Compression garments help to control the post op swelling. I advise my patients to wear them 24×7 for 4 weeks, and for 12 hours over the next 4 weeks. Our post op protocol also involves anti inflammatory / anti edema meds for a week post op & lymphatic massage.
The massage sessions are started after 7-10 days following the procedure. (Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB, India Plastic Surgeon)
It’s a surgeon preference thing, rather than being scientifically proven. I recommend 2 weeks of 24 hours per day, then 2 weeks of 12+ hours per day, then patient discretion thereafter. (Thomas Fiala, MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling can take months to resolve completely
I advise my patients to wear their compression garments for a minimum of 6 weeks, some patients even longer.
This will help reduce your edema and improve your contour.
Gradually increasing your activity as tolerated; this will also help.(Gregory Pippin, MD, Metairie Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Compression garments speed up recovery after liposuction
Compression garments prevent excessive swelling right after tumescent lipo, and then work to speed up the recovery by speeding up resorption of tissue fluid (swelling). They also help to contour the liposuctioned areas. In addition to garments we also instruct our patients to massage all liposuctioned areas.
Initially you will have some lumps, which need to be massaged. These lumps are a combination of swelling, scarring, and residual fat. This needs to be massaged to smooth out. Think of it as clay, which you want to smooth out before it dries and hardens. We recommend that our patients continue massage for up to three months for ideal results (Martin Jugenburg, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Compression garments after liposuction help to improve results
I recommend that my patients wear compression in some form for about 6 weeks after tumescent liposuction. This helps prevent excess swelling and helps mold the final shape. In addition, I recommend lymphatic massage starting about 2 weeks after the procedure. (Carmen Kavali, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Wearing compression garments after liposuction
The compression garment is one of the most important factors in achieving a good result after liposuction. After a patient has received liposuction, the overlying skin on the treated area needs to stick smoothly onto the underlying muscle.
The compression garment squeezes the skin against the muscle and helps this process. The compression garment can also help control the swelling which will also make the patient more comfortable. In our practice, we recommend that patients use the compressive garment for at least four months after their surgery. (Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
Three weeks full time, and six months part time.
The compressive garments should be worn as long as you can stand them. Three weeks full time is best and after that part time if you get some swelling. Wear them at night. No problem.
The compressive garment will make things look better sooner, but the long term end point will be the same. (G. Gregory Gallico III, MD, Boston Plastic Surgeon)
Compression, if worn properly, will help reduce swelling. Others believe in manual lymphatic drainage. There is great controversy when it comes to compression garment recommendations and no one really has the answer.
It really comes down to individual experience. Although you may have heard of some individuals prescribing water pills, this is generally discouraged.
Gentle ambulation exercises will help to mobilize the fluid and encourage you to naturally eliminate the excess. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)