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How to Choose the Right Faja for Plastic Surgery
Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant step towards achieving your desired body contour. Whether it's liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), the journey to optimal results doesn't end when you leave the operating room. One crucial aspect of post-surgical care is wearing the right compression garment, a faja. This blog will explore why wearing an excellent-fitting compression garment is vital, the types available, and common mistakes to avoid.
REASONS WHY WEARING A FAJA IS IMPORTANT
- Decreases Swelling
After a surgical procedure, swelling is a natural response as your body heals. A well-fitted compression garment applies gentle pressure to the treated areas, helping to reduce swelling by preventing the accumulation of excess fluids. This pressure also aids in improving blood circulation, which is essential for faster healing.
- Helps the Skin to Adhere to the Muscles
Post-surgical garments are designed to help your skin conform to your body's new contours. By applying consistent pressure, these garments encourage the skin to "glue" itself to the underlying muscles, preventing issues such as sagging or unevenness. This is particularly important in procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks, where large areas of skin are affected.
- Prevents Fibrosis and Seromas
Fibrosis, or the formation of excess fibrous tissue, and seromas, which are pockets of clear fluid, are common complications after surgery. Compression garments help minimize these risks by ensuring the tissues heal smoothly and uniformly. The compression helps break down potential fibrous tissues and prevent fluid accumulation, which can lead to seromas.
- Enhances Surgical Results
Ultimately, any plastic surgery aims to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome. Wearing the right compression garment significantly enhances your results by maintaining your body's new shape, reducing swelling, and aiding in proper skin adhesion. This smoother the recovery process and ensures the final results meet your expectations.
HOW TO ORDER THE RIGHT FAJA?
You should find and purchase your compression garment before surgery. Familiarizing yourself with the garment in advance can help you get used to it, as you'll need to wear it consistently for about 6-12 weeks post-surgery.
If your doctor provides post-surgical garments, ask if their office staff can fit you for them before the surgery. Wearing the garment at home beforehand can help reduce discomfort on the day of surgery by ensuring it isn't too tight.
WHAT ARE THE BEST FAJAS FOR PLASTIC SURGERY?
There are various post-surgical garments, but full-body ones are often preferred for body contouring procedures. These garments support your posture, decrease swelling, and enhance surgical results. Here are the different stages of compression garments you will likely encounter:
Stage 1: Low Compression Faja
Immediately after surgery, you'll wear a Stage 1 or low compression faja. These are made of stretchy, soft materials that provide gentle compression. They are designed to accommodate the initial swelling and ensure comfort during the first recovery phase.
Stage 2: Medium Compression Faja
About 12-14 days after surgery, you'll transition to a Stage 2 or medium compression faja. These garments are less stretchy and offer more compression to help further reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
Stage 3: High Compression Faja
10-12 weeks post-surgery, most patients can tolerate a Stage 3 or high compression faja. These are more rigid, similar to a corset, and some may have rods around the waist area for additional support. They provide the highest level of compression, which is beneficial once you've passed the immediate post-surgical inflammatory phase.
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN BUYING OR WEARING FAJAS?
- Ordering the Wrong Size
One of the most common mistakes is ordering the wrong size because the process is often done online. Sizing can be challenging, and it's crucial to measure yourself accurately. If you can’t try the garments at a local store, ensure you understand the refund policies and order ahead of time if you need to return or exchange items.
- Wearing a High Compression Faja Too Soon
Another mistake is wearing a Stage 3 or high compression faja too soon. This can cause extreme discomfort, disrupt circulation, and lead to fibrosis due to excessive tightness when tissues are still swollen and tender. Always follow your doctor's advice on when to transition to a higher-compression garment.
- Adjusting the Size by Sewing the garment.
Sewing a faja to adjust the size can completely distort the compression and make it uncomfortable to wear. Instead, plan to buy at least two Stage 1 fajas, one Stage 2 and one Stage 3. If the faja starts to fit loosely around the waist, use additional lipo foam underneath to increase compression.
- Improper Care
Do not put your faja in the dryer, as the heat can wear out the elastic. Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle and let it air dry to maintain its integrity and compression properties.
- Wearing the Faja Incorrectly
Always wear the faja properly, including any straps if they are designed with them. Taking the straps off can alter the intended compression and support, leading to discomfort and suboptimal results.
- Lack of a Soft Under-layer
A faja without a soft under-layer can cause abrasions, burns, and lacerations, especially on sensitive, post-surgical skin. Ensure your garment has a smooth lining, or wear a soft layer to protect your skin.
THE ROLE OF THE RIGHT FAJA IN YOUR RESULTS
Wearing the right faja after a body contouring procedure accounts for about 30% of the final results. Since you'll need to wear it 24/7 for at least eight weeks, choosing a comfortable garment is imperative. Over the years, we've seen rashes, lacerations, and burns caused by inadequate fajas. This has led us to import specialized post-surgical garments from Colombia, South America, known for their superior quality and comfort.
From decreasing swelling and preventing complications to enhancing your final results, the right faja is crucial to your recovery journey. By avoiding common mistakes and following your doctor's guidelines, you can ensure a smoother, more comfortable recovery and achieve the best possible outcome from your surgery.
Free Faja Fitting Appointments
We offer free fitting appointments at our San Francisco location to ensure you get the best fit and maximum comfort. Call 415-990-3800 to schedule a fitting and try on our high-quality Colombian fajas before your surgery.
