What should you know about a garment to wear after liposuction?

A compression garment applies even support to the treated area while swelling settles. It may also make movement more comfortable and protect dressings from rubbing. It cannot replace wound care, prescribed medication, follow-up, or gradual return to activity.

The correct garment depends on the body region, incision sites, swelling, and whether drains or dressings are present. A garment that folds, digs into an incision, or creates a numb or cold area is not fitting safely.

Follow the surgeon's instructions for when to put it on, how long to wear it, and when it may be removed for bathing or washing. Keep the skin and incisions clean and dry as directed. Have a clean replacement available so the garment can be washed without extending an unapproved break.

Do not size down to create extra pressure, alter the garment over a wound, or use a substitute without checking first. Check the skin regularly for pressure marks, increasing tenderness, blistering, or colour change. Move gently as advised and keep follow-up appointments.

Contact the surgical team urgently for trouble breathing, chest pain, faintness, rapidly increasing swelling, heavy bleeding, fever, spreading redness, foul drainage, or severe one-sided pain. Remove or loosen the garment only as instructed if it causes numbness, pale or blue skin, or impaired circulation.

Ask which garment design and size to use, how to position it around incisions or drains, how to wash it, and which symptoms mean the pressure is too strong.