Compression Garment at Bedtime? (1 Month Post-op)

Hello! Thank you for your question!. The tummy tuck procedure is an
excellent method for contouring of your abdomen, often removing the
excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal wall. After nearly all
surgical procedures, a potential space is created from where the
surgical procedure/dissection was performed. This is especially true
for the tummy tuck, in where the abdominal flap is raised off of the
abdominal wall and then redraped atop the area to contour the abdomen.
The procedure alone promotes swelling and inflammation, which typically
lasts for 6-12 weeks. This may even last longer if liposuction has been
performed in addition. During this time, a few things may be done to
allow adherence of the abdominal skin/soft tissue to readhere to the
abdominal wall and close that space. Many surgeons use drains to
evacuate the expected serous fluid from building up. Stagnant fluid as
such may be a nidus for infection as well as does not allow the tissue
to adhere back to its normal anatomic position. Drains usually are
removed once output is <30cc/day - usually removed within 3-4 weeks
on average, sometimes longer. When this occurs, a seroma may develop -
which may require aspiration or surgical evacuation to rid this in order
to optimize your result. This is not an uncommon reason for
persistent swelling and/or bulging in a certain area of your belly. Of
course, thwarting the development of a pseudobursa, or seroma capsule,
is always best, to provide the best result as well as avoid any future
procedures for this. This may be a troubling consequence and often
compromises your overall result. Thus avoiding this complication, in
whatever manner, is the objective. "Drainless" tummy tucks are becoming
more popular - basically, the overlying tissue is physically sutured to
the abdominal wall to close the potential space. In addition, most
surgeons typically restrict vigorous activity/strenuous exercise as well
as lifting restrictions of usually <20#, especially the core, for
6-8 weeks to allow healing to continue. Most also often recommend an
abdominal compression-type binder or garment, which will serve to
provide
compression as well as assist to decrease swelling and eliminate the
dead-space of the area for at least 6 weeks as well.  After this period, it is usually allowed to loosen or remove the binder when resting/sleeping - discuss with your surgeon.  After the initial
binder, many patients like the Spanx garments. Most patients are
able to return to most activities within a couple of weeks, provided
they adhere to the restrictions. Overall, this is a procedure
with a high satisfaction rate. Discuss the procedure and postoperative
instructions/restrictions with your surgeon, as these will vary among
surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Thanks for your question. The best person to advice you is your specific surgeon. I  have my patients wear a compression garment covering all treated 24/7 except to shower for 4 weeks post op.  This helps ontrol swelling as the compression on your tissues helps your body to reabsorb the edema fluid that accumulates in the tissues after any procedure. 

Typically I have my patients wear an abdominal binder at all times including for sleep for 6 weeks after a tummy tuck.  This helps to avoid fluid pockets under the skin (seroma) and also keeps you from moving in ways that would cause you to stress the internal corset sutures that I place around the muscles.  It also helps with swelling around your lower abdomen.  You should however, follow the recommendations from your plastic surgeon and consult him or her for what  you should do.

I typically have my patients wear compression garment for approximately 4 weeks postoperatively.  However, some patients find that they're garment helps for support during the day.  However by 5 weeks,  If you no longer wish to wear compression at night, there is no need

I am a big fan of compression garments.   I think they help to minimize swelling and help with scarring.   I like an abdominal binder for 4 weeks and then a Spanx or similar garment for 2-4 weeks as needed.

 

I wish you a safe and healthy recovery.