Compression following liposuction is important for controlling and reducing swelling, and for maintaining a smooth contour of the treated areas. Without compression, one could expect a much longer period for recovery of swelling after surgery, and somewhat less predictable final contour.
While there are several good quality brands of surgical garments on the market, I prefer those made by Design Veronique. (Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Garments and liposuction
Compression garments after liposuction can make a difference in many situations though they won’t improve liposuction that was not ideally performed.
Many patients find that they doe provide initial comfort and even a sense of security.
They can definitely and significantly decrease the extent of bruising following liposuction and may also help decrease the swelling and possibly lower the risk of fluid accumulation known as a seroma. Garments do vary with some better than others.
In fact, some are not designed or manufactured very well and can actually be detrimental to the results. Large seams on the inside of the garments can cause creases in the suctioned areas that may be problematic. (Steven Turkeltaub, MD, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)
Compression garments provide additional support to the lipo treated body areas to encourage a quicker healing process and discourage fluid from collecting in the areas that fat was removed.
A patient would generally wear their compression garments around the clock for the first week following their procedure.
The doctor should have comfortable garment options that shouldn’t interfere with recovery or comfort. (Douglas J. Key, MD, Portland Dermatologic Surgeon)
Wearing compression garment after liposuction
Each surgeon will have his or her postoperative guidelines. My preference is to recommend a compression garment extensively (except for showering or bathing) for the first 3 weeks, and then taper it off based on how the patient heals. (Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS, West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon)
We ask our patients to wear the garment all the time for the first month. After that we ask the patient to wear at night for 3 weeks. We often find that at first the patient will not like the garment and feel very uncomfortable. Later to find out that they feel more comfortable in it and wear it longer than needed. (Mark W. Greene, MD, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)
Compression Garments Post Liposuction Surgery
We provide compression garments to all our liposuction patients. Depending on the area the liposuction is performed the compression garment will vary in shape and size. A patient that has liposuction on multiple areas may be given a “body suit” type garment.
We typically advise that patients wear their compression garments for at least 4 – 6 weeks to ensure the skin remains tight and reduce swelling. Some of my patients actually love their garment so much they decide to keep wearing it under suite (for men) and dresses (for women) – they say they love the way it looks and feels. (Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS, Montreal Plastic Surgeon)
In my practice, I recommend that all of my post-operative liposuction patients wear appropriate compression garments for four weeks after their surgical procedure. Patient’s are instructed to wear these garments 24-hours a day for the first four weeks, only removing them for one hour in advance of their daily shower.
Wearing appropriate compression is important following a liposuction procedure to help reduce the amount of post-operative swelling (edema) that a patient experiences. Oftentimes, patients also welcome this compression and cite that it helps with some of their post-operative discomfort. (Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, Woodbury Plastic Surgeon)
Compression after liposuction is most important in the first 3 weeks after the procedure to help reduce swelling and provide and environment favorable to achieving the desired contour. I generally recommend compression 24 hours daily besides during showering for the first 3 weeks after surgery and then as tolerated after that.
Many of my patients find that they are more comfortable wearing compression for the first couple of months, so they may wear compression longer due to personal preference. (John K. Wakelin III, MD, FACS, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)
In general I tell my patients to wear their garments for at least six weeks. Some patients wear them longer if they are still swollen. Swelling may take six months to resolve. (Heather J. Furnas, MD, Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon)
I advise my patients to wear their compression garment for six weeks after their procedure. The garment hastens the recovery process and reduces swelling. Generally, by the six week mark, you may move to a second stage garment, body shaping garment or other undergarment. (Brian Coan, MD, FACS, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)
I typically recommend that my patients wear a compression garment for three weeks around the clock after liposuction and for 3 additional weeks at night after that. (Sacha Obaid, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
The garment after liposuction helps with swelling and supporting the tissues as they heal. In our practice recommend wearing the surgical garment for the first two weeks, and then switching to a garment like Spanx for an additional 2-4 weeks. (Austin Hayes, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)
First 6 to 8 weeks compression is important
Compression after liposuction is an important part of the recovery, and can have a positive effect on the outcome. I like the patients to wear a compression garment for at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. You will probably feel more comfortable with some form of compression on even after that time. My patients often wear something for 6 months.(Gary Lawton, MD, FACS, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)
The duration of compression is usually 4 weeks in our practice. Longer if there is greater than usual swelling. You will find that there is considerable variation among plastic surgeons regarding the recommended time you must provide compression to your liposuction site(s). (Douglas J. Raskin, MD, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon)
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. However, different surgeons have different guidelines, so it’s best to follow your surgeon’s instructions. (Jerome Edelstein, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Compression Garment Should Be Worn for 4 Weeks Following Liposuction
Normally, the compression garment should be worn continuously for the first week. After that, it should be worn as much as possible for the next three weeks. Normally, the compression garment can be discontinued after four weeks. (John J. Edney, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)
What Compression Garment To Wear After Liposuction
Liposuction garments should be worn for at least two weeks.
The reason for wearing the compression garments is to help minimize swelling and improve contour. Most patients become very accustomed to wearing the garments and enjoy the feel. The maximum length of time required is 6 weeks. (Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
I recommend to my liposuction patients to wear their compression garment for 4 weeks from the date of the procedure. The compression garment reduces swelling and gives you a better result. (Robert Heck, MD, FACS, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)
I mostly use Body Jet liposuction, and if there is a chance of skin sagginess, I add Smartlipo for skin retraction. I instruct 2 weeks, and i recommend 4. (Alexander Aslani, MD, Spain Plastic Surgeon)
I’ve used compression garments over the last 25 yrs. and am a firm believer. Compression is important to COMPRESS the suction channels and minimise secondary fluid colection. I won’t take on a patient who does not wear them 24/7 – except for bathroom and showering. (Barry H. Dolich, MD (Retired), Bronx Plastic Surgeon)
Wear compression garment for 3-6 weeks
I usually recommend that patients wear the liposuction garment for about 3-6 weeks after surgery. They can go back to light exercises within 1-2 weeks and no restrictions usually within 3 weeks. (Steven Wallach, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
How long to wear garment following liposuction
I require all of my patients to wear their compression garment for 4 weeks following liposuction. Continuing to wear your garment at night can only benefit you and keep the swelling to a minimum. (Christopher J. Morea, MD, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)