Consequences of Not Wearing the Binder After 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.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. Failure
to wear a compression garment in the immediate post-operative period can have
significant consequences following abdominoplasty. This can result in the
development of seromas, infection and possibly wound breakdown. For these
reasons, it important to wear a compression device for at least three weeks
following abdominoplasty.

Hello HappyGal,
Thank you for your questions regarding wearing a compression garment after an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. This is a very important question to ask your individual plastic surgeon. In my past 20 years of plastic surgery experience, I cannot think of a single patient who has not worn their binder. I believe compression garments are very important after a tummy tuck. Compression garments do multiple things. After a tummy tuck,compression garments compress the abdomen and minimize swelling. By minimizing swelling of the abdomen, the binder accelerates healing and decreases your overall recovery time. Also, the compression binder protects the incision from opening by providing external support. In addition, the compression garment provides back support after a tummy tuck. After a tummy tuck, you are flexed at the waist and bent forward. The back muscles or erector spinae muscles work overtime to help support your torso. The compression garments aid in back support. If you are experiencing bleeding underneath your binder, perhaps you should wear thicker padding over the incision. Unfortunately, the binder is usually not comfortable. However, most patients wear it nonetheless. If you do not wear your binder or compression garment after a tummy tuck, your abdomen will not return to its original state as it was before the tummy tuck. However, in general, the compression garment minimizes swelling and prevents your tummy from getting bigger. I would suggest you consult with your plastic surgeon and perhaps obtain a different compression garment or even a pair of tight Spandex. Thank you for your questions regarding wearing an abdominal binder after a tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding the tummy tuck or the postoperative care after an abdominoplasty, please contact my office.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Thank you for your question.After #tummytuck surgery, most patients will be placed in an #abdominal binder,
which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling
and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no
pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an
elastic #garment for compression over the next six weeks.However, since it is so uncomfortable, you need to contact your #BoardCertified #PlasticSurgeon who may be able to offer you another garment or other advice.

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 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!

Please ask your surgeon regarding your compression garment. It may not be fitted properly if it's causing problems with your recovery. A compression garment is designed to help ease swelling and facilitate your recovery. It also helps your body conform to its new sleeker contours.