immediate post-operative phase and then switch to the Spanx at post-op week 2 or 3 with your surgeons approval. (Yannis Alexandrides, MD, London Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction is as much about the compression garments as the surgery itself. The compression garments are specific and have to be committed to use by the patient (Frank J. Ferraro, MD, Paramus Plastic Surgeon)

Compression garments after liposuction

I prefer compression garments. But, not all compression garments are the same.

I research to find what I believe to be the most effective and comfortable compression garments for each procedure.
Compression garments are not comfortable, but most of my patients report that they enjoy taling the compression garment off, but they sooon learn that in many cases they feel more comfortable with the compression garments on.

In my opinion, the right compression garments can help recovery, improve results and actually help to kae a patient feel more comfortable. (Michael Law, MD, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)

Many patients find that Spanx are more comfortable and easier to wear for longer periods of time. In our practice I recommend the patients wear their surgical garment for the first two weeks, and are then free to switch to Spanx for the next four weeks. (Austin Hayes, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction Compression Garments

I tell my patients that they need to wear a compression garment specifically designed as a post-surgical garment for 48 hours after surgery. The reason for this type of garment over Spanx is that the compression will be greater with the former, which will allow the fluid injected during surgery to properly drain.
After the 48 hour period, I tell my patients that wearing the garment is completely optional, and while it will reduce short-term swelling, wearing it beyond 48 hours will have no affect on the long term results.

At this point, if the patient desires compression, Spanx could be an appropriate choice. (David P. Rapaport, MD, FACS, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Every surgeon is different with their post op directions to their patients so I would follow your surgeon’s direction for after surgery. I normally recommend that the compression garment is worn for 4 weeks depending on exactly what areas were treated.

I find that the garment is helpful and if yours is uncomfortable, you can use spanx. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)

I recommend Spanx for the “second stage.”

Prior to liposuction surgery we have patients purchase a retail garment such as Spanx. They keep that at home to be used later. When they have surgery, we provide the initial postop “medical” compression garment.

After using it for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend they switch and use the retail (second stage) garment another few weeks. Plastic surgeons vary in their routines, so ask yours for specifics. (Sutton Graham II, MD, Greenville Plastic Surgeon)

I use the compression garments for my patients, but do not like how the rigid elements of the garment bunch up when the patient move into different positions. I find that wearing a pear of spanks underneath the garment make for a more comfortable and fitting compression garment. (Robert M. Freund, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Spanx After Lipo Photo

For best results, use the compression garments your physician provides

While it may be tempting (and more affordable) to buy a non-medical garment, I believe that you should wear a medical grade compression garment for at least the first 4 weeks after surgery. Medical garments provide more compression post surgery, and further guarantee the best possible results. (Stephen A. Goldstein, MD, Englewood Plastic Surgeon)

Medical grade garments vs. Spanx

When selecting a post liposuction garment, I generally recommend that the patient wear the garment that I provide for at least the first three months post op. Medical grade compression garments are generally more sturdy and are made to last longer than garments available on the retail market.

One garment is always included in the cost of the surgery but most patients elect to purchase a second garment at some point. We sell these garments to patients at our cost as they are significantly more expensive than retail garments.

Spanx

After three months, patients can wear a garment of their choosing from the retail market, usually Spanx or Flexees or a compression garment from another manufacturer. These garments have less compression and are more comfortable than medical grade garments.

The garment does factor significantly into the healing process and the final result. My recommendation is to wear the physician provided garment for as long as your physician recommends then transition to something more comfortable later. (Brian Kiesnowski, MD, MPH, Appleton Plastic Surgeon)

Compression garments after liposuction

Compression garments come in all shapes and sizes to fit whichever body part has had liposuction, from the neck to the knees! Compression garments do lots of good things. They help reduce swelling, help control bruising and bleeding, support the body part which is a little sore after the liposuction, and contour the area under your clothes.
I have my patients wear compression garments day and night for 3 weeks after the surgery, and “as much as possible” after that. For this reason, many patients opt for liposuction in the winter months. (Damian Marucci, MBBS, PhD, FRACS, Sydney Plastic Surgeon)

Compression garments after liposuction

You should likely follow your surgeon’s recommendation for your post-op regimen following liposuction. Surgical compression garments are designed with specific areas of compression in mind, depending on your procedure and garment. Additionally, the amount of compression applied by the garment is specifically regulated and targeted to optimizing your post-op recovery.

Spanx or another similar product may offer an inappropriate level of compression, in a potentially inappropriate place. (Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Compression Garments After Liposuction
I do believe that for almost all patients after liposuction surgery they should wear proper compression garments. Especially within the first few days after surgery when they are prone to bleeding which can cause increased bruising.

My strong preference is that patients wear standard compression garments for the proper amount of time. With that said, I have had patients that have found wearing compression garments are just too uncomfortable. I will allow some patients to switch to something like Spanx after the first 48 hours, if it will not have a long term effect on their results. (David Amron, MD, Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon)

Spanx versus compression garment

First off, I would go with the advice of your treating surgeon. Spanx are actually a form of compression garment, just different than the typical immediate postsurgical garment.

In many cases I may have that patient use a postsurgical garment with clips and zippers for the first few weeks after a body contouring procedure because it makes it easier to get on and off.

After that point I may have them transition to a spanx type of compression garment that is a bit more form fitting and sleek, if you will, such that it is easier to wear under their regular clothing. (Hampton Alexander Howell, MD, Winston Salem Plastic Surgeon)

Compression garments after liposuction

For 6 weeks after liposuction, compression garments should be worn to achieve the best results. The treated areas need firm support. The compression garments should be snug without being too tight (don’t get a size smaller anticipating loss of inches from the procedure because you will have some swelling).

I recommend medical compression garments to get the right degree of compression. Such garments can be ordered on line if they are not provided by your surgeon. After 6 weeks you can get additional support and comfort from Spanx, especially when you run or walk fast. (Renuka Diwan, MD, Cleveland Dermatologic Surgeon)

There are certainly situations where I prefer compression garments, but often I find that Spanx are an excellent option for compression after liposuction. In fact, I often recommend them to my patients. (John K. Wakelin III, MD, FACS, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)

Spanx or Compression Garments

Both are excellent. I prefer compression garments post operatively for the first week – 10 days. Then, Spanx are more comfortable as they don’t have any zippers. (Rod J. Rohrich, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction Recovery Using Compression Garments or Spanx?

Spanx work just as well as any other compression garment and should be sufficient for a post-procedure garment. (Robert Heck, MD, FACS, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction Recovery Using Compression Gaements or Spanx?

Any type of perfectly fit ” garment ” to apply evenly distributed pressure on the liposuctioned area is recommended after liposuction surgery. Thet not only control swelling they also reduce bleeding and help skin shrinkage. Wether you like Spanks or prefer Garments it is a good idea to try them on before your surgery to make them to become custom fitted. (Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)