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If you have had liposuction in the past, you likely know that wearing a medical-grade compression garment continuously is crucial for achieving satisfying results.
By incorporating post-lipo compression garments into your post-surgery care routine, you can optimise your recovery timeline, significantly reduce bruising and swelling, and achieve the best results you hoped for.
What is a compression garment?
A compression garment is a specialised piece of apparel that delivers steady and gentle pressure to support post-surgery healing in targeted areas.
It is typically crafted from hypoallergenic materials, such as breathable nylon, medical-grade elastic, or latex-free fabrics [1].
So, how does wearing a compression garment improve your liposuction results?
Tissue trauma
During liposuction, tissue trauma occurs as the cannula disrupts blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and fat structures, resulting in swelling, bruising, and inflammation.
Although these are common post-surgery side effects for any form of surgery, they can prolong the recovery process.
Compression garments play a key role in post-surgical recovery.
Their gentle but steady and constant pressure helps combat swelling, accelerates your body's natural healing process, and ultimately optimises your final results [2].
6 Benefits of wearing compression garments post-liposuction
01. Reduce Swelling
Post-lipo swelling occurs due to tissue trauma and fluid accumulation and is an expected response after lipo, as a regular part of healing and not a surgical complication.
Medical-grade compression garments significantly reduce seroma risks by collapsing potential fluid spaces, supporting tissue re-adhesion for a smoother body contour and minimising inflammation and fibrosis.
Compression garments should be worn consistently for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks, as they help manage swelling from the first day.
24 hours to 14 days
Initial swelling typically begins between 24 and 48 hours, with mild increases over the first 10 to 14 days. During this period, the treated area will feel soft and slightly tender.
Week 2 to 3
The swelling transition happens around this period, as your body absorbs residual fluid. The area will "firm up" with tenderness gradually fading.
Week 4 to 8
By Week 4 to 6, parts of the treated area begin to soften unevenly, progressing towards uniform suppleness by Week 6 to 8.
Throughout this recovery journey, your compression garment is essential as it guides your new contours while supporting your body's recovery [3].
02. Reduce Bruising
Liposuction may result in the disruption of blood vessels, causing bruising. Post-lipo compression garments help reduce bruising by preventing blood from pooling and reaching the skin's surface.
03. Minimise Pain or Discomfort
Post-lipo compression garments provide constant pressure on the treated area, which helps to relieve discomfort post-surgery and minimise pain.
04. Minimises seroma risk
Seromas (pockets of clear fluid) can occasionally develop in treated areas. Two primary procedural factors may contribute:
1. Overly aggressive technique in one area, disrupting the tissue's natural scaffolding and creating space for fluid [3].
2. Significant lymphatic vessel damage, impairing fluid drainage [3].
Our 20+ years of clinical experience in liposuction management have revealed a third key factor: inconsistent use of compression garments.
An ill-fitting garment or frequent removal and reapplication would not be able to provide the sustained pressure needed to collapse potential fluid spaces.
This dramatically elevates seroma risk.
05. Scarring Prevention
Post-lipo compression garments provide gentle pressure, reducing tension on incision sites, promote proper healing and minimise the formation of raised or thickened scars.
06. Promotes Skin Contraction
Post-operatively, diligent monitoring of compression garment fit is essential.
A properly fitted garment optimises skin retraction for smoother results, while an ill-fitting one, particularly when combined with poor posture, may contribute to surface irregularities, such as dents.
At Amaris B. Clinic, our medical team proactively counsels and guides patients on correct application techniques.
Should surface irregularities occur, they may present as dimples, grooves, wrinkles, or skin folds.
Therefore, consistent use of compression garments is critical to minimise these concerns.
Caring for Your Compression Garment
Your compression garment is made up of medical-grade materials and requires gentle care.
When dressing, take care to remove rings and bracelets to prevent tearing the garment.
For optimal hygiene and function, our medical team at Amaris B. Clinic recommends to:
1. Rotate between two garments if possible.
2. Hand-wash the garment in cool water with a mild detergent, gently squeezing out excess moisture — never wringing it.
3. Machine-wash only if necessary: Use cold water, a delicate cycle, and a mesh garment bag.
4. Always air-dry flat and away from direct heat as machine drying can cause degradation of elasticity.
5. Store rolled (not folded) in a cool, dry place to maintain the integrity of the fabric and its compression strength.
Consistent care ensures your garment delivers steady therapeutic pressure throughout your recovery.
