How Long Wear Compression After Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses suction to remove fat cells from the body. Once liposuction has been performed, you will need to wear a compression garment. These garments help to minimize scarring and swelling, and offer support to the skin following surgery. This guide will outline how long you should wear your compression garment and what happens if you don’t wear it at all.
In this guide, we find out How Long Wear Compression After Liposuction, what happens if you dont wear compression garment after liposuction, and how long to wear compression garment after tummy tuck and lipo.
How Long Wear Compression After Liposuction
You’ve had liposuction and you’re looking forward to being able to wear your favorite clothes again. But, how long do you have to wear a compression garment?
During surgery
You will be given a compression garment to wear after surgery. Your doctor may have you put it on prior to the procedure, but more likely, they’ll instruct you to put it on once both breasts are completely numb (usually about 30 minutes after surgery).
Your doctor may give you more specific instructions about how long to wear this garment depending on their practice and your own personal situation. For example, some patients find that wearing their garment for as many hours before and after surgery helps them heal faster and with less pain or swelling than others do; others feel fine without one at all—and no matter what anyone else says, ultimately they know best how they feel during recovery! In general though:
- Wear it until your doctor tells you not too
- Put it on immediately post-op (or right before if instructed)
Day of surgery
If you are having liposuction, do not remove your garment for any reason. This includes using the restroom and getting into bed. Do not remove it for sleeping or eating, even if it seems uncomfortable.
If you have your liposuction done under general anesthesia, wear the garment during the entire surgery and until you are ready to go home. If you had local anesthesia with conscious sedation, remove the garment only when instructed by your doctor or nursing staff after they have evaluated any potential complications related to removing it (e.g., numbness).
1st day
On your first day back home, you may experience discomfort and pain. You may also be tired and should avoid strenuous activity. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor:
- Soreness or bruising from liposuction
- Numbness in the treated area
- Swelling that lasts longer than one week
- Pain that persists beyond one week after surgery
2nd day
The second day is the most important of your garment recovery. You should start wearing it as much as possible, but you can take it off for showering and bathing. Wearing it will help with swelling, reduce bruising and provide support for your body after liposuction. If you have a job that requires sitting or standing for long hours, then we recommend using a compression garment on the second day so that there is no chance of any fluid accumulation in the lower body part during this time period.
3rd day
- Wear your garment for as long as your doctor recommends.
- Wear the garment for as many days as your doctor recommends, if possible. The more time you spend in the compression garment, the better!
- You can wear it longer than you think if necessary—it’s up to you and how much support you need. Don’t be afraid of overdoing it either: there are no negative side effects of wearing a compression garment too long (other than extra laundry). You won’t be hurting yourself by keeping it on longer than needed—just make sure that the material isn’t so tight that it becomes uncomfortable or cuts off circulation (if this happens, loosen up those straps!).

5th day
- You may still experience some swelling, which can make your garment feel tight.
- If you’re still experiencing pain or discomfort in your liposuction areas, this is a good time to wear your compression garment for the full recovery period.
10th day
The garment should be removed 10 days after your procedure. It is important to remember that the body is still healing and you should not do any strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks after surgery. It is also important that the garment does not become loose during this time as it could lead to complications such as infection or fluid build up in your lungs. If you find yourself having trouble tightening your compression garment, speak with a doctor or other medical professional immediately!
Make sure to take good care of your compression garment by washing it once per week with mild soap and water, patting dry and allowing it to air dry completely before wearing again (air drying will prevent shrinkage). After a period of time has passed, replace your compression garments if they begin fitting loosely on you so that they continue doing their job effectively: helping with swelling reduction while promoting healthy blood flow back into surrounding tissues by providing gentle pressure where needed most—on bruised tissue surfaces near surgical incisions!
20th day
You can wear the compression garment for up to 20 days. You should not wear the garment if you feel uncomfortable, or if it causes pain or discomfort. If your doctor prescribes a certain type of compression garment, please follow his/her instructions closely and refrain from wearing any other type of compression garments during treatment.
Compression garments are designed to keep your body warm and stable, so you may want to wear the garment throughout the post-surgery period.
Compression garments are designed to keep your body warm and stable, so you may want to wear the garment throughout the post-surgery period. This helps with several important things:
- Keeping the swelling down
- Helping with the healing process
- Helping with recovery
- It helps with reducing bruising, swelling, and pain.
what happens if you don’t wear compression garment after liposuction
The phrase “compression garment” conjures up images of celebrities wearing Spanx, athletes in tight sleeves and leggings and jet-setters sporting special socks on long-haul flights. While they are all examples of compression clothing, the compression garments used in medicine are more advanced, high-tech designs specially constructed to facilitate healing and enhance results.
Compression is a key component of the liposuction recovery process for many of our patients at Advanced Aesthetics. Compression garments offer many benefits to men and women recovering from liposuction and other body contouring procedures and can make a dramatic difference in the surgical outcome. Proper use of a compression garment is one of the best things you can do to shape the sleeker physique you’re hoping to achieve. What are compression garments? Medical compression garments are made from strong, synthetic fabrics (such as nylon and lycra) that stretch and apply pressure to the body when they are worn after a surgical procedure. The garments are made in various styles and sizes so they can be worn by a wide range of patients on many different parts of the body. A girdle-like compression garment would be appropriate after liposuction of the abdomen, for instance, while compression stockings or sleeves would be recommended after liposuction of the legs or arms, respectively. All medical compression garments are designed to provide a level of pressure that encourages healing, not the kind of pressure created by “waist trainers” or other types of shape-wear used for fashion.
