Tummy tuck compression garment
I advise my patients to wear a tummy tuck compression garment for at least 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck and liposuction. Then, I advise them to wear a “second stage” or less compressive garment, such as Spanx. The garments help to decrease swelling and therefore improve wound healing and scarring.
Also, many patients say the tummy tuck compression garment feels good and gives them support. Sometimes my patients in California can’t wear the garment for that long of time because it can get hot here in the summer, but you probably don’t have that issue in Ontario!
I hope that helps and wish you all the best. (James Knoetgen, III, MD, Fresno Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck 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.
Abdominoplasty compression garment
I generally tell my patients to use a binder for three weeks following surgery. When drains are used, we continue the use of the binder for longer periods 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 helpful for patients in post body contouring recovery. They help to reduce swelling, bruising and fluid accumulation after tummy tuck surgery. They also provide support and a sense of comfort for patients. They can cause problems such as skin injury or contour irregularities if they are too tight.
Tummy tuck compression garment image
Firm, comfortable, smooth support is best. While they do not affect the final cosmetic outcome, garments can help to make recovery easier. If swelling persists or returns after resuming normal activities, compression garments can be helpful in managing the swelling. (George Bitar, MD, Fairfax Plastic Surgeon)
I recommend to patients 6 weeks. Sometimes even a little longer if the patient wants to switch to something less binding like spanx. 6 weeks is very important for the actual compression garment that receive right after surgery. There are some very educational websites out there that specialize in compression garments and can give you, based on your procedure, the best fit and style for you. I think you should check them out. (Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck compression garment photo
I ask my patients to wear compression garments for one month after a tummy tuck. I use an over-the-counter garment called a Flexie because it looks more attractive than a velcro binder. The patients often ask to wear it longer, but one month is my request. After their tummy tuck drains comes out (usually after 7-10 days) I let them wear it intermittently for the rest of the month. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
In my practice I recommend wearing the garment 24 hours a day for 2 weeks. This will help with swelling and circulation post surgery. After the 2 week duration the garment can be worn as needed for comfort and added support.
Tummy tuck compression garment photos
Follow the guidance of your physician and you’ll do great! (Jeffrey W. Hall, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)
A number of right answers exist for this question, but they are all derived from the same thought – Pressure is good during healing to reduce swelling and maintain tissue adherence. The basic answer is about three to four week. The goal is to have less than thirty cc’s of fluid in any drains, and then continue the garment pressure after the drains have been removed. After about three weeks, the swelling can still go on intermittently, and some patients wear spandex continuously for many more weeks. If it is not uncomfortable, keep wearing the spandex for five to six weeks. It can’t hurt. (Neil Gottlieb, MD, Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck surgery compression garment
Immediately following surgery the compression garment helps to prevent seroma formation. After the drains are removed the compression garment helps in reducing overall abdominal swelling as the abdominal wall drainage is being rerouted after surgery. The garment is usually worn for 4-6 weeks. (Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
I have everyone of my tummy tuck patients wear a garment after having a tummy tuck and I have them wear it everyday for 4 to 6 weeks. (Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Each surgeon differs in the wisdom if a garment is necessary and if so how long. I usually recommend patients to wear a garment between 2 – 6 weeks depending on the specifics of the case. (Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS, West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon)
A tummy tuck compression garment
I recommend my patients wear tight tummy tuck compression garment for 6 weeks post surgery. This helps with swelling and shape especially if liposuction was done together with your tummy tuck. Follow instructions from your surgeon for best tummy tuck result. (Jaime Perez, MD, Tampa Plastic Surgeon)
We recommend our patients to wear a compression garment for 3-6 weeks for the following reasons:
- 1. To minimize the chance of fluid accumulation and to have the drains be removed sooner
- 2. To protect the muscle tightening procedures
- 3. Some patients find comfort and less pain with the support
(Ankit Desai, MD Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon)
The tummy tuck compression garment
I require my patients to wear their surgical compression binder for four weeks with the exception of Bathing. (Christine Sullivan, MD, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)
The length of garment wear varies with the surgeon’s recommendations with some not using them at all and others typically advising their use for up to 6 weeks after surgery. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Post-operative care recommendations vary from surgeon to surgeon. I prefer that my patients where a garment for 3-6 weeks. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
I place my patients in a binder right after surgery, and then switch over to Spanx or another similar over the counter binder at the first week visit. I have them wear it night and day except showering for the next 3 weeks, and then during the day only for 2 more weeks. After the drains are removed at around 10 days or so, they seem to do fine with the binder on and say it actually feels a bit better with it on for the first month. (Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
After a combined liposuction and tummy tuck, I have my patients wear a compression garment all the time for the first 3 weeks, and then 1/2 time for the second 3 weeks. Also, I ask them not to do any heavy lifting for at least 2 months. (S. Sean Younai, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
The general consensus here seems to be that you should wear your binder or garment for four to eight weeks. This helps with healing and support of the incision, and may help reduce the scarring if worn for this length of time. Of course, follow the exact advice of your surgeon on this. (Norman G. Morrison, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)
If repair of the muscles is not carried out then usually wearing the binder for three weeks is adequate. Usually patients become so accustomed to wearing the binder that they continue wearing it a few weeks longer and gradually wean themselves off. Sometimes at the three week mark following surgery, I have patients wear a well fitting pair of Spanx instead of the binder. (Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
