Why You Need Foam and an Ab Board After Surgery
Your surgeon told you to get foam pads and an ab board. But what do they actually do — and are they really necessary? Yes, absolutely. Here's why.
What Are Lipo Foam Pads?
Lipo foam pads are soft, medical-grade foam pieces worn inside your compression garment against your skin. They work by:
- Distributing compression evenly across the treated area
- Preventing fluid from pooling in specific spots
- Reducing the risk of fibrosis (hardening of tissue)
- Smoothing out uneven areas for a more uniform result
- Protecting sensitive skin from the pressure of the garment
Shop our 3-Piece BBL & Lipo Foam Pads — designed to fit comfortably inside your Stage 1 faja.
What Is an Ab Board?
An abdominal board (ab board) is a firm, flat board worn against your abdomen inside your compression garment. It works by:
- Providing rigid, even compression across the entire abdominal area
- Preventing the faja from folding or creating pressure points
- Flattening and smoothing the abdomen for better contouring results
- Reducing seroma formation
- Breaking up fibrosis when used with massage
Shop our Body By Essence Abdominal Foam Pads and Snatch360 Waist Sculpt Board.
How to Use Them Together
- Put on your Stage 1 faja first
- Slide the foam pads inside against your skin on the treated areas
- Place the ab board flat against your abdomen
- Fasten your garment over everything
- Make sure everything is smooth with no folds
When to Use Them
Start using foam pads and your ab board as soon as your surgeon clears you — typically within the first few days post-op. Continue through Stage 1 and into Stage 2 as directed.
What Happens If You Skip Them?
Without foam pads and an ab board, compression is uneven. This can lead to lumpy results, fibrosis, and longer recovery time. Read more: Is It Normal to Have Lumps After Lipo?
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Browse our full BBL Recovery Essentials collection or get everything in one go with our Complete BBL Recovery Bundle.
