A compression garment is worn for six weeks after body contouring surgery, day and night. It is not optional and it is not a comfort measure — it is part of how the contour settles.
What it does
- Holds the skin against the tissue underneath so it heals attached rather than over a fluid-filled space.
- Controls swelling, which is otherwise considerable after large-area surgery.
- Reduces the chance of a seroma, working alongside the drains.
- Supports the repair where the abdominal wall has been tightened, making movement more comfortable.
Wearing it inconsistently in the first six weeks is one of the few things within your control that genuinely affects the result.
The six weeks in practice
| When | Wear |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–6 | Day and night, removed only to shower as directed |
| Week 6 onward | Comes off at your second review, with Prineo and Micropore |
| Beyond six weeks | Some patients choose to keep wearing it for comfort; it is no longer required |
Fitting and sizing
Dr Kumar’s nurses do garment measurements, and they will size you before surgery so the garment is ready. Sizing matters: too loose and it does nothing, too tight and it creases, digs in and can compromise the skin at the fold.
You will usually want a second garment so one can be washed while the other is worn. Most patients find this out in week one and would rather have known beforehand.
Living in it
- Wash it daily and air-dry it — the dryer damages the elastic.
- Watch for creases and ridges, particularly over the scar. Smooth them out; a fold pressing on a healing wound can cause a problem.
- Wear something thin underneath if it rubs.
- Plan for summer. Six weeks of continuous compression in January is a real consideration when choosing a surgery date.
- Tell the nurses if it hurts. Pain from a garment is a sizing problem, not something to endure.
When to call
Ring Dr Kumar’s nurses on 1300 267 726 if the garment is causing pain rather than pressure, if the skin under an edge becomes red, broken or blistered, if you cannot get it on or off without help, or if an area is swelling despite wearing it.
Common questions
Can I take it off to sleep? No — day and night for six weeks.
Can I shower without it? Yes, as directed. Put it straight back on.
What if I lose weight during recovery? Tell the nurses; you may need a smaller size for the later weeks.
Will it tighten my skin? No. It controls swelling and supports healing. Skin tightening comes from what was excised in theatre.
Do I need one after liposuction too? Yes, six weeks. Liposuction recovery.
Next step
Garment measurement is part of your pre-operative appointment with Dr Kumar’s nurses, who are the same nurses you see at every review afterwards. Bring a GP referral — it is required to see Dr Kumar. Call 1300 267 726. More about recovery week by week and preparing for surgery.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
