A faja, or compression garment, is a specialized medical device prescribed after liposuction. It applies consistent pressure across the areas where fat was removed. Surgeons consider the faja a non-negotiable component of the post-operative healing protocol, directly influencing both recovery safety and the final aesthetic outcome. Skipping its use bypasses a mechanism designed to manage the body’s response to the procedure.
The Essential Function of Post-Lipo Compression
Liposuction creates a temporary void, or “dead space,” between the skin and the underlying muscle structure. The faja’s constant pressure collapses this space, encouraging the skin and soft tissues to adhere smoothly to the new, contoured surface. This mechanical apposition minimizes fluid accumulation in the surgical site.
Compression also supports the body’s compromised circulatory and lymphatic systems. External pressure assists lymphatic vessels in draining excess fluid and inflammatory byproducts, managing post-operative swelling (edema) and supporting tissue stabilization.
Acute Risks of Skipping the Faja
A primary immediate risk of failing to wear the faja is seroma formation. A seroma is a pocket of fluid that collects under the skin in the “dead space” the garment is meant to close. Large or persistent seromas often require multiple drainage procedures, which prolongs recovery and increases the risk of infection.
Without external support, post-surgical swelling (edema) is typically more severe and lasts longer. Uncontrolled edema causes increased pain, discomfort, and hinders the patient’s return to normal activities. Furthermore, the garment helps staunch minor bleeding; a lack of compression can lead to more significant bruising or hematoma formation, where blood pools under the skin. These acute complications often necessitate additional medical intervention and significantly delay the overall healing timeline.
Long-Term Aesthetic Damage
Inadequate compression compromises the final aesthetic result. The faja facilitates skin retraction, allowing the skin to shrink and tighten over the reduced area. Without consistent pressure, the treated skin may not uniformly adhere to underlying tissues, resulting in skin laxity or a loose, slightly saggy appearance.
Lack of support also increases the risk of contour irregularities, such as noticeable lumps or an uneven surface texture. Fluid remaining in the surgical site can lead to chronic inflammation and the formation of fibrosis. Fibrosis is hardened, internal scar tissue that creates a firm, irregular texture, which may be difficult to correct without further procedures.
Recommended Faja Wearing Schedule
The post-liposuction compression regimen is divided into two distinct stages to accommodate the body’s healing process. Patients begin with a Stage 1 garment immediately after surgery, offering a moderate level of initial compression. This stage usually lasts two to three weeks and requires continuous wear, often 23 hours a day, removed only for showering.
The transition to a Stage 2 garment occurs once significant swelling subsides, typically around the three-week mark. This second garment provides targeted compression to assist in further contouring and skin tightening. Surgeons generally advise wearing the Stage 2 garment for several months, recommending a total compression period of six weeks to six months. As swelling decreases, patients may need to size down to maintain therapeutic pressure.