Is It Normal to Have Swelling After Removing an Abdominal Binder?

asked 11 months ago by jolie2
Latest answer by Vivek Bansal, MD
Question viewed 782 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, binder, normal, swelling

Hi I'm 5 weeks post op. Had a full tummy tuck with liposuction. My doctor advised me to wear my compression garment 24h a day for 4 weeks. The first two days after I removed my garment there was little swelling but on the third day I noticed more swelling which is still persistent. Gets worst in the evening and goes down a bit in the mornings.Is this normal? if so how long does it last. Would it be better to start wearing my compression garment again? Thanks for your help.

9 answers to Is It Normal to Have Swelling After Removing an Abdominal Binder?

Swelling after tummy tuck

Every ps has been taught differently to some extent. That is why it is sometimes called the art of surgery . I tell my abdominoplasties to wear the garment 24/7 for 6-8 weeks then wear the binder 8 hours per day for another 6-8 weeks. The reason is that I believe the inflammatory period last at least 3 months long. I have had patients say that they swell on one side some days and another side another day. The more active they are the more they swell. Most of my patients prefer to... more

Paul Albear, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.albearplasticsurgery.com

Tummy Tuck

Swelling is normal and may persist for 4-6 months. There is a large area to heal so you will have to allow time for that to occur.

Vivek Bansal, MD
Danville Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck Swelling?

Thank you for the question. As always, it is best to be seen in person ( by your plastic surgeon) for precise diagnosis and treatment. Abdominal wall "swelling" after tummy tuck may be related to: 1. Swelling in the soft tissues. This may take several months to resolve and may worsen with increased activity or at the end of the day. Patience is required to allow for resolution of the swelling. The swelling occurs because of the interruption of... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Swelling when the binder came off after a tummy tuck

What you are describing is very normal and almost expected. In time as the skin continues to heal and adhere to the muscles, that will happen less and less. In the meantime, if you wish, you could wear a panty girdle during the day to limit the amount of swelling that occurs so it can stick down sooner.

Julio Garcia, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Swelling 6 Weeks After Tummy Tuck is Normal

Some swelling, especially if you've been wearing a compression garment regularly, should be expected. It's only been 6 weeks after surgery, and you noted that you've been wearing your compression garment all of the time as instructed, so some swelling to occur after you remove it is normal. Every patient is different, so the amount of swelling you have may be different compared to other people. Also, plastic surgeons vary as to how long you should... more

Roy Kim, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck swelling

I usually have my patients wear the garment for at least 6 weeks after surgery. I would recommend that you continue to use yours especially if you are getting active again. It may also help to keep a lower salt diet and drink water. Make sure your bowels are moving. This should all resolve with more time and sounds normal to me.

Tiffany McCormack, MD
Reno Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurgeryrenotahoe.com

Swelling after tummy tuck

Some swelling is expected when you initially stop wearing the binder. It might be an idea to wear the binder a bit longer during the daytime - but please consult your surgeon. There is a small chance of fluid collection (called a seroma) - so if it does not improve ask your surgeon to have a look.

Anindya Lahiri, MBBS
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

Normal Swelling

This is very commonly seen. You may choose to wear the garment when you are up and about and wean yourself off it. Swelling is generally much better at 3 months.

Brian Klink, MD
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

www.solanoplasticsurgery.com

Tummytuck

I see this in some of my patients are well. You may ask your surgeon about wearing a support girdle during the day or exercise when that is permitted. Usually by 2-3 months the temporary swelling completely subsides.