Post Surgery Compression
Compression leggings
and shorts for lower body recovery
Compression leggings and shorts are used after surgery to the thighs, knees, and lower body, where a girdle or abdominal binder alone does not provide the coverage needed. By applying graduated pressure from the waist down through the thighs and knees, they reduce swelling, support healing tissue, and help the skin conform smoothly to its new contour as it settles.
We stock compression leggings and shorts from Lipoelastic and Macom, chosen for their clinical performance and consistent compression across extended daily wear. If you are unsure whether leggings or shorts are more appropriate for your surgery, your surgeon's instructions should specify the area of coverage required. We are also happy to advise before you order.
What to look for
- Full thigh coverage for inner thigh lift or thigh liposuction, extending from the hip to above the knee
- Knee coverage if your procedure involved liposuction around the inner knee area
- A firm waistband that sits flat without rolling or digging in during daily wear
- Graduated compression that is firmest at the lower leg and eases toward the waist
- Sized from waist and thigh measurements, not clothing size
Sizing Guides
Compression leggings and shorts must be sized from body measurements. Take your waist, hip, and thigh measurements before ordering and refer to the brand guide for the specific garment you are considering.
Lipoelastic
Lipoelastic Sizing Guide
Sized from waist and hip measurements in centimetres using the European Lipoelastic size chart
Macom
Macom Sizing Guide
Sized from waist and hip measurements. Refer to the Macom chart for the specific legging or short style
Sizing tip
If you fall between sizes
Size up in the early weeks to accommodate post surgical swelling. You can move down a size as swelling reduces if your surgeon advises a firmer fit
Not sure
We can help
Contact us before ordering if you are unsure which size or style is right for your surgery and we will point you in the right direction
About Compression After Lower Body Surgery
What you need to know about compression leggings and shorts after surgery
Leggings or shorts: which do you need?
The choice between compression leggings and compression shorts comes down to where your surgery was performed. Compression shorts typically cover from the waist to mid-thigh and are appropriate for procedures involving the outer thighs or upper inner thigh area. Compression leggings extend to the ankle or just below the knee and are used when the procedure involved the lower thigh, knee, or full inner thigh from groin to knee.
Your surgeon will usually specify the area requiring compression in your post-operative instructions. If the language used is clinical and you are unsure what garment it corresponds to, please contact us and we will help you interpret it correctly. Getting the coverage area right matters. A garment that stops short of the treated area will not provide the compression where it is needed.
Compression after thigh liposuction and inner thigh lift
Thigh liposuction and inner thigh lift are two of the most common procedures for which compression leggings are recommended. After thigh liposuction, compression helps the skin contract evenly and reduces the fluid accumulation that commonly occurs in the treated areas. After an inner thigh lift, compression supports the repositioned tissue and incision sites as they heal, reducing tension on the wounds and helping to manage swelling.
Inner knee liposuction is a more targeted procedure where the compression requirement can be quite specific. In most cases a legging that reaches below the knee is recommended, rather than a short that may not adequately compress the knee area. If you have had a combined thigh and knee procedure, a full-length compression legging is usually the most practical single garment to cover all treated areas.
Common Questions
Compression leggings and shorts answered
How long do I need to wear compression leggings after thigh liposuction?
Most surgeons recommend wearing compression continuously for the first two to four weeks following thigh liposuction, including during sleep in the early days. After this period, compression is typically worn during waking hours for a further four to six weeks. Your surgeon's specific instructions take priority and may vary depending on the volume of liposuction performed and how your recovery is progressing. Some patients continue wearing a lighter Stage 2 garment for a further month or two as residual swelling settles.
Can I wear compression shorts instead of leggings after inner thigh lift?
It depends on where your incisions are and how far down the thigh your surgery extended. For an inner thigh lift that ends at mid-thigh, a short with adequate inseam length may be sufficient. If your surgery extended toward the knee or involved the lower inner thigh, a legging is likely more appropriate to keep the incision sites properly supported. We would always recommend confirming with your surgical team which coverage area they intend before selecting your garment, and we are happy to help you match the right product once you know.
How should compression leggings fit after surgery?
Post surgical compression leggings should feel firm and supportive without being so tight they cause pain, numbness, or marks on the skin that do not fade quickly. The compression should feel even across the treated area rather than tight in one spot and loose in another, which usually indicates the wrong size has been selected. The waistband should lie flat without rolling. If your garment is digging in or causing discomfort beyond the normal sensation of compression, contact us or your surgical team to check whether the size or style needs reviewing.
Do compression leggings help with lumpy skin after liposuction?
Consistent compression in the early weeks after liposuction plays an important role in how the skin settles and contracts over the treated area. By applying even pressure across the surface, compression helps the skin conform smoothly rather than developing uneven contours as swelling resolves. Wearing your garment consistently as instructed, rather than removing it during the day, gives the best result. Manual lymphatic drainage alongside compression is also commonly recommended by surgeons and can further support an even outcome.
The Fitting Service
Need help finding
the right garment?
We are here to help you find the right compression garment for your surgery, your body, and your recovery timeline. Book a fitting at our London or Maidstone studio, or contact us before you order.
Fast Dispatch
Same Day, Express & standard delivery options available
click and collect at our London or Maidstone Showroom
Support when you need it
Contact us on Whatsapp, phone or email
We offer virtual consultations for sizing and product queries
Easy Returns
You have 30 days to return or exchange your items