In Colombian body contouring, the faja isn't an afterthought — it's a clinical tool. The right compression garment, worn correctly through each recovery stage, shapes how swelling resolves, how skin retracts, and how your final contour develops. The wrong garment — too tight, too loose, wrong stage, or worn inconsistently — can create the irregularities and contour problems you went to Colombia to avoid.
All BBL procedures referenced on this site follow the subcutaneous-only fat injection protocol. Fat must be placed above the gluteal muscle fascia — never intramuscularly. This standard, endorsed by major plastic surgery societies worldwide, dramatically reduces the risk of fat embolism. Always confirm your surgeon follows this protocol before booking.
The Three Stages Explained
| Stage | When | Compression Level | Purpose | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Day 1 – Week 6 | High (medical-grade) | Control swelling; support healing tissue; minimize fluid accumulation | Typically provided by surgeon; hooks or zippers; stiff structure |
| Stage 2 | Weeks 6 – 12 | Medium | Skin retraction; contour refinement; continued support as swelling resolves | More comfortable; may have different closure; slightly lighter material |
| Stage 3 (optional) | Months 3 – 6 | Light (shaping) | Final contour molding; maintains shape during fluffing phase | Some patients skip; essentially a body shaper; most comfortable stage |
Stage 1: The Critical First 6 Weeks
Your Stage 1 faja is typically selected and fitted by your surgeon or their team on the day of surgery, while you're still in recovery. This is the most important garment — it needs to be firm enough to compress tissue and control swelling, but not so tight that it restricts blood flow or creates pressure marks that become permanent.
How it should fit: Snug but breathable. You should be able to fit one finger between the garment and your skin. If it's cutting into your skin, creating deep marks, or causing numbness or tingling — it's too tight. If it wrinkles, bunches, or shifts when you walk — it's too loose.
Wearing schedule: 23 hours per day for the first 2 weeks. Remove only for showering (after your surgeon clears you for showers, typically day 2–3). After week 2, most surgeons allow 2–3 hours off per day for skin rest and hygiene.
When to size down: As swelling decreases in weeks 2–4, your Stage 1 may become too loose. Some garments have multiple hook positions to accommodate this. If it's no longer compressive despite tightening, you may need a smaller Stage 1 before transitioning to Stage 2.
Never buy your Stage 1 faja online before surgery. Your surgeon needs to fit it to your post-operative body — which is significantly more swollen than your normal body. Pre-purchased garments are almost always the wrong size and can create uneven compression, leading to irregularities.
Stage 2: Transition and Refinement
The Stage 2 transition usually happens around week 6 — but timing should be guided by your surgeon, not the calendar. The signals that you're ready:
| Ready for Stage 2 | Not Ready Yet |
|---|---|
| Swelling has noticeably decreased | Still significantly swollen; fluid accumulation visible |
| Stage 1 is becoming uncomfortable or too loose even at tightest setting | Stage 1 still fits well at current setting |
| Surgeon confirms at follow-up | No surgeon assessment since surgery |
| Drainage sites are fully closed | Any open incisions or drain sites |
| No active seroma or fluid collection | Fluid pockets palpable; needs aspiration |
How Stage 2 differs: Stage 2 garments are lighter, more comfortable, and designed for daily life. They still provide meaningful compression, but without the rigidity of Stage 1. Many patients find Stage 2 comfortable enough to wear under regular clothing — which is the point, since you'll be wearing it 12–18 hours per day for another 6 weeks.
Sizing Guide
| Measurement | How to Measure | When to Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Waist (natural) | At narrowest point above navel | Stage 1: surgeon measures post-op. Stage 2: measure yourself at week 5 |
| Hips (widest point) | Around the widest part of buttocks | Same timing as waist |
| Torso length | From shoulder to crotch | Pre-op is fine — doesn't change significantly |
| Upper thigh | Around the thickest part of each thigh | Stage 2 timing — swelling changes this significantly |
Colombian vs. international sizing: Colombian faja brands (Ann Chery, Fajas Colombianas, Salome, M&D) use sizing systems that don't directly map to U.S. S/M/L categories. Always go by measurements, never by generic size labels. Most Colombian recovery houses stock multiple brands and can assist with fitting.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Garment too tight | Pressure marks; skin discoloration; blood flow restriction; possible tissue necrosis in extreme cases | Finger test: one finger should fit between garment and skin |
| Garment too loose | Inadequate compression; uncontrolled swelling; irregular contour development | If it wrinkles or shifts, size down |
| Removing garment for long periods too early | Rebound swelling; increased fluid retention; delayed healing | Follow wearing schedule strictly for 6 weeks minimum |
| Buying online before surgery | Wrong size guaranteed; uneven compression; potential irregularities | Let your surgeon fit Stage 1; buy Stage 2 at week 5 |
| Skipping Stage 2 entirely | Inadequate support during critical skin retraction phase | Stage 2 is not optional — it's when your contour refines |
| Wearing the same unwashed garment too long | Skin irritation; bacterial buildup; garment loses compression | Own 2–3 garments; rotate and wash daily |
Where to Buy in Colombia
If you're recovering in Medellín, El Poblado and Laureles have multiple stores specializing in post-surgical garments. Your recovery house can typically arrange a fitting appointment. Expect to pay $40–$80 for a quality Stage 1 and $50–$120 for a Stage 2 — significantly less than the $100–$200+ these garments cost in the United States.
Plan on buying at least 2 garments per stage so you can wash and rotate. Compression garments should be hand-washed in cool water and air-dried — machine washing degrades the elastic fibers that provide compression.
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