Collection: Fajas - So what’s the Difference?

STAGE 1, 2, AND 3 FAJAS – So what’s the Difference?

What is a Fajas?

Fajas means `girdle’ in Spanish. A faja (pronounced ˈfɑːhɑː) is a garment which can be worn post-surgery (with a zip or hook and eye closure and an open or opening crotch) or worn as everyday shapewear or activewear.

The term faja was coined in Columbia, a garment used to smooth and contour the body. Hiding lumps and bumps resulting in an hourglass figure.

The Faja is a compression garment often used for recovery after a medical procedure such as; liposuction, tummy tuck, or Brazilian butt lift (BBL) to help heal scars, control swelling and tighten the skin.  The level of compression is usually categorised in three stages: Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 compression levels.

What are Stage 1, 2, and 3 Fajas?

Stage 1, 2, and 3 Fajas Colombianas, are designed for post-surgical recovery. These shapewear garments provide optimal compression and support for the patient during each of the stages of post-op recovery.

In summary,

Stage 1 fajas: This provides light to medium compression and are ideal for the initial days immediately following a surgical procedure. Stage 1 Fajas are made of a thinner, smoother material, has less compression, and needs to be worn immediately. Your doctor will recommend how may weeks you need to wear.

 Stage 2 fajas: This provides an increasing level of compression and support for the patient during the mid-term post-op recovery stage.  Stage 2 Fajas have a thicker, more dense fabric and your doctor will recommend how may weeks you need to wear;

Stage 3 fajas: These are designed for the final stage of post-op recovery and provide a continuing level of compression and support.

What happens after a surgical procedure?

Irrespective of the type of surgical procedure you might have, swelling is likely to occur, which can affect either a small area or the entire body.

Swelling occurs whenever there is “trauma” to the body, and in this case as a result of a surgery, the body sends more blood flowing to the wound area to promote healing. This is perfectly normal.

Increased blood pumping to the wound area means more fluid building up in the surrounding tissue.

A compression garment helps control the swelling by reducing the amount of fluid build-up in the surrounding area and helping the increased fluid to drain out of the body via what is called the lymphatic system (part of your immune system).

Trauma to the body can also result in bruising. Blood capillaries can get damaged during a procedure and cause small amounts of blood to be trapped just under the skin.

By compressing the area, the compression garment helps push this blood out of the body through the lymphatic system.

Surgical incisions can also turn into raised, lumpy and sometimes discoloured scars. By applying compression to the incision area, the compression garment can help flatten the scar and prevent lumps from forming.

Stage 1 Fajas

Stage 1 fajas are an essential part of the post-operative recovery process for surgery patients. They are typically recommended for immediate use after the surgical procedure, as they provide compression and support to the treated areas. Ideally, the patient should wake up wearing a Stage 1 Fajas or immediately after treatment.

The purpose of stage 1 fajas is to minimise swelling (oedema) and helps the body heal more quickly by providing compression that reduces fluid build-up in the tissues.

Stage 1 fajas are specially designed to provide support to the muscles and tissues in the treated area, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. They also help to keep the skin in place and prevent any shifting or movement that could affect the healing process.

Stage 1 body garments are designed for ease of wear post-surgery. They usually have hook and eye or zip closure, so there is no need to struggle by pulling the garment up your body.

Stage 1 Fajas are made of a thinner, smoother material, providing light to medium compression and tends to be worn immediately after surgery. The garment is meant to fit loosely and should be worn during the day.

They are also designed to have an open or opening crotch eliminating the need for pulling up and down and ease when using the bathroom.

 Stage 2 Fajas

Stage 2 fajas are an integral part of postoperative recovery for patients who have undergone surgery. These compression garments are designed to be worn after the initial stage of recovery, once the initial swelling has subsided, typically 2-4 weeks post-op.

Stage 2 fajas are usually made of a lighter, more breathable material than stage 1 garments, providing a comfortable option for extended wear. They offer a moderate level of compression and support, which can help maintain the contour and shape of the treated area.

The purpose of stage 2 fajas is to provide support and compression to the treated area, while allowing for a greater range of motion and reducing discomfort. They are ideal for use during the day and can provide additional support during physical activity.

Stage 3 Fajas

Stage 3 fajas are an important aspect of the postoperative recovery process for patients who have undergone surgery. These compression garments are designed to be worn for extended periods after the initial stages of recovery.

Stage 3 fajas provide a light level of compression and support to the treated area, which can help to improve circulation, promote healing, and reduce the risk of complications. They are often made of a lightweight and breathable material, providing a comfortable option for long-term wear. The purpose of stage 3 fajas is to promote ongoing healing and contouring of the treated area.

These compression garments tend to have no zips or hooks and eye closures and no open or opening crotch, can be referred to as everyday, or activewear garments.