Is it necessary to wear a girdle after Tummy Tuck?

This truly is a preference of the surgeon, and should be discussed in advance of any procedure. I will suggest, however, that many surgeons, myself included, insist on the patient wearing a binder (similar to a girdle) for a period of four to six weeks after the surgery. The reasons for this are many, but... more

I request that all of our abdominoplasty patients wear a binder during the first three weeks post-operatively. One of the biggest enemies cosmetic surgery patients face after surgery is swelling. What's the point of reducing or tightening an area through liposuction, facelift, or in this case abdominoplasty if... more

Although each surgeon has their own preferences and techniques, most use some sort of postoperative support. Patients like the support provided by a binder. It helps with movement after surgery and decreases discomfort as well as help with swelling and fluid buildup. I would ask your surgeon the reasoning... more

There are a multitude of approaches when it comes to post-operative care. The general tendency is to wear a compression garment to compress the skin against the muscle with the intention to limit swelling (edema), minimize fluid collections (seroma) and prevent localized bleeding (hematoma). Kind of similar to... more

It is necessary to wear some type of elastic support garment (girdle) for the first month after a tummy tuck.  After that it usually is not necessary.

Every doctor is different. I prefer to use an abdominal binder but prefer not to use a strong compression garment like I do for liposuction. I think the abdominal binder helps keep the tissues adherent to the underlying tissues. But, some doctors feel this doesn't do anything and therefore don't use them.

Most surgeons require compression of some sort after a tummy tuck.  During surgery, the skin is disconnected, the deep layer is tightened and the skin then sticks down to its new home. Compression allows the skin to stick to its home and reduces the tendency of fluid formation. Also, if... more

Clea91, It is not essential that you wear a girdle or compression garment after a tummy tuck. Some doctors recommend it others don't. If the tummy tuck result is good then I don't think a girdle will improve results. I often use an abdominal binder, not too tightly, after a tummy tuck, just for patient comfort... more

Hi there, The details of the postop management are really going to depend on the details of what was done in surgery, and it is possible that you had an operation which would not require compression. A traditional tummy tuck would involve elevation of the skin and tightening of the muscle layer, and most... more

If the tummy tuck is done without liposuction, wearing the garment is not as strict and it is mainly for comfort and protection. I always make sure that the garment is not tight at all during the first few days to avoid any pressure necrosis on the abdominal flap. If lipousction is done at the same time, I... more