Most plastic surgery procedures require that patients wear some type of compression garment, or a faja, after surgery. Such procedures include the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), liposuction, tummy tuck and mommy makeover. While many patients believe the purpose of a faja is simply to give the body an appealing, hourglass look, there are actually many health benefits to wearing a compression garment after surgery.
Decreases Swelling
After plastic surgery, many patients experience significant swelling. A natural body response after surgical trauma increases production of liquids. Sometimes, these liquids can get trapped under the skin, causing painful swelling. The light compression provided by a faja promotes healing and helps the body absorb any fluid that does not accumulate.
Promotes Draining
Sometimes, the only way to reduce fluid buildup is for the body to drain it through any incisions. While this is not the most comfortable process, it is a very natural part of surgery recovery. Depending on the procedure you have had, your surgeon may recommend that you have drainage massages in addition to wearing your compression garment. This specialized form of massage is generally believed to decrease recovery time and improve results by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue formation).
Decreases Bruising
Bruising is a normal side effect after liposuction. Its severity and longevity will vary from patient to patient, but it can be minimized by wearing a faja. Bruises occur as a result of trauma to blood vessels. When blood vessels are injured, blood enters the surrounding tissue and discolors the visible skin above the injury site. This is the purple or blue color you commonly see associated with a bruise. The consistent pressure of a compression garment helps stop bleeding and prevents blood from moving toward the skin’s surface, hence reducing the appearance of bruises.
Decreases Scarring
Scarring can also occur after liposuction, but it is usually not very significant. The incisions used in the procedure are small and strategically located to reduce their visibility as much as possible. The degree of scarring experienced depends on a combination of factors, including the technique used by the surgeon and the patient’s genetic tendency to develop scars. If you are concerned about scarring, wearing a compression garment can provide peace of mind. Pressure helps soften, flatten and further reduce the appearance of scars and fibrosis.
Improves Overall Comfort
While wearing a faja initially will feel strange, it is meant to help reduce some of the unwanted side effects of surgery. Reducing swelling and fluid buildup will help you feel less pain and discomfort. Additionally, the faja serves as a sort of protective barrier for your body from outside objects during the sensitive recovery period. More protection means less pain!
Contours and Shapes the Body
Wearing a compression garment can improve the contour of the treatment area, helping you achieve optimal liposuction results. The support of the garment helps your body adapt to its new streamlined shape and reduces the risk of your skin developing a lax or wrinkled appearance. This can mean smoother, tighter and more attractive results. Some patients also find that wearing a compression garment improves their posture and facilitates easy movement after a body contouring procedure.