A faja is a specialized, high-compression garment worn after liposuction to support the body’s recovery. It provides consistent pressure over the treated areas to manage the significant swelling that occurs following the procedure. The faja is a fundamental part of the post-operative protocol, assisting in sculpting the final body contour. While many patients are eager to stop wearing the garment, the timeline for discontinuation is highly individualized and must be guided by your plastic surgeon. Adherence to the prescribed wear schedule is necessary for ensuring the best possible aesthetic outcome.
The Essential Role of Compression Garments
The primary function of the compression garment is to apply external pressure to the surgical site, controlling post-operative edema, or swelling. Liposuction removes fat cells, leaving behind temporary tunnels and spaces beneath the skin. This disruption causes a natural accumulation of interstitial fluid, which the faja helps push back into the circulatory and lymphatic systems for efficient drainage.
This constant pressure also prevents the accumulation of fluid into localized pockets known as seromas. By minimizing the space where fluid can collect, the garment promotes the smooth re-adherence of the separated skin to the underlying muscle tissue. The compression acts as a temporary binder, helping the skin conform to the reduced volume of the treated area. This mechanism helps achieve a smooth, tight skin surface and prevents a loose or wrinkled appearance.
Typical Timeline and Phased Recovery
The typical recovery process involves a phased approach to wearing the compression garment, generally lasting between six and eight weeks. The first phase, Stage 1, begins immediately after surgery and usually lasts for one to three weeks. During this acute healing period, the garment is worn nearly 24 hours a day, only being removed for brief periods like showering.
The Stage 1 garment is often less restrictive, designed to accommodate the initial post-operative swelling and fluid drainage. Once the acute swelling subsides, typically around the three-week mark, patients transition into a Stage 2 garment. This second garment is firmer and less bulky, focusing on higher compression to refine the final contour.
Stage 2 is worn for several weeks, generally until the six-to-eight-week mark, with wear time often reduced to part-time or 12 hours a day as healing progresses. Some surgeons recommend patients continue wearing a garment for up to three months, especially following extensive procedures or if swelling is persistent. The precise duration is determined by the patient’s individual healing rate, the amount of fat removed, and the extent of the procedure.
Key Indicators for Safe Discontinuation
Discontinuing the faja is based on physical indicators that demonstrate sufficient healing and tissue stabilization, not solely on the calendar. The primary indicator is the explicit approval of your plastic surgeon, who assesses your recovery during follow-up appointments. They gauge the internal healing that is not visible to the patient.
A primary physical sign of readiness is the near-complete resolution of induration, which refers to the firm, lumpy areas of swelling and internal scar tissue. The skin in the treated area should appear smooth and fully adherent to the underlying structures, with no significant laxity or rippling. You should also be able to go without the garment for several hours without experiencing a noticeable increase in swelling or discomfort.
Consequences of Premature Removal
Removing the compression garment before your body has sufficiently healed risks compromising your final aesthetic results. Without sustained pressure, the microscopic tunnels created during fat removal can fill with fluid, dramatically increasing and prolonging post-operative swelling. This extended edema can take much longer to resolve, delaying the appearance of your final contour.
A lack of external pressure can also lead to the formation of seromas, which are pockets of fluid that may require aspiration to drain. The most serious consequence is the potential for compromised contour, where the skin fails to adhere smoothly to the muscle. This can result in permanent irregularities, such as unevenness, rippling, or waviness in the skin texture, which are difficult to correct later. Adhering to the prescribed compression schedule is a direct investment in securing the smooth, sculpted results.