Can I Stop Wearing my Compression Garment 12 Weeks Post-op TT?

It's better to ask your surgeon about this because they know your situation and what was done during your surgery. The garment can be uncomfortable at times but it is beneficial for your recovery. Although by this time I think it would be okay to stop wearing it. Exercise guidelines outlined by your surgeon should also be followed. 

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. 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!

I generally advise patients wear their garment 24 hours a day for three weeks, removing it only when bathing or washing it. From 3 to 6 weeks, wear your garment in the day only. It helps with easing swelling and reducing the risk of seroma. You should avoid doing strenuous activities, including ab work, for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

Ask your surgeon first before seeking the opinions of surgeons who are less familiar with your situation. Your surgeon should be better able to provide you with an answer.

Sounds fine to me but I would ask your surgeon as she or he actually saw the defect and did the repair.  All the best

Dr Grant Stevens  

Thank you for the question.

I suggest you “burn” the garment at your earliest convenience.

Best wishes.

There is absolutely no reason to wear a binder at 12 weeks as it is serving no useful purpose at this time. Typically, muscle healing occurs by 6 - 8 weeks ... so enjoy the freedom. (Did you discuss this with your surgeon?)

At three months postop, there is no reason to continue to wear the garment . It is probably irritating you because, since so much of the swelling has gone now, it no longer fits or serves its original purpose.

The compression wrap or binder is helpful for about four weeks after tummy tuck, and at 12 weeks it is ready to go. With your gradual exercise, the muscle repair should be safe.
Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Most patients can stop the compression garment 2 to 4 weeks after a tummy tuck. Some surgeons recommend longer if there was a significant hernia repair done at the same time. Check with the surgeon who repaired the hernia to be sure it is OK, but most tissue healing is done after 6 weeks so it is unlikely that you need to keep wearing it.