I'm 2 Weeks Post Tummy Tuck and Itching Like Crazy Under the Velcro Binder Anybody Recomend Anything?

Thanks for your question. You may be itching because of either sweating and heat, or being sensitive to the fabric. First try washing the binder in a hypoallergenic detergent, like Seventh Generation. You can also try wearing a cotton undershirt beneath the binder. Good luck.

Hello! Thank you for your question!. The tummy tuck procedure is an
excellent method for contouring of your abdomen, often removing the
excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal wall. After nearly all
surgical procedures, a potential space is created from where the
surgical procedure/dissection was performed. This is especially true
for the tummy tuck, in where the abdominal flap is raised off of the
abdominal wall and then redraped atop the area to contour the abdomen.
The procedure alone promotes swelling and inflammation, which typically
lasts for 6-12 weeks. This may even last longer if liposuction has been
performed in addition. During this time, a few things may be done to
allow adherence of the abdominal skin/soft tissue to readhere to the
abdominal wall and close that space. Many surgeons use drains to
evacuate the expected serous fluid from building up. Stagnant fluid as
such may be a nidus for infection as well as does not allow the tissue
to adhere back to its normal anatomic position. Drains usually are
removed once output is <30cc/day - usually removed within 3-4 weeks
on average, sometimes longer. When this occurs, a seroma may develop -
which may require aspiration or surgical evacuation to rid this in order
to optimize your result. This is not an uncommon reason for
persistent swelling and/or bulging in a certain area of your belly. Of
course, thwarting the development of a pseudobursa, or seroma capsule,
is always best, to provide the best result as well as avoid any future
procedures for this. This may be a troubling consequence and often
compromises your overall result. Thus avoiding this complication, in
whatever manner, is the objective. "Drainless" tummy tucks are becoming
more popular - basically, the overlying tissue is physically sutured to
the abdominal wall to close the potential space. In addition, most
surgeons typically restrict vigorous activity/strenuous exercise as well
as lifting restrictions of usually <20#, especially the core, for
6-8 weeks to allow healing to continue. Most also often recommend an
abdominal compression-type binder or garment, which will serve to
provide
compression as well as assist to decrease swelling and eliminate the
dead-space of the area for at least 6 weeks as well. After the initial
binder, many patients like the Spanx garments.  For you itching, I would recommend a soft cloth or dressings between your skin and the binder, or switching to the above compression garment.  Most patients are
able to return to most activities within a couple of weeks, provided
they adhere to the restrictions. Overall, this is a procedure
with a high satisfaction rate. Discuss the procedure and postoperative
instructions/restrictions with your surgeon, as these will vary among
surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

    A soft cotton T-shirt is recommended to be placed between your skin and the binder to minimize this.  If the itching is related to the incision, this may be related to an allergic reaction and the plastic surgeon should be consulted.

Possible solutions:

1) Change the brand of the binder and look for different fabric

2) Agree with Cotton T- Shirt

3) After shower, massage your skin with 100% pure avocado oil or 

    pure almond oil.  Wait few minutes , put on a cotton t-shirt before the binder.

Hope it will make you  feel better ....  

First, try a cotton t-shirt under the binder, to get the binder material away from the skin. 

If that fails, ask your surgeon for a recommendation for an alternative binder (Spanx usually work well), or to  abandon the binder completely. 

Thanks for your question, best wishes.

Luckily, this is a simple fix for a common problem  - just put on a cotton t-shirt after you shower and before putting the binder on.

Thanks for your question.  Some itching is expected with wound healing.  If you are itching because the binder is uncomfortable, put on a form fitting, spandex like shirt with the binder above the shirt.

Best Wishes!

Pablo Prichard, MD

The answer is simple.  Try another binder.  There are several companies that make these binders. Many can be purchased at department stores.  Also, I agree with the post below regarding wearing a cotton T-shirt.