A faja, also known as a compression garment, is a medical device worn immediately following body contouring procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL). This specialized garment is constructed from strong, elastic materials like nylon and spandex to apply sustained pressure to the treated areas. It is a mandated part of the post-operative protocol designed to manage swelling, promote healing, and ensure the best possible aesthetic outcome. Following your surgeon’s instructions regarding the faja’s use is essential.
Why Constant Compression is Necessary Initially
The body’s natural reaction to the trauma of surgery is an inflammatory response, causing a rush of fluid to the surgical site. Constant, high-level compression from a Stage 1 faja works to mitigate this post-operative edema by limiting the space where fluid can accumulate in the tissues. This sustained external pressure helps reduce overall swelling and associated discomfort more effectively than intermittent wear. The compression also prevents the formation of seromas and hematomas (pockets of fluid or blood) by pressing the tissues firmly together. This action helps seal off damaged vessels and encourages the body to re-absorb fluids naturally. Furthermore, continuous wear aids in skin adherence and retraction, helping the skin re-drape smoothly over the newly contoured shape to achieve a tight, even result.
The Standard Timeline for Reducing Wear
The most intensive phase of recovery requires 24/7 wear of the Stage 1 faja, which typically lasts for the first one to six weeks following surgery. This initial period, when swelling is at its peak, carries the greatest risk of fluid collection and poor skin adhesion. Surgeons often permit removal only for showering and washing the garment, which is why having a second faja is frequently recommended for consistency.
Following this initial phase, patients transition to a Stage 2 garment, which offers a slightly lighter, though still substantial, level of compression. The surgeon typically determines the timing for this switch between three and six weeks post-operation, once the majority of acute swelling has subsided.
The second phase involves reducing the wear time to approximately 12 to 18 hours per day, allowing the body to gradually adjust without external support. This reduced wear phase can last for an additional four to eight weeks, bringing the total time wearing some form of compression to around two to three months. Any adjustment to the faja schedule, including the transition to Stage 2, must be approved by the surgeon, as these timelines are general guidelines and not medical mandates.
Recognizing When It Is Safe to Stop Completely
The final decision to discontinue faja use must always come from your plastic surgeon, as they monitor the internal healing process. The body must demonstrate that the treated areas have stabilized and that the risk of complication has passed.
A key indicator of readiness is the near-complete resolution of swelling; if swelling returns noticeably after an extended period without the garment, continued wear is still necessary. The skin’s texture and firmness should also be stable, showing no signs of irregularity or looseness, indicating successful dermal retraction to the new contours. Patients often observe that their faja begins to feel loose during this period, which signals that the initial post-surgical volume has decreased.
Removing the garment before these milestones are met or without a doctor’s approval can result in prolonged swelling, irregular contours, or a compromised aesthetic outcome. Premature cessation risks losing the smooth shape the faja was working to create, potentially requiring revision to correct uneven healing.