Liposuction Compression Garment: What You Need to Know
Having liposuction or surgery can interfere with the function of the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that carries lymphocytes, those critical immune cells that protect against viruses and bacteria. After liposuction plastic surgery, your surgeon may tell you to get a liposuction compression garment. Here are the basics about these medical devices:
What Is a Liposuction Compression Garment?
A liposuction compression garment is a garment that you wear after plastic surgery. It’s made of a mesh fabric that supports, or compresses, the lymphatic system. Putting pressure on the lymphatic system helps fluid and blood flow more easily through your blood vessels, so you don’t have the severe swelling and fluid accumulation that often occurs after surgery when you’re immobile or doing only light physical activity.
There are a lot of compression garments on the market. You can find compression socks, compression arm sleeves, and compression stockings in thigh high and knee high lengths. For liposuction surgery, your doctor will recommend a full-body liposuction compression garment.
How Long Do I Wear Them?
Your surgeon will give you the specifics on how long to wear them, but you’ll probably need to wear them 24 hours a day, seven days a week for three to six months until you’re fully healed. Today’s liposuction compression garments are made of elastic fabric that aren’t too bulky, so you can wear them under clothes. Think of them like a healthy girdle for your body.
What Type of Liposuction Compression Garment Is Best?
Researchers from Houston, Texas, conducted a study evaluating two types of liposuction compression garments: those made from a control garment called PowerNet and those made from an elastic fabric technology called F5-certified experimental garment, or ComfortWeave. Patients tested both types of garments, which covered them from below the breasts to mid-calf, for 30 days and then completed an extensive survey about their experiences.
The results? 82% of the patients preferred the ComfortWeave garments made by Marena, compared to the control-top like garments. Participants said the Marena garments were softer and created a better-fitting shape. They reported the control garment was itchier and caused more skin irritation. The researchers concluded that the F5 garments made it easier for patients to comply with their doctors’ recommendations to wear liposuction compression garments.
Liposuction compression garments, like those manufactured by Marena, are labeled by stage – first, second, third. The stage refers to the stage of recovery you’re in – so certain ones you wear right away after surgery (first), others you wear in the second stage like camisoles and girdles (second), and the third you wear when you’re almost healed. The earlier the stage, the stronger the compression level, or how tightly the fabric pushes on your lymphatic system.
Where Do You Buy a Lipo Compression Garment?
You can buy liposuction compression garments online; there are several brands and varieties to choose from:
One reviewer says: “This is the best bodysuit I’ve found. It truly does everything I need it to do. It offers great support without feeling like your grandmother’s girdle. AND because of the very generous gusset atea, it is actually possible to use the bathroom without incident.”
Another reports: “This is the BEST full-body shaper I’ve found! It’s just the right support, not too hot, the underwires don’t poke (although at an “F” cup size I find the support could be better) and you can wear a bra underneath if you want.”
Here’s what one reviewer says about Marena compression garments: “I’m in love with this compression garment. I had a tummy tuck and my plastic surgeon recommended me to start using a second stage garment so I decided to try this one and I don’t regret it, it’s lightweight but it provides the necessary compression, I was using a Veronique one and this one is much better and cheaper. I would recommend this garment to anyone looking for 2nd stage garment.”
- Marena Support Girdle with Medium Legs (F5 Certified Compression Garment with ComfortWeave)
- Marena Support Girdle with Short Legs (F5 Certified Compression Garment with ComfortWeave)
One user expressed her surprise about this garment: “I was a bit concerned when I received this item. I had purchased it thinking it had shoulder straps to hold it up. It doesn’t. however the item does not fall or roll down. It provides great support, without binding or hurting you. I am very happy with it.”