I am a police officer and 4 and a half post opt. Went back to work. Can the wieght of the gun belt cause damage?

Hello, in my area, police officers must have detailed paperwork filled out that states they can wear all of their regular protective gear plus do all of their regular tasks (like use of force).  I would be concerned about one of my office patients going back to full duties before 6 weeks.  However, your PS may have different recommendations.

A heavy gun belt should not affect your outcome at 4 weeks after surgery. I would suggest you check your skin at the end of the first day to make sure that you are not getting pressure sores along the numbed areas of your skin. The belt will probably change the small amount of oedema (swelling) you have above and below it, but this really doesn't matter in the long term.

I am assuming you had a tummy tuck (the question title didn't say but I saw you asked another question about TT)?If the surgery was a TT with liposuction, and you are 4.5 WEEKS out (not MONTHS), then the answer is YES, it can cause damage. Wearing a tight or heavy band across a healing area of liposuction at only 4 weeks can cause permanent grooves. This is why most plastic surgeons recommend uniform compression for up to 6 weeks postop. It does help with swelling mostly, but it also keeps uniformity in the healing region. While the chances of problems are less at 4 weeks than at 4 days, I would recommend wearing the belt over some form of more rigid compression such as an abdominal binder (or at least Under Armour) underneath your clothing. One it will help keep your contour more uniform, two it won't be any more bulky than your bulletproof vest, and three it will decrease the likelihood of a permanent deformity. Hope that helps!CDK