Post-surgical care instructions provided to you by your surgeon play a critical role in the outcome of your procedure. Patients who are non-compliant with post-surgical care instructions typically have less satisfaction with their results. Following liposuction, compression garments play a critical role in ensuring optimal results as well as helping to prevent infection. Many patients don’t want to wear compression garments because they are fearful that they will be uncomfortable and too restricting. However, if they are fitted properly, compression garments can assist your recovery in a positive way. Here are the key reasons why compression garments are so important.
1. Edemas may form in the area of the body where fat was removed. An edema is a condition that develops when an excess of fluid accumulates in an area of the body where a cavity or separation of tissue exists. During liposuction, a tumescent liquid is injected into the body in localized areas to assist in the removal of fat. When fat is removed during liposuction, skin actually separates from muscle and creates a cavity where fluids can pool. Compression garments help minimize the space caused by the separation.
Bruising is unavoidable during liposuction. Bruises are pools of blood that form under the skin from broken blood vessels. Compression garments help keep swelling down and work to eliminate bruising at a faster rate.
Compression garments assist loose skin in retracting and tightening after liposuction.
The amount of fat removed will determine how long compression garments should be worn post-liposuction. After initial swelling has gone down, you will be reevaluated and refitted for smaller compression garments if necessary. If compression garments do not fit properly, they will be ineffective. Compression garments should be tight but not excessively. If garments are restricting breathing or other movements they are too snug.
Patients are generally instructed to wear compression garments for a maximum of 6 weeks. In the first 2-3 weeks of healing, it is recommended for most patients to wear compression garments 24 hours a day. After that initial period, it is sometimes suggested that compression garments be worn at 12-hour intervals either during the day or at night.
Liposuction In Baton Rouge
If you would like to learn more about liposuction or other procedures that Dr. J. Anthony Stephens offers, please contact his office, located in Baton Rouge, LA, at 225.754.4983. Dr. Stephens has been practicing in Baton Rouge since 1998 and specializes in plastic surgery. You can also reach us via our online form. We look forward to hearing from you.
