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I Am 4 Weeks Post-op. Can I Remove my Compression Binder for a Party for a Few Hours?

asked 11 months ago by MarlaB in San Francisco, CA
Latest answer by Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Question viewed 1,376 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, compression garment, removal

Feeling great 4 weeks after Tummy Tuck surgery. I've worn my compression (velcro) binder 24/7 except for showers and the occasional "oh my God I need to get this off for 5 minutes". Can I leave it off for a few hours to attend a party this weekend? Can't seem to get any of my clothes to close over the binder & I would feel great to wear normal clothes. Thank you!

14 answers to I Am 4 Weeks Post-op. Can I Remove my Compression Binder for a Party for a Few Hours?

Compression binder after abdominalplasty

Personally, I prefer that my patients receive their post surgical instructions from me and not from a doctor on the Internet who you don't know. So call up your doctor and follow their directions. My recommendation to my patients depends on the amount of swelling at that particular time and whether they have had any problems such as fluid accumulation under the skin. These could be reasons to wear a binder for a longer period of time. In general all my tummy tuck patients wear a binder... more

Ronald J. Edelson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Yes

You can certainly take off your binder for short periods of time. Just don't do something foolish at your event, nothing that would stretch your repair.

E. Anthony Musarra II, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Support Garments after Abdominoplasty

In my own practice I let my patients switch to Panty Girdles one week after Tummy Tuck. However all surgeons have their own preferences. If your surgeon wants to wear garment for a longer time, you should listen to him. He may have perfectly valid reasons of his own. Always follow your surgeon's advice.

Vasdev Rai, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Taking off your binder

In my practice, I usually recommend some sort of compression garment for the first 6 weeks post op tummy tuck surgery. Removing it for a short period of time will not result in any permanent injury. You should expect some swelling to result. Every surgeon has different routines, you should check with your Plastic Surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Wear a Binder after Tummy Tuck

I recommend my patients use the Abdominal binder 24/7 for the first four weeks. After that, they are allowed to use it only when they do strenuous activity such as working out, or jogging, etc. Surgeons are going to vary on their recommendations for the use of a binder, but in any case, you seem to have stuck to it for four solid weeks and you could certainly take it off for a few hours to attend a party. Have fun, Erez Sternberg, MD.

Erez Sternberg, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Can I leave off compression binder after tummy tuck/

If you were my patient, I would tell you that you could...I suggest wearing it except for showering for a few weeks, then leave it up to the patient, though I tell them that continued compression could be helpful even for a few more weeks. In my opinion, leaving it off for a few hours would not hurt, though you might notice a little more puffiness. However, as in all things, you should ask your surgeon.

Robert M. Grenley, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Compression Binder After Tummy Tuck

I too have my tummy tuck patients wear an abdominal binder for a few weeks following their surgery. It is probably OK to leave your binder off for a few hours at this point in your recovery, but this is a question which should be asked of your surgeon who best knows your present condition and situation.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Compression Garments After Abdominoplasty

In general, I request that my patients wear a compression garment for 2 weeks day and night and then 2 weeks at night. Thereafter, it’s for comfort and most patients do wear it for comfort for weeks.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Removing compression garment for a party 4 weeks after abdominoplasty

Certainly, you should discuss removing the compression garment with your own plastic surgeon. However, barring a complication which requires that you continue to wear the garment at every turn, I see no reason why you couldn't remove it and have a wonderful time at that party. Of course, you shouldn't be dancing on the tables and should imbibe conservatively, but four hours without the garment should not affect your result. If you feel that you still need some... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Taking off abdominal binder

Obviously, you should check with your surgeon first. I let my patients start "weaning off" their garments at about 3 weeks. Many of my patients then use a Spanx for a few weeks, especially if they are staring back with exercise. Make sure you don't overdue it at the party. You may be feeling well, but you are not yet completely healed. Just a few unwise moves on the dance floor could set your recovery back. Be smart! Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D. more

Lisa L. Sowder, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.sowdermd.com

Binder and tummy tuck

You should be able to leave he binder off for the party. Just be careful with your activities as a binder tends to remind you. Also some type of girdle or garment may give you enough support at this point where you won't really need the binder anymore.

David Nicholas Csikai, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Yes, take it off and enjoy the party.

Yes, you can certainly take it off and attend the party. You may consider wearing a supportive undergarment like spandex cycling shorts, pantyhose, spanks, or a girdle they sell at department stores that fits more comfortably. I have my patients discontinue the binder at 4 weeks. It's not necessary to protect the abdominal muscle repair, certainly not one month after surgery, although you are not ready for exercises that work the abdominal muscles (need to wait... more

Eric Swanson MD
Leawood Plastic Surgeon

www.swansoncenter.com

I Am 4 Weeks Post-op. Can I Remove my Compression Binder for a Party for a Few Hours?

Dear MariaB, I would ask your surgeon. Chances are you will be alright, so long as you don't carry anything weighing more than five pounds, bend over at the waist, or do anything strenuous that activates your core/abdominal muscles. The main reason for wearing the binder at this point is to provide support to your abdominal muscles that were tightened during surgery and are still healing. Warmest wishes, Larry Fan, MD