Why are compression garments worn after liposuction?
Surgeons recommend wearing a compression garment after liposuction for several reasons related to achieving a comfortable recovery and optimal results:
Compression Garments Help Reduce Swelling
Wearing a compression garment after liposuction helps the body recover and increases your comfort during the healing process. The body naturally produces fluids during recovery. These fluids can accumulate and become trapped, causing swelling and discomfort and prolonging the healing process. Many liposuction patients experience significant postoperative swelling that can last for weeks. A compression garment applies even pressure across the treatment area, preventing excessive fluid buildup and helping your body absorb any fluid that does accumulate.
Compression Garments Can Decrease Bruising
Bruising is to be expected after liposuction. Its severity and longevity will vary from patient to patient, but it can be minimized by wearing a compression garment. Bruises occur as a result of trauma to blood vessels. When blood vessels are injured, blood enters the surrounding tissue and discolors the visible skin above the injury site. The consistent pressure of a compression garment helps stop bleeding and prevents blood from moving toward the skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of bruises.

Compression Garments Can Improve Scarring
Scarring can occur after liposuction, but it is rarely significant. The incisions used in the procedure are small and strategically located to reduce their visibility as much as possible. The degree of scarring experienced depends on a mix of factors, including the technique used and the patient’s genetic tendency to develop scars. If you are concerned about scarring, wearing a compression garment can provide peace of mind. Pressure helps soften, flatten and further reduce the appearance of liposuction’s already discreet scars.
Compression Garments Can Shape Your Final Results
Wearing a compression garment can improve the contour of the treatment area, helping you achieve optimal liposuction results. The support of the garment helps your body adapt to its new streamlined shape and reduces the risk of your skin developing a lax or wrinkled appearance. This can mean smoother, tighter, more attractive liposuction results. Some patients also find that wearing a compression garment improves their posture and facilitates easy movement after a body contouring procedure.
Are there risks associated with wearing a compression garment?
A compression garment is tight by design. Patients sometimes experience discomfort as they get used to the sensation of wearing one, particularly in the early stages when postoperative swelling is at its height. A compression garment is not, however, intended to place excessive pressure on the treatment area. Too much compression can be painful and may increase the risk of developing pressure necrosis or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). An ill-fitting or improperly worn compression garment can contribute to seroma formation or surface contour irregularities. If you have any concerns about your compression garment being too tight or not fitting properly, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon.
How should a compression garment be worn?
Any time you undergo a medical procedure, it is important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and attractive results. Compression garments play an important role in proper healing after liposuction. They come in a variety of styles and sizes for nearly every part of the body. After the procedure, a compression garment will most likely need to be worn immediately and for several weeks after as the initial recovery process takes place. Your surgeon may reduce your compression in stages, starting with a high degree of compression then switching to a lower degree of compression and gradually decreasing the number of hours it must be worn each day. The length of time you will be asked to wear the garment before it can be discarded will depend on the extent of your procedure and your surgeon’s technique and preferences.
To be effective, your compression garment should fit snugly but not be overly restrictive or bulky. It should cover the full extent of the treatment area; if the treatment area is partially exposed, there may be a visible delineation between the area that was covered and the area that was not. Sizing a compression garment correctly can be challenging. Speak with your surgeon and consult the manufacturer’s sizing charts before making any purchases.
Learn More About Liposuction and Recovery
Despite a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine, some stubborn pockets of fat may refuse to budge from your body. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that can reduce these unwanted fat deposits and reveal the slimmer or more toned physique you’ve been working hard to achieve. If you’re ready to love the way you look and want to learn more about how liposuction can help, contact Advanced Aesthetics today at 770-461-4000 to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Reviews & Testimonials
After much research I decided to have tummy tuck surgery with lipo at Advanced Aesthetics in Fayetteville. From the time I booked my consultation to the days after surgery my experience has been top tier. The facility is such a gem!!! Jessica, my patient care coordinator, always returned all my calls, answered all my questions, and delivered A1customer service. Where do I even start with my doctor?… Dr. Gronka was the absolute BEST! When I met Dr. Gronka during my consultation I immediately knew this was the doctor for me! He was funny, caring to my concerns, and just all around knowledgeable and personable. The day of surgery I felt so comfortable and relaxed. The nurses and anesthesiologist were all great! The day after surgery Dr. Gronka called me personally to check and see how I was doing. I had my surgery just days before Christmas so to have him call me personally made me feel even happier with my decision. Now on to my results: I am happy with how everything is looking and healing thus far. I am only 2 weeks post-op and I feel great! I can’t wait to see how my results will improve from here. My scar is low and well placed. My belly button isn’t quite what I expected but it’s still early and at this point it doesn’t even matter I feel and look great! No more saggy loose skin and I received great care. I highly recommend Dr. Gronka and the Advanced Aesthetics team!
Do not got to Mia Aesthetics come to Advanced Aesthetic they have the best plastic surgery doctors in Atlanta Dr, Raniere gave me the perfect breast he also Graduated from the best medical schools and he is State Board Certified. I have had my tummy tuck and my breast done and they are the best thanks 🙏 Mia was so unprofessional when, I had my Lipo 360 done I see why they are so cheap because they are so unprofessional. Once I heal I am going to post my before and after pictures. I am the hottest woman in Atlanta thanks Dr, Raniere I love ❤️ you so much Kateria Wright. You changed my life.