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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

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

ORIGINAL POST

I had a tummy tuck done 9 weeks ago. I have been...

WORTH IT$7,500

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.

Replies (21)

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...
they say the longer you wear one the better, it helps shape your body, and will keep the scar from bulging up.
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??
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.
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.
how soon after surgery did you start using the vitamin E and cocoa butter?
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.
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.
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.
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