Why Is Shapewear Needed After Surgery?

Nov 10
2 min read

After surgery, it’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and anxiety. The body undergoes major changes, and the first days can be uncomfortable both physically and emotionally. But as your clinic and recovery team guide you through the healing process, you’ll start to feel stronger each day.

During this stage, your doctor will likely recommend a post-surgery compression garment, also known as post-surgical shapewear or faja. Some prefer high compression fajas with hooks and zippers, while others suggest seamless medium compression shapewear for early recovery.

So, why is compression shapewear so important after surgery? Let’s break it down.

Medical Benefits of Compression Garments

Wearing a compression garment after surgery is more than a comfort measure—it’s a medical necessity.According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, 2023), compression plays a key role in supporting your recovery and maintaining results.

Here’s how post-surgical shapewear helps:

Reduces swelling and fluid retention (edema) after surgery.
Improves blood circulation, accelerating healing.
Protects incisions and minimizes irritation or infection risk.
Shapes and sculpts your body, ensuring smooth contours as tissues heal.
Supports skin retraction after procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck.

Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 Compression Shapewear

Surgeons typically recommend wearing fajas throughout different healing phases:

Stage 1: Medium Compression (First 1–2 weeks)

Ideal for initial recovery. Seamless, breathable shapewear minimizes irritation and helps reduce swelling while allowing free movement.

Stage 2: High Compression (Weeks 3–8)

As inflammation decreases, tighter compression garments define and sculpt the body, giving permanent contour and ensuring smooth, even healing.

These garments are crucial in liposuction recovery, BBL surgery, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) results.

Why Post-Surgical Shapewear Matters

Skipping compression shapewear can lead to complications such as:

Uneven healing or fluid buildup (seroma)
Hardening of tissues (fibrosis)
Asymmetric or lumpy results
Delayed wound closure

Post-surgical fajas are not only functional—they are confidence boosters. Patients recover faster, move easier, and feel secure knowing their results are supported.

Conclusion: Heal, Shape, and Feel Confident

Wearing shapewear after surgery isn’t vanity—it’s science-backed care.It protects your results, reduces discomfort, and enhances your confidence during recovery.

Whether your doctor recommends seamless or high-compression shapewear, the goal remains the same:a smooth, safe, and beautiful recovery.

Let us help you in your recovery process. Browse our products for post op recovery and daily use!

References:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). Postoperative Care and Recovery Guidelines. https://www.plasticsurgery.org
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Wound Healing and Postoperative Compression Therapy. https://www.mayoclinic.org
Nguyen, T., & Rohrich, R. J. (2021). Postoperative Care in Aesthetic Surgery: Evidence-Based Recommendations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 147(3), 527–533.