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I’m sure almost all of us can remember that very first time we took off the compression garment after our initial lipedema liposuction – and those nerve-wracking moments before, when we weren’t quite sure if it was even time to remove it yet.
Here, I want to walk you through what to keep in mind when it comes to wearing your compression garment.
So you finally gather the courage and carefully peel yourself out of the compression garment for the first time. Then comes the slow shuffle to the nearest mirror to get a look at the surgeon’s work. What greets you is purple-blue discoloration, swelling, scabs over the incision points, and loose skin. It looks nothing like the slim, comfortable legs you have been dreaming of.
But please don’t worry – this is completely normal. The appearance will gradually improve over the coming weeks and throughout the healing year.
After your shower, try not to leave the garment off for too long. Ideally, put it back on while it is still damp from being washed. Of course, that is easier said than done.
You might manage to get it over your heel without too much trouble, but by the time you reach knee height on freshly operated calves, things start to get painful and your arms tire quickly. It takes real patience and effort. Take your time, breathe deeply, and know that you can do this. Ask someone to help if you can, or try working it on in stages – lying down is often the easiest position. Within the 6 to 8 weeks of recommended wear, putting it on and taking it off will become second nature, I promise. Once the initial swelling and pain settle, it gets much easier.
Around four days after your operation, you can take the compression garment off for the first time to have a shower. Choose the moment when you feel ready and when your circulation feels stable. For the first few occasions, it’s a good idea to have someone with you in the bathroom. Opening a window can also help – fresh air does wonders for your circulation.
If you still feel uncertain during those first days, there is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping the garment on and showering in it.
Dampen the garment before taking it off to help loosen any scabs that have formed at the incision sites. Later, once the sites are only weeping slightly, you can use plasters to stop them from sticking to the fabric.
Take the garment off while lying down. This helps prevent any dizziness or circulatory problems.
Use your shower time and the minutes afterwards to wash the garment. A technical detergent is ideal, and wash it through twice the first time. Never use fabric softener – it damages the elastic fibers.
Put the garment back on while it is still damp, then pat it dry with a towel.
Getting dressed in the first few days after surgery takes real effort. That is completely normal and it makes it easier.
You should be able to move and breathe comfortably in your compression garment, and there should be no wrinkling. A certain amount of firm pressure is necessary to achieve the right level of medical compression. If it feels too tight in places, you can cushion pressure points with cotton pads. Pay particular attention to the waistband area – if it is too tight here, it can block lymphatic drainage. If the garment restricts your breathing at all, please contact our team and we will help you sort it out.
The garment needs to be worn around the clock for 6 to 8 weeks – day and night. It should only come off for washing, showering, and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) sessions.
For MLD appointments, you can keep the compression garment on for up to 10 days after your operation, removing it only once it is comfortable and easy to do so. The recommended schedule for lymphatic drainage is three sessions per week for the first three weeks after surgery, two sessions per week for the following two weeks, and then one session per week for a few more weeks after that. Book your appointments as far ahead as you can. During the first week, you should not drive yourself, so arrange for someone to take you to and from your appointments, or check whether your physiotherapy practice offers home visits.
Still have questions about your compression garment that we haven’t covered here?
Please get in touch with us – we are always happy to help.
Warmest regards, and wishing you a smooth recovery,
Your LIPOCOACH® Pia
If you are not quite ready to speak to a surgeon about liposuction, or if you are feeling nervous ahead of your procedure, our LIPOCOACH® Pia is here for you. She will support you throughout the entire process so that you feel comfortable, reassured, and able to look forward to the outcome of your surgery.
We offer free appointments with our LIPOCOACH® . Contact our London clinic to arrange a time that works for you.
Need guidance on compression after surgery? Our London team is here to help. Book a consultation.
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Compression garments should be worn day and night for 6 to 8 weeks. They should only be removed for showering, washing, and manual lymphatic drainage.
Approximately four days after surgery, you can remove the garment for the first time to shower. Have someone nearby and take it slowly.
Wash with a technical detergent while you shower. Wash it twice on the first occasion. Never use fabric softener. Put the garment back on while damp and pat dry with a towel.
You can pad pressure points with cotton pads. The garment should not restrict your breathing or block lymphatic drainage. If it is genuinely too tight, contact your clinical team for advice.
Ideally three times per week for the first three weeks, twice per week for the next two weeks, then once per week for several more weeks.
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