After Body Contouring procedures that include Liposuction, many surgeons strongly recommend that a compression garment, also known as “fajas colombianas”, be worn to help reduce the amount of fluid build-up and fibrosis formation in your body. It’s  also believed they play a big role in “snatching” your waist. The length of time varies from surgeon to surgeon but you’re typically asked to wear the faja for 1-3 months immediately following your procedure. There are so many types of garments out there, it can be really confusing on what to buy and how to wear your fajas throughout recovery. This guide and demonstration video should help clarify!

Timeline: Worn at all times until you are 3 weeks post op. You can remove it only to shower, once a day and then put it on as quickly as possible.

Compression Level: This LOW compression garment should not be too tight. It is vital that you have good blood circulation during this period of time to avoid faja burn, permanent indentations, and scarring. Your stage 1 Faja’s sole purpose is to minimize swelling NOT snatch your waist… That comes later!

Accessories: The first 3 weeks require the use of abdominal board and foam inserts at all times. You may remove the abdominal board to sleep.

Pro Tip: I highly recommend purchasing your Stage 1 faja from your surgeon so that you can try it on for size during your pre-op appointment. Because you are put into the faja right after surgery, it’s super important that it be the right fit AND compression level.

Product Recommendation: Faja Post Surgery Compression Garment or Plus Size Fajas Post Surgery Compression Garment

Timeline: Worn at all times until you are 3 months post-op. You can remove it only to shower once a day & then put it on as quickly as possible.

Compression Level: This HIGH compression faja is very tight, very uncomfortable, and typically has eye-hook connectors down the front that allow you to tighten it over time as your waist “snatches” to the gods girl! p.s. NO metal boning waist training until you are 3 months out of surgery!

Accessories: During this stage, you may discontinue the use of the foams and abdominal board.

Pro Tip: While you can buy standard-sized fajas, I personally recommend having a custom garment made that will last you your entire recovery. These take about 2 weeks to receive so you will want to order with your new measurements around 4-5 days post-op.

Product Recommendation: St Azar’s Traditional Faja by Curvy Gyals; Built-In Bra, Sleeves Beneath Elbow, Butt In, Above Knee (unless you have thin thighs don’t go shorter)

Female Urinal

During your recovery, especially during the first month, you are getting rid of a lot of fluid and will need to pee every 2-3 hours. Because you are wearing a faja 24/7, and taking off your garment is painful, you will need to pee standing up. I highly recommend the Tinkle Belle. It’s slender shape fits into your faja’s opening seamlessly. Just be sure to practice in the shower a few times before your surgery to get the hang of it… you don’t want to pee on yourself 😉

Compression Socks

Compression socks prevent swelling in your feet and legs after surgery and must be worn for 7 days post-op. If you traveled for surgery, be sure to wear socks on your flight home. Your surgeon typically gives you 1 pair of socks that you wake up in after surgery. I recommend getting a second pair as fluid leaks all over them & you need to wear fresh socks while your others are washing. I also recommend open toe so you don’t slip and fall. I personally really like these Compression Socks by Doc Miller.

Lipo Foams

Lipo Foams are used to give uniform smooth compression and flattening of abdominal skin after cosmetic surgery3 Lipo Foams are inserted inside your garment for the first 3 weeks after surgery. I also recommend wrapping your foams in Plastic Saran Wrapto protect them from fluid stains (trust me they get nasty & can’t be washed).

Seamless Tank Top

You’ll want to wear a seamless tank top to prevent foams from irritating your skin. 

Abdominal & Lumbar Boards

The Abdominal Board provides the extra support your midsection needs after an aesthetic procedure to preventing fluid retention, skin folds, and irritation. This is often required by your surgeon to be worn inside your Stage 1 Faja for 3 weeks after surgery.

The Lumbar Molder gives extra support on your back. and helps shape your lower back. I personally did not use a Lumbar molder but, I know many dolls out there who swear by them.

Arm Compression

If you decide to get Arm Lipo, you will need to purchase an Arm Compression Jacket or Arm Compression Sleeves as Stage 1 Fajas do not come with built-in sleeves. This was something I didn’t know until after my procedure! For my Stage 2 Faja I chose to purchase built in sleeves and bra and this was significantly more comfortable!

Extenders

When you first get into your Stage 2 Faja, the higher compression can be difficult to tolerate. Extenders can be used to give some relief until your waist snatches more and you adjust to the high compression. It’s NOT comfortable.

Final Thoughts

This general guide was created based on my own personal experience and is not meant to be a replacement for your post-op instructions provided by your surgeon. If you have any questions or suggestions to improve this guide please comment below!

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

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