How is It Possible to Wear a Compression Garment With Drains?

I can see how a compression garment can be worn after the drains are taken out but while they are in, I dont want to get near them or the incision! How long do you need to have the drains in for? & Is there anything that needs to be applied to the incision during this time like cleaning it or using ointments? While I have the drains in, I really dont want to touch anything. The pain Im prepared for, but my biggest fear is caring for the incision. I dont want to do anything wrong!

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by prkbhnd in Tampa, FL

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Compression garment and drains after tummy tuck--less trouble than you think!

Your drain(s) will exit the pubic area, and your garment will either be an elastic binder fastened to itself with Velcro, or a crotchless girdle-like garment. The drains come out below the binder or through the opening in the garment, and drain care is pretty simple. Your caregiver (family member, friend, or significant other) will be shown how to care for the drain and reservoir by the recovery room nurse or one of your surgeon's other staff, and you can take over this care the next day... more

Nobody likes drains!

While nobody likes drains, everyone seems to cope with them reasonably well. I personally do not depend on compression after abdominoplasty however I find most people like having the support of a binder post op. If it becomes uncomfortable I discontinue it. Also, I keep it loose so as not to compromise the flap.

Can you wear a compression garment with drain from a tummy tuck?

Most surgeon place drain tubes after a tummy tuck. These exit the skin through the pubic area. I use a compression garment which covers the patient from mid thighs to just under the breast crease. All compression garment manufacturers make their garments with an open crotch for ease of use of the restroom. The drains are passed through this opening. It seems to me that your biggest concern is postop wound care. This should be minimal, but if you don't even want to look at the scar you... more

Drains after tummy tucks.

The compression garment worn after a tummy tuck is usually a binder that wraps around the tummy. The drains are allowed to exit below the binder. You should speak to the staff at your PS office to become more comfortable with the drain care and wound care as every PS has a different protocol. It really is alot simpler than you may think. Good Luck.