The Right Compression Garment To Wear After Liposuction

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

After liposuction, you’ll need to wear a compression garment to help with the recovery process. Your compression garment plays a vital role in your recovery as it assists in further recontouring your body to create the shape you want it to be. If you don’t wear one, you may not be happy with your results and could even increase your risk of developing complications.
The fat that is removed during your surgery creates extra space under your skin. Your body naturally fills this space with fluid, leading to swelling and possible complications. Your compression garment compresses your skin against your body so that the amount of fluid buildup is dramatically reduced. It also makes your skin follow the leaner contour of your body so that it does not sag. Wearing a compression garment can also improve your circulation and keep dressings firmly in place.CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPRESSION GARMENTYou will receive a compression garment to wear following your liposuction at Edelstein Cosmetic. In fact, you’ll be wearing it as soon as your surgery is finished. Your compression garment has been selected for its quality, based on its fit and comfort—although we understand that it may feel a little uncomfortable since it is designed to be tight, but not so much that you experience trouble breathing. Your garment should apply constant pressure for the whole time you’re wearing it, which will be 24 hours a day for three weeks. You may remove your garment only when bathing or washing it. From 3 to 6 weeks, your garment should be worn during the day only. If you have any trouble, please let us know immediately so that we may adjust it or give you another one, as a poorly fitting garment can cause complications such as lumpy or uneven skin composition, red scars and/or seromas.When there is no further drainage from your incisions, you may find that wearing an undergarment beneath your compression garment increases comfort. This can also help prevent indentations in the skin. Should you decide to wear an undergarment, make sure that it is tightly fitted, thin, and covers the entire treated area and then some, with minimal seams. Leotards and spanx are examples of suitable undergarments.