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How Long Should Compression Garments be Worn After Liposuction?

By Dr York Yates

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 26Feb2011 Word count: 425 Viewed: 982 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

After liposuction, almost all plastic surgeons will recommend some type of compression garment. Liposuction is a procedure that consistently produces more swelling than almost any other plastic surgery procedure. Although the procedure is not highly invasive, the area of treatment can be large. The outcomes depend largely on limiting swelling in the area so that the desired contour and skin redraping can be achieved.

Every plastic surgeon has their own protocol for postoperative compression garments. Some prefer an open drainage, where the incisions are not closed, claiming the postoperative fluid and swelling escapes more readily. The types of garments recommended range from loose "tights" to surgical compression garments. The duration of compression ranges from not at all, to a couple of days, to a few months.

The benefits of postoperative compression after liposuction are limitation of swelling and guiding the skin retraction. After liposuction, there are small tunnels that have been created in the fat in the treatment areas. These holes can either fill with swelling or become compressed after treatment, kind of like a sponge. The most significant swelling after liposuction is within the first 3-6 weeks. That is why most plastic surgeons recommend some type of compression for that duration. The compression should extend a little above and below the areas of treatment. The compression garment after liposuction should be comfortably tight.

First stage garments are those that are worn immediately after surgery for 1 - 3 weeks. These are a little firmer and provide the most significant compression. They often have velcro or straps that allow adjustments depending on the degree of swelling. Second stage garments are frequently recommended thereafter. These are generally Spanx or a similar type of pull up garment.

The author is a Plastic Surgeon who has a lot of experience in liposuction. His general protocol for compression garments after liposuction of the body are 1) stage one garment for 1-3 weeks 24/7 followed by 2) a second stage garment until the 6 week mark a majority of the day. Thereafter, the garment is worn only if the patient finds it more comfortable than going without it. Of course, the garments are removed for showering.

For small liposuction areas, and liposuction of the neck there is less swelling and the duration of the garment is 1-2 weeks. On the neck, the garment is more visible and most patients find that this needs to be removed for periods of time for social interactions.

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