How important Is A Compression Garmet After Liposuction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had liposuction of my neck and jowls several days ago. The doctor who did my surgery told me to keep my head elevated when sleeping with two pillows and wear a neck  compression garment. How important is it to wear this garment and does it affect the final result?

A: The purpose of the compression garment, as the name suggests and it is probably obvious, is that it applies some pressure on the treated area. Its only benefit is that it may help keep down some of the swelling in the first week after sugery. In most cases of liposuction, compression doesn’t usually make a big difference long-term in the result. You undoubtably are asking this question because neck compression garments, in particular, are a nuisance to wear. What I tell my patients, whether it is neck liposuction or a facelift, is to wear it regularly for the first two days after surgery and then just at night for the first week after surgery. Thereafter it may be discarded as it no longer provides any benefit and the patient’s tolerance for it has been reached.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana