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“Can I Still Wear Binder Past 8 Wks After Tummy Tuck?”

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Spent: $7,500 in Canada

Comments (20)

Updated 30 Apr 2009

Posted 29 Apr 2009

I had a tummy tuck done 9 weeks ago. I have been more swollen in my upper abdomen and above the incision line since I stop wearing the binder. Can I continue wearing the binder past 8 weeks if not is the swelling going to go down on it's own? I am a small frame person 5'2 116 lbs.

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Comments (20)

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Sheerpink 30 Apr 2009
Hi, Liz, I'm 2 weeks post op and have to wear mine for at least 8 weeks. I've been told and have also read that some people prefer to wear theirs weeks or months longer. It is suppose to continue helping with the swelling. Most switch to something like spanx or the lipo in a box brands for comfort. I can see still wearing one to bed or even to work for quite a while...
judynq 30 Apr 2009
they say the longer you wear one the better, it helps shape your body, and will keep the scar from bulging up.
Katherine_W 6 May 2009
I am going to get a TT in about 4 weeks. The doc I choose to do the proceedure says he doesn't use binders at all. He feels they are over-used by docs and serve no purpose but can hender the healing process by cutting off circulation. I was wondering what your doc told you about the binder and why he said you should wear it? Most people on here have said that they do in fact use a binder, so I am kind of at odds if this is a good thing or a bad??
LizCalgary 7 May 2009
Based on my understanding majority of people wear some kind of CG. Majority of PS recommend wearing it as well. I believe it helps with swelling and support. There is other medical reason for wearing it as well with binding things together, but I am not a doctor to comment on that. I don't think 90% can be wrong based on what your PS is telling you. As for cutting off circulation, I don't see how. Is like saying putting a bandgage on a cut finger is going to cut off circulation if people wear it right.
jen8567 (unregistered guest) 7 May 2009
I definitely recommend wearing a binder. I had my tt 6wks ago and my incision looks amazing. I believe it is due to my wearing the binder and using the vitamin E and cocoa butter cream twice a day.
ohyesidid 17 Sep 2009
how soon after surgery did you start using the vitamin E and cocoa butter?
QueenC 8 May 2009
I had a full TT 6 weeks ago and wore the binder 24/7 for 4 weeks. I switched to a Squeem camisole type compression garmet 2 weeks ago and it is SO much more comfortable and easy to wear normal clothing. The past week I've found I'm wearing it less & less. When my stomach or back gets tired or starts feeling weird then I put it on for a few hours. It feels great for a while and then I can't wait to get it off. I think our bodies tell us when we are healed well enough to quit wearing it.
sonya47 8 May 2009
My PS advised me to wear binder for 6-8 weeks. I'm 3 weeks post op now and can't imagine living without it especially the first 2 weeks. Initially when I took it off I felt really unstable and the belly area was "heavy". I think you need to be careful while your numb not to wear one too tight or that doesn't cover completely because then you could have circulation problems. It's supposed to help with circulation, swelling and conturing as the nerves are reattaching. Does your surgeon have before and after pictures of patients that didn't wear a binder at all? New procedures are used all the time, maybe you PS is using something that most aren't using yet? It won't hurt to ask him/her.
Katherine_W 8 May 2009
I have seen before/after pics from my sergeon, however I am not sure if those people wore binders or not. I was very suprised when he said he doesn't use them. That is why I wanted ask some people who have already had the proceedure done. So, if he says he doesn't use them but I think its best to wear one based on the advise of the majority....should I tell him to give me one anyway or follow his recommendations? I am just not sure what to do which is why I am looking for answers. I do feel comfortable with him at my doc...this is my main concern with the entire thing I suppose. Any advise would be appreciated. I thank everyone for their info also.
mary f 13 May 2009
i am so scared, i too am going for my tt in 2weeks, dont know what to expect, i too was told i need a binder for weeks, am i the only one nervous of this operation, and the pain??????
prettylaura (unregistered guest) 14 May 2009
