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Told not to use binder or compression garment at all????

By cjl on 11 May 2011

Has anyone else been told not to wear a binder or compression garment... Not even spanks!! His nurse Said that was old school and that he doesn't want tension on the abdomen... This is so opposite from what I have read that I am worried..

Comments (18)

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Angiemcc (Community Manager) 12 May 2011

It's true that some doctors don't recommend the use of compression garments, but I think they're in the minority. Here's what a few doctors on RealSelf have to say about this issue.

Me, just better 13 May 2011
I was told that my doctor will not send me home with a compression garment, and that he will give me one at my one week post op appointment. The nurse told me that he doesn't want anything to constrict blood flow to the areas that are healing. Makes sense to me.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 15 May 2011

My doctor was the same.  He did not want me wearing anything at all.  I did not wear anything and healed beautifully.  I was very glad to not have to wear the torture devices. 

He did not want any pressure on the areas at all.  Wanted it open to the air for healing. 
45isnew25 15 May 2011
Kimmers did you have lipo also. I had lipo to the flanks and I'm so frustrated with trying to find a stage 2 garment that doesn't squeeze in the wrong place, sit on my swelling, pull on my glue on my incision, etc. that it is really making my recovery worse than it shuold be...all over a compression garment.

I now have over $100 in garments waiting to be taken back to stores because they don't work for me.

AARRGGHH, my doc says to wear it..stage 2 from weeks 3-6 but I'm thinking of saying I don't think so and just wearing my binder at night when I'm home.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 16 May 2011

I did have lipo on the hips, outer thighs and butt.  No problems with that either.  Well other than the swelling and minor bruising.  Everything is smooth and nice now. 

When I read about you poor women wearing these things I get a pain in my tummy just thinking about it. 
45isnew25 16 May 2011
did u opt to wear anything ar the gym? it feels strange without something on but i think it may be because i have had to wear a binder thus far.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 16 May 2011

No I did not wear anything at the gym either.  I just took it slow and easy to start.   I know that I have read comments from women saying that they had a hard time getting off the binders.  They say it feels strange and like their guts are going to fall out.  I never had that feeling at all. 

 I had tightness and pressure but I think  everyone goes through that with or without the binder.  I looked at it as one less habit to break.
Madison5269 (RealFriend) 17 May 2011
You are so lucky Kimmers! I really wish I didn't have to wear this garment. I am at 6 weeks now & swollen, but normal. From the start these darn torture devices have made me feel like it is harder breathe! I feel like they are messing with circulation, which is definately not good for healing.

I was very tempted to just ditch them & heal without one, but my PS keeps scolding me. He said I can sleep at night without one. I wake up so smooth & slim. I see my PS Thursday & if he doesn't tell me to stop wearing it, I think I may just stop myself.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 21 May 2011

Hang in there Madison...it will get better.  My swelling lasted way into the 7th month post op.  However it did become more mild each month. 
Jojohot45 14 Feb 2012
Yikes. I have a wedding to be hot for in two months. Your swelling lasted seven??
KylieB 14 Feb 2012
No, not at all, but some have reported their's did. Only minor swelling occurred with the abdominaplasty/lipo of stomach, and I wore no compression garment. I did have lipo of my flanks as well and had 'dog ears' at the corners of the scar which would swell by mid-afternoon. Had to have them touched up at six months. I also was losing weight after I had it done so that probably affected my results but I'd say my swelling was mostly done within the first month. Six weeks later I was attending weddings and dancing, but I did wear a compression garment that night.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 15 Feb 2012

Yes it did last seven months but the worst of it was the first four months.  It improves each month but does hang around for a while.  Each person is different in their healing process so don't let mine scare you.  

I tell women this about mine only because I want everyone to know it can happen.  If this does happen I don't want anyone to think something is wrong with them.  

Katie C 17 May 2011
I actually feel quite secure with my compression garment on.
BUT Great if you are allowed to do without it. x x x
LochlandsMom 20 May 2011
I was unsure about not wearing any garment. My doc does not use them and after reading the site, I was confused. All these women complaining about this compression garment. Where to get it, what size? how tight? how long?...etc. Now after going through all of it I am so glad I did not have that to deal with that too. I am healing fine, looking good (when I am not swollen) and feeling better everyday. My PS said I would heal just the same and said that the garment would have to be incredibly tight in order for it to be effective. Hope this helps.
KylieB 10 Jul 2011
Whew, I'm glad I found this site. I had an abdominalplasty 20+ years ago after the birth of my twins and I had to wear a compression garment at that time. This time I'm having a mini tummy tuck with lipo and was a bit worried when he said no compression garment. Nice to know other docs are saying the same thing. Am also having lipo of the abdomen and flanks and wondering how much pain and swelling to be prepared for? I never had swelling at all last time around and when some talk about swelling 7 months out I'm getting a little concerned! How long before I'll be able to get back into my regular clothes?
friendly4 11 Jul 2011
My PS insists on the binders. He said the more compression the better. I am envious of those that don't have to wear one. I put my trust in him and I will follow his instructions. That being said, they truly are torture devices and if you are lucky to have a doctor that doesn't use them be happy about it. It looks like we all heal either way. I did spend the day yesterday without any on as I was boating and wearing my swim suit all day. It was heaven not to be bound up however, by the end of the day I was extremely swollen (3 weeks PO).
KylieB 11 Jul 2011
Interesting. I think I had to wear one last time for six weeks but I don't recall there ever being any swelling. I thought that might come about because of the lipo with it this time? The nurse did say he might have me wear Spanx later on. I consider any time of girdle as sheer hell so hoping not to! But if the swelling is as bad as I hear maybe it'll feel better.

So there is still significant swelling three weeks PO? I'm wondering when I can fit back into regular clothes!
Jonnabear 15 Feb 2012
I woke up in the recovery room after surgery with my "girdle" on. It must have been quite a site to see the nurses putting it on me while unconscious! I have to wear it for 12 weeks post op and I'm 3 weeks and 2 days now. At week 2 it started to loosen up a bit so I bought an adjustable wrap one which I love. The tighter the better. I couldn't imagine a doctor that would advise against wearing one-it really controls my swelling. Oh when will the swelling end???????????

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