Fajas are high-compression garments, often originating from Colombia, popular for instantly contouring the body and creating a defined silhouette. These garments, ranging from waist cinchers to full-body shapers, are commonly worn for aesthetic purposes to smooth the appearance of the midsection under clothing. Fajas also have legitimate use in the medical field, particularly following cosmetic procedures. However, the growing trend of wearing these garments for extended periods daily has raised concerns among health professionals about the potential long-term effects of continuous compression.
Immediate Effects on Internal Function
Wearing an overly tight faja exerts intense, external pressure on the abdominal cavity, immediately disrupting normal physiological processes. This compression significantly increases intra-abdominal pressure, forcing organs closer together and upward. This upward pressure can push stomach contents toward the esophagus, frequently triggering or aggravating symptoms of acid reflux (GERD).
The diaphragm, the primary muscle for breathing, moves downward during inhalation. When a tight faja restricts this movement, it forces the wearer to take shallower, less efficient breaths. Consistent restriction can lead to discomfort and may prevent the body from achieving full oxygen exchange during respiration. Furthermore, the pressure can affect the bladder and pelvic floor, sometimes leading to stress incontinence or an increased risk of urinary tract infections if the wearer avoids using the restroom due to the difficulty of removing the garment.
Structural Impact on Core and Posture
The continuous, firm support a faja provides to the torso can inadvertently lead to a weakening of the body’s natural core musculature over time. Abdominal muscles, including the transverse abdominis and obliques, stabilize the spine and maintain posture. When the garment acts as a brace by externally holding the torso erect, these muscles can become deactivated or underutilized.
This reliance on external support means that when the faja is removed, core muscles may lack the necessary strength and endurance to support the spine naturally. Prolonged use can create a dependency, potentially resulting in poor posture and increased susceptibility to lower back pain. The body learns to stabilize itself using the external shell of the faja, rather than engaging its intrinsic stabilizing system.
Skin Irritation and Circulation Risks
The materials used in high-compression garments, combined with their tight fit, create an environment that can lead to several dermatological issues. Non-breathable fabrics trap heat and moisture against the skin, fostering a damp setting ideal for the growth of yeast and bacteria. This can result in skin irritations such as heat rash, chafing, folliculitis, or fungal infections like intertrigo, particularly in skin folds.
A localized risk is meralgia paresthetica, a neurological condition caused by the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve near the groin area. This nerve compression can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the outer thigh. While rare, overly restrictive garments can also hinder the venous return of blood from the lower extremities. Although medical-grade compression is used to prevent blood clots, an ill-fitting garment worn for long periods, especially while sedentary, may carry a theoretical risk of worsening circulation or contributing to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Appropriate Use in Medical Contexts
It is important to distinguish between the daily, aesthetic use of fajas and their specific, temporary application in a medical setting. Following body contouring procedures like liposuction or abdominoplasty, surgeons routinely prescribe compression garments. In this context, the controlled pressure serves a specific therapeutic purpose: reducing post-operative swelling and fluid accumulation, known as edema.
The compression helps the skin conform to the newly sculpted contours, promoting better adherence to the underlying muscle and tissue. This pressure also assists in stabilizing the surgical site, minimizing bruising, and supporting the healing process. When used medically, the faja is a prescribed device, often worn in stages of decreasing compression, and its use is limited to the recovery period.