Hi- First of all, congratulations on deciding to have a tummy tuck. I am sure you will be pleased with the results. I had a tt on April 7th of this year, just a little over a month ago. I am very pleased with my results and have gone done 2 pants sizes. I wore the binder for 2 weeks and then switched to a spandex top that covers down to the underwear area (wearing it now). Got it at Walmart for $14 or so. But do expect to be in pain for the first 24 hours and mostly discomfort after that. Make sure you have someone to help you. Also, I am using this clear strip across the incision that is called Nu-Gel. My doctor says if you wear it for at least 6 months for a few hours a day the scar is almost invisible. My scar looks great to begin with. If you have any questions let me know. I can give you my personal email and then you can call me if you would like.
Katherine_W 14 May 2009
Thanks a lot for the information. I made another appointment with my PS to further discuss the whole binder thing. I just want everything to go as good as possible and have the best results I can possibly get. I have been told about that clear strip, you said Nu-gel? Where can you get it? I have also been told to use Maderma for the scar. I am a little nervous for my surgery, mainly because I just hope its worth it. It is going to be June 29th. I will be having my mother come to help me for about three weeks.
mary f 14 May 2009
thank you laura, please email me canadian_lady_ca@hotmail.com, i will try to get some before and after pics for you. im still nervous, i only have a week and a half left to go before surgery. i do accounting, and i was real worried about the down time i was going to have, also, tell me, did they put drains in you?? how many?? and how long till they came out?? thanks again. i did have second thought being 46 yrs old, wondering why i would do this, but i need to feel good about myself, and sure hope this helps!!!! mary
Montrice 22 Sep 2010
You will be fine, I am seven weeks today tt and the results are Awsome.I wear my binder or a support corset and it really help with the swelling. I am back teaching my kickboxing classes. I do pace myself, still know ab work.
3/24/11 22 Feb 2011
so what did you do?? i fee; the same way with my doctor...
ohyesidid 17 Sep 2009
Hello ladies This is day 9 for me. I have had so many questions and this message board has been wonderful. I haven't had any pain. Just discomfort and the binder has been a real challenge for me. I still have the drain tubes in and between the two they are really annoying. The binder rides up and moves the side drain tubes ooch!! I really want the drains gone, and I think I will better deal with binder. The support is really a good thing. I am 54 and my stomach has not been flat in 30 years but even with the swelling I love it, love it, love. I don't won't to mess this up. Today I tried to wear a girdle instead of the binder. Although it was difficult to get on, once I got it on I felt so much more comfortable. I am just not sure how to gauge the support. Any suggestions??
Montrice 22 Sep 2010
Go to Jcpenny, i bougth most of my corsets and spandex form JP. You will want to make sure that it support your incission to keep the sewlling down. I love my results it is seven weeks today. I have not had a lot of pain with my healing. I am 75% back to my physical fitness routine. I am a fitness instructor and my results are Awsome. Keep moving around and you will be fine. Listen to your body.
ragtopday 20 Sep 2009
I had a tummy tuck on June 10. I wore my binder 24/7 for 3 months, the only time it was taken off was for showers. The past few weeks I have been going without it during the day and wearing it only at night. Their is alot of swelling starting above the suture line and i always feel like the muscle is balling up in lower abdomen. I don't go back to the dr for several weeks. I think I am going to start wearing my binder all day again.
Montrice 22 Sep 2010
Like my doctor told me, lets keep it real. We will experience swelling and other strange things with our stomach. I had my tt seven weeks ago today. I am experiencing some swelling as well I gently message the area that is swollen from time to time. We will be fine after while. Good luck.
krystal1970 17 Mar 2010
I am in week 7 and wearing my binder all day and only started to take it off at night to sleep as it is more comfortable. I have a vac dressing as I have a huge hole in my abdomen. They advised me to continue to wear the binder for as long as I can stand it. In the end, do what you can to ensure you protect your body and your investment.

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