When Is the Right Time to Start Wearing a Faja With Rods?
After cosmetic surgery, many women are eager to achieve the best possible results as quickly as they can. One of the most effective ways to support the post surgery journey and enhance body contouring is by wearing a faja - a specialised compression garment designed to smooth, shape, and support the body during recovery. Among the different types of fajas, those with rods (aka a Stage 2 Faja) offer extra structure and contouring, but the timing of when to start wearing them is crucial to ensure comfort, safety, and optimal results.
What Is a Faja With Rods?
A faja with rods is a high-performance shapewear garment designed with built-in vertical supports typically made from plastic, or in the case of a premium option like the Tendai Faja range - flexible steel. These rods help define the waist, lift the hips and butt, and keep the garment perfectly in place, creating a sleek silhouette that enhances natural curves. Unlike standard Stage 1 compression garments, which prioritise gentle support and comfort immediately after surgery, rod fajas provide firmer compression and more precise shaping. This makes them ideal for women looking to elevate their post surgery recovery and body shaping efforts once their body is ready for more structured support.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Rods Immediately After Surgery
In the immediate aftermath of cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, Brazilian bum lift (BBL), arm lift, or thigh lift, the body undergoes significant changes. During this delicate phase, the body is swollen, sensitive, and actively healing internal tissues. Fluid retention and bruising are common, and the skin is prone to tenderness and irregular shaping. Wearing a faja with rods too soon can create unwanted pressure points or dents, push fluid into areas where it shouldn’t be, cause pain or breathing difficulties, and even increase the risk of fibrosis - a condition that can affect the smoothness of your results. Additionally, strong boning can interfere with natural lymphatic drainage, which is essential for reducing swelling and promoting healing.
The Right Time to Switch
To ensure the best outcomes, it’s important to start with a Stage 1 compression garment right after surgery. These garments are designed without rods or stiff structures and provide gentle, breathable compression that helps reduce swelling and supports the healing process comfortably. Once most of the swelling has subsided and your incisions have healed, you can consider progressing to a Stage 2 Faja with rods for enhanced shaping.
Typically, the right time to begin wearing a rod faja is between 4 to 6 weeks post-op. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surgery you had, the amount of liposuction performed, your skin’s elasticity, how much swelling and tenderness you still experience, and your risk of developing scar tissue or fibrosis. Always consult your surgeon or post-op therapist to ensure you choose the perfect timing and garment for your needs.
Signs You’re Ready for a Rod Faja
You may be ready to progress to a Stage 2 Faja with rods when you notice that most of your swelling has reduced significantly and your skin no longer feels overly sensitive to pressure. Comfort in your Stage 1 garment is a good indicator, as is having fully closed and healed incisions. Your therapist or surgeon’s approval is essential before moving to a higher level of compression. When these signs align, a rod faja can help you achieve more defined waist contouring and maintain your post surgery results effectively.
Why Fajas With Rods Are Useful Later On
Once your body is prepared for stronger compression, fajas with rods offer numerous benefits that go beyond basic recovery support. They provide superior waist contouring, helping to define your silhouette and enhance your curves by lifting and shaping the waist, hips, and butt. These garments also support posture and reduce slouching by stabilising the spine during the healing process. Another advantage is that the rods prevent the garment from rolling or bunching up, ensuring a smooth, sleek fit that can be worn comfortably throughout the day. For women interested in waist training or maintaining their body shape long after surgery, rod fajas are an excellent choice that combines style, performance, and comfort.
Can You Sleep in a Rod Faja?
Although rod fajas are perfect for all day wear and special occasions, they are generally not recommended for sleeping, especially in the early stages of post surgery recovery. The rigid boning can cause discomfort and pressure marks when lying down for extended periods. Many women find it helpful to alternate between a rod faja during daytime hours and a softer, more breathable Stage 1 garment at night to ensure more comfort and promote restful sleep while still benefiting from compression.
Final Thoughts
A faja with rods is a specialised garment designed to provide firmer compression and enhanced shaping, but it is not suitable as an immediate post surgery garment. The best approach is to start with a softer Stage 1 Faja and transition to a rod faja around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, or when your healthcare provider confirms your body is ready. By choosing the right time and the perfect fit, you can enjoy the many benefits of Colombian fajas - high quality shapewear that helps you feel confident, supports your post surgery recovery, and elevates your natural curves and silhouette.
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to switch to a rod faja, it’s always best to consult a post-op specialist who can assess your swelling, scar tissue, and healing progress. Discover the Tendai range of authentic Colombian Fajas designed to meet your unique needs and shop with confidence to achieve and maintain the body shape you desire.
