Recovery · 4 min read
How Long Should I Wear My Compression Garment?
By Dr. Mitchell Cohen
One of the most common questions patients ask after liposuction is, "How long do I need to wear my compression garment?"
In my practice, I generally recommend wearing a compression garment for a total of six to eight weeks after surgery.
Compression garments help reduce swelling, support the healing tissues, improve comfort, and encourage the skin to conform to your new body contour. They also help minimize fluid buildup during the recovery process.
Stage 1 and Stage 2 Garments
Immediately after surgery, patients are placed into a Stage 1 compression garment. This garment is designed to be comfortable while accommodating postoperative drainage and swelling during the first week of recovery.
At your first postoperative visit, approximately one week after surgery, I evaluate your healing and fit you for a Stage 2 compression garment. The Stage 2 garment provides firmer compression and is designed to support the tissues as swelling continues to improve over the following weeks.
Most patients wear their compression garment nearly full-time for the first six to eight weeks, removing it only for showering and washing.
How Tight Should It Be?
The garment should feel snug and supportive, but not painfully tight. You should be able to breathe comfortably and move normally. If your hands or feet are becoming swollen or the garment is causing significant discomfort, it may be too tight.
As swelling decreases, the garment may begin to feel loose. When that happens, it may be time to size down to maintain proper compression. During your follow-up visits, I evaluate the fit of your garment and make recommendations based on your progress.
By six to eight weeks, most patients are ready to discontinue compression. However, if you still have tenderness, swelling, or areas that remain sensitive, I often recommend continuing to wear the garment at night while sleeping. Many patients find nighttime compression helpful during the final stages of healing.
The goal is not simply to wear a garment for a certain number of weeks. The goal is to provide the right amount of support while your body heals and your final results continue to take shape.
Dr. Mitchell Cohen is a cosmetic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, specializing in awake liposuction under local anesthesia, Quantum RF skin tightening, and body contouring procedures.