Liposuction is a popular body contouring procedure that removes excess fat deposits from different body areas such as abdomen, thighs and hips. The treatment is really helpful when even strenuous diet and exercise sessions don’t provide the desired results. FDA approved procedures such as SmartLipo Triplex laser liposuction successfully treats almost all areas. Regardless of the technique used, plastic surgeons give patients specific instructions to follow to ensure fast and smooth recovery. One of the important things recommended to speed up recovery is wearing a compression garment after the treatment.
Benefits of Compression Garments
So how exactly does wearing a compression garment help recovery? It does so by preventing edema or swelling, improving circulation and supporting the skin.
- Reduces swelling: In laser lipo, a local anesthetic is injected into the treatment site. While this method comes with fewer risks than general anesthesia, it does cause some swelling on the skin in the area. Wearing a compression garments helps reduce the swelling and speed up healing.
- Improves blood circulation: Proper blood flow to the treated area helps the tissues heal. Compression garments are designed to promote movement of blood and lymph fluids to the liposuction area. It minimizes bruising or helps in faster healing.
- Helps the skin adapt to the changes: It’s true that laser lipo tightens the skin. However, the skin can adapt more easily to the new shape with the help of the compression garment. The garment helps the skin adhere to the muscles and other underlying structures and prevents it from becoming loose and saggy.
However, not all garments are the same and choosing the right option is important to ensure comfort and efficacy. Select a garment that is comfortable, easy to put on and take off. Compression garment should not be too tight or too loose. Quality garments also do not cause pain or itching. Your plastic surgeon can help you make the right choice.
How long you would need to wear the garment depends on a number of factors such as the amount of fat removed, how much loose skin remains, the elasticity of your skin, and so on. Generally, a liposuction patient is advised to wear the garment for three weeks full time and the next three weeks, for twelve hours at a time (day or night).
