Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes localized fat deposits to reshape specific areas of the body. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube called a cannula through small incisions to suction out fat cells, reducing the volume in the treated area. This process causes controlled trauma to the tissue and leaves a temporary space where the fat once was. Therefore, the application of a specialized compression garment immediately following the procedure is a necessary part of the recovery protocol to ensure proper healing.
Controlling Edema and Promoting Healing
The primary physiological function of the compression garment is to manage the significant fluid changes that occur after fat removal. Liposuction disrupts small blood vessels and lymphatic channels, leading to post-surgical swelling, known as edema. The constant, targeted external pressure helps reduce this swelling by restricting the space available for fluid accumulation.
This uniform pressure encourages the lymphatic system to absorb and drain away the excess interstitial fluid, effectively accelerating the resolution of edema. By keeping the tissue layers compressed, the garment also minimizes the potential for blood to leak from damaged capillaries and pool beneath the skin, which significantly reduces bruising and the formation of a hematoma.
Fluid pockets called seromas can form in the newly created space if the skin and underlying tissue do not adhere quickly. The compression garment prevents seroma formation by physically pressing the skin against the deeper muscle fascia, eliminating the “dead space” where fluid could collect. This support also stabilizes the treated area, reducing movement and friction that could increase pain and discomfort during recovery.
Securing Optimal Body Contours
Beyond managing internal fluids, the compression garment plays a structural role in determining the final aesthetic result of the procedure. Liposuction reduces underlying volume, leaving the overlying skin loose. The garment acts as an external mold, guiding the skin to smoothly retract and conform to the new contour.
This continuous support is important for preventing irregularities, such as waviness, dimpling, or uneven bulges, which can occur if the skin settles during the healing process. By stabilizing the remaining fat and tissue, the garment ensures the surface remains smooth and even as internal tissues heal and form new structural connections. The pressure helps the skin adhere uniformly to the underlying tissue, maintaining the integrity of the surgical site and the newly achieved shape.
Understanding Garment Phases and Compliance
The compression protocol is divided into two phases, each requiring a specific type of garment and duration of wear. Phase 1 garments are applied immediately after surgery and provide a high level of compression (20–30 mmHg), worn continuously for the first one to three weeks. These garments focus on maximizing fluid control and initial tissue adherence.
As swelling subsides, patients transition to Phase 2 garments, which offer a moderate or lighter level of compression, worn for an additional few weeks or months, as directed by the surgeon. The total duration of compression wear ranges from six weeks up to six months, with the schedule gradually reducing from near 24/7 wear to daytime-only wear.
Non-compliance with the prescribed wearing schedule carries direct consequences for the surgical outcome. Failure to wear the garment increases the risk of prolonged and excessive swelling, as fluid is allowed to accumulate unchecked. Insufficient compression also increases the risk of developing permanent contour deformities, such as lumps, bumps, or loose skin. Consistent adherence to the surgeon’s instructions is necessary to safeguard the final aesthetic result.