Should I feel uncomfortable without the compression garment?

Question

I’m about 4 months post-op from my extensive tummy tuck. I’ve been wearing a medical grade bodysuit as compression since about 5 weeks post-op. I have been trying to transition out of wearing it but when I don’t wear it, I feel uncomfortable. My muscles feel like they’re working overtime to stay put without the compression. I move slower and it’s a bit more painful without it. Is this concerning? I’ve been doing ab workouts to gain strength and build muscle for a couple months too.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to feel uncomfortable without the compression garment after tummy tuck surgery. Compression garments are typically worn to help reduce swelling and promote healing after surgery. They can also help to support the abdominal muscles, which can be weakened or stretched during pregnancy or weight gain.

It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you feel uncomfortable without the compression garment, you may want to continue wearing it for a bit longer or transition to a less restrictive garment. However, you mentioned that you have been doing ab workouts to gain strength and build muscle, which is great for your overall health and can also help with your recovery.

It is also important to follow up with your surgeon and discuss any concerns you may have. They can evaluate your progress and make recommendations based on your individual needs.

Thank you for reaching out and I wish you the best of luck with your continued recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Many patients feel more comfortable in the garment and wear it for a few months. Reach out to your surgeon with your  questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I recommend that my patients wear an adjustable abdominal compression garment 24/7 for six weeks. This compression garment does not cover the buttocks or the hips. There is no harm in continuing to wear the garment afterwards.

Sean T. Lille, MD · Answer

It is common in my practice to hear from patients who feel more comfortable in their compression garments for several months. We usually talk about transitioning from heavy compression to medium compression, to light compression, and then gradually no compression. Please follow the advice of your surgeon and what he/she recommends regarding ab workouts and wearing compression.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Thrifty743045, thank you for your question. I suggest you follow your specialist recommendations, because the compression garment, foams and the time of usage as well depends of multiple things among other the doctor's surgical technique and the type of equipment used to perform the surgery. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. 
Compression garments are important to help minimize swelling after tummy tuck and/or liposuction surgery. 
I typically recommend patients to wear compression garments for 4-6 weeks after the procedure but some patients prefer wearing it for a few months after the surgery, and they