How Does a Tummy Tuck Binder Help with Drains and Recovery?

asked 9 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 314 times
Tags: stomach, binder, compression garment, drainage, drains, quick, quick recovery, recovery, removal

How much sooner could drains be removed if a binder is consistently worn after a tummy tuck? I found this article, would most surgeons agree? http://www.psinteractive.net/abdom3.htm

6 answers to How Does a Tummy Tuck Binder Help with Drains and Recovery?

Drain Removal After Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Drains are used to remove fluid from the space between the abdominal wall skin (that has been elevated during the coming procedure) and the underlying abdominal wall muscles. This space can be called a “dead space” and tends to fill with fluid that can be troublesome if left in place. I will remove drains when the output is low (typically less than 20 mL per drain per day). Abdominal wall binders also are helpful in keeping a moderate... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Purpose of Post Op Garment for Tummy Tuck

Some form of compression garment is used after a tummy tuck for two reasons. 1.) It protects the repair of the muscles so that intra abdominal pressure from coughing or straining will not disrupt the stitches before healing is complete. 2.) The garment helps to keep down fluid collection in the tissues, combats swelling or seroma formation. Some surgeons prefer a a binder and others a girdle designed specifically for plastic surgery. Wearing your... more

Mary Lee Peters, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Binders are important

In my practice I have patients wear a binder for six weeks. The binder protects the muscle repair while the sutures internally are healing. The binder also has a role with post-operative swelling.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

How Does a Tummy Tuck Binder Help with Drains and Recovery? Answer:

I actually don’t use a binder after TT unless I am also doing liposuction of the tummy or hips. I place one drain and I have had very very low incidences of seroma or fluid buildup. I am always worried about the garment rolling down and cutting across the tummy flap and damaging the circulation…But it really is personal preference!

John J. Corey, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Drains post TT.

The drains are very important post surgery they prevents any fluids collection that might cause trouble like infections. The decision to remove the drains comes from your doctor it can be few days up to 10 days, and usualy there is a specific number that surgeon would consider to remove them. Wearing the binder is very imporant to achieve the same goal, and they have to be worn consistantly. Good Luck

Fatema S. Alsubhi, MD, SSC-plast
UAE Plastic Surgeon

The binder should not be tight

A firm fitting binder or garment is helpful to reduce swelling after liposuction and tummy tucks, however, it should not be tight! During a tummy tuck, the skin is undermined meaning that it has been separated from the muscle. In doing so, much of the blood supply to the remaining skin and fat has been reduced. If the binder is too tight, more blood supply to the skin and fat can be reduced and if it gets to a critical level the skin and fat can die resulting in worse scars and delayed... more

James McMahan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

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