My Doctor Does Not Use Compression Garments After a Tummy Tuck is This Safe/ok?

My plastic surgeon does not place his patients in any type of compression garment after performing a tummy tuck on them. He says there is no scientific facts to support that these items help or aid in better results or healing. But believes they cause unneccessary pain and discomfort and actually increase swelling in the lower limbs and restrict blood flow. Is this safe or ok to do and will this have a negative effect on my results?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by 1diamondgirl in Sacramento,CA

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Universal agreement will be impossible

Hi there- As you can read, you will find many differing opinions on this matter- it reminds me of something my chairman of surgery used to say during my training- "When data is poor, emotions will run high"... He meant that when proof of one opinion or another being absolutely correct is lacking, proponents of differing opinions will argue passionately for their point of view. I know from experience that it is safe and effective to perform tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)... more

Compression Garment after Tummy Tuck can cause complications and harm results

I agree with your Plastic Surgeon. A Tummy Tuck removes the skin of your Abdomen from many of the Blood Vessels that keep the Abdominal Skin alive after a Tummy Tuck. Blood flow to the skin after a Tummy Tuck is reduced during the initial healing stages. A compression Garment can compress the blood vessels in the skin and interfere with blood supply to the skin and result in skin loss and poor healing. I avoid tight compressive Garments after Tummy Tuck. If I am concerned... more

Abdominal binder after tummy tuck--is it really necessary?

Though the majority of plastic surgeons use abdominal binders or compression garments after tummy tucks, I am not aware of a randomized study comparing results, complications, and patient comfort between binder and no-binder groups. Obviously, there are surgeons who prefer to use scientific evidence rather than "established practice," habit, or how their professor trained them as basis for these types of decisions. Often, progress is made in surgical practice because someone... more

Compression garments after tummy tuck

Thanks for your question. Every surgeon has a routine which should reliably and reproducibly obtain a good result. That being said, if you like the results your surgeon gets, then you should follow his/her advice. I always use a binder after tummy tuck and girdles after liposuction. I think they reduce pain, provide support, help contour, and reduce swelling. The garments are supposed to be snug, not tight or constrictive. I see patients often during their... more

NOT using a Binder or Compression Garment

I completely agree with your surgeon. There is no scientific evidence that the use of binders and compression garments speeds healing in any way. There is however anecdotal evidence that they may be associated with a greater rate of blood clot (DVT) formation, higher incidence of fevers and pneumonias and decreased blood flw to the areas of tummy skin just above the mid-tummy scar which may proceed to death with wound separation. But doctors are creatures of habit. We often do... more

Compression after tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question. On the contrary, an abdominal binder can provide comfort and support after tummy tuck. Most plastic surgeons use them but some don't. If you go forward with surgery, follow your surgeon's instructions, not the advice of others.

Support garments post op tummy tuck

As a habit I use a abdominal binder post op tummy tuck for patient comfort. I recently attended a Plastic Surgery meeting in Chicago and was told by many plastics surgeons there that they had abandoned use of garments post op for tummy tucks and liposuction. When I mentionned this "trend" my office staff, who all have recovered from various procedures, they just laughed and said, "that is spoken by a surgeon who has never had surgery... more

Compression garments after tummy tuck

We do not know of a surgeon who does not use an abdominal binder after tummy tuck, and there is evidence that the binder will provide support to the muscle repair, reduce pain, reduce swelling, and reduce seroma formation. Those who swim against the tide might become better swimmers, though more often they drown. If he won't give you a binder you can get your own. You can also get a second opinion. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck

Preferences vary among surgeons regarding the use of a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery. Primarily it has been used to help prevent seromas postoperatively. The use of internal progressive advancement sutures during the wound closure have pretty much done away with seromas, so he probably uses that technique and finds the use of a garment unnecessary.

Tummy Tuck and Compression Garments?

Thank you for the question. Assuming you have done your due diligence and selected your plastic surgeon based on appropriate training, experience, and ability to produce the results that you are looking for, you should listen to his recommendations. Having trust in your plastic surgeon is important; otherwise, you will be second-guessing every recommendation made. Best wishes for a safe procedure and an uneventful recovery. see video

Compression garment after TT

Listen to your surgeon. I don't put anyone in a girdle till 1 week after surgery. I do use an abdominal binder for the first week. This helps to give support but can be adjusted so it is not too tight.