Tummy tuck binders are common.
Many patients feel that light compression from a binder gives their operated area support. If you ask them what feels better, binder or no binder, they uniformly answer they like their binder as long as it is not too tight.
I am not sure they do much from a result standpoint, but from a “feel good standpoint” they help.
If you use one make absolutely sure you undo it a few times a day.
Also make sure it leaves no ridges and does not compress your incision site. Make sure your surgeon is OK with using a binder. (Francisco Canales, MD, Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon)
No tummy tuck binder!
I do not use binders after abdominoplasty. I do not feel that they contribute much in terms of benefit, and can put too much pressure on the healing wounds. (Gary Lawton, MD, FACS, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)
Compression Garments & Binders Reduce Swelling, Increase Comfort & Minimize Potential Seroma Formation
Compression garments and abdominal binders are frequently used following abdominoplasty for several reasons. These devices provide compression which reduces swelling, increases comfort, and minimizes the potential for seroma formation. I generally tell my patients to use a binder for three weeks following surgery. When tummy tuck drains are used, we continue the use of the binder for a longer period of time. It’s interesting to note that when we discontinue the binder, many patients continue to wear it. They feel that the extra support makes them feel more comfortable with activity. (Richard J. Bruneteau, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck compression garments are designed to help your recovery. They ease swelling, support the tightening of your muscles and help your skin conform to its sleeker shape. I recommend my patients wear their garments for at least three weeks after surgery. However it is up to your surgeon. If they recommend that you not wear the garment then please follow their instructions. (Jerome Edelstein, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Binders & Compression Garments Help Prevent Swelling & Are Used For Optimal Healing
Normally, after a tummy tuck some type of compression garment is placed over the abdominal wall. This is normally intended to help prevent swelling and to keep the two raw surface areas created by the tummy tuck held together for optimal healing.
During the course of an abdominoplasty, a long incision is made from one hip to the other. This incision goes through the skin and fat layer and stops at the muscle layer.
The skin and fat layer is then elevated off of the muscle layer up to the belly button. An incision is then made around the belly button which allows the skin and fat layer to be lifted up off of the abdominal wall up to the rib cage.
Usually the muscle layer is then sutured tight and the skin and fat layer is pulled snugly downward and the excess skin and fat are removed. The belly button is brought out through a new incision at the same level it was before.
All of the wounds are then stitched closed. Immediately after the surgery there is a large raw surface area between the skin and fat layer which has just been laid down over the muscle layer.
Tummy tuck binder can help hold this in place, promoting healing. It is important however, to check your compression garment several times during the day to make sure there are no areas of uneven constriction which may result in permanent lines of the abdominal wall. (John J. Edney, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)
Need for binder after tummy tuck?
I am not aware of any formal scientific studies that have proved the necessity of a compression garment after a tummy tuck. As you can see from the variety of answers there are many opinions on this subject. Reasons to use a binder are primarily for comfort, to help prevent a fluid pocket (seroma after tummy tuck), and to help encourage swelling to go away. I generally use a compression garment after a tummy tuck because I frequently combine this procedure with liposuction.
I don’t feel that a binder is absolutely mandatory, but in my experience, most patients like the tight feeling of the garment. It is comforting and makes them feel good. Some surgeons argue against using a binder or compression garment because they are concerned that blood flow may be impaired.
Ask your surgeon about his fluid pocket (seroma) rate. If his results are good and you feel comfortable with his explanations, then move forward with surgery. (Matthew H. Steele, MD, Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon)
Purpose of Binder After Tummy Tuck
The purpose of the binder is to help support the tissue and help control swelling. Depending on the procedure a binder may not be used immediately postop and will be added later. The seroma rate is stated to be decreased with binder but there are no good scientific studies. I think drains are very important after the surgical procedure. (Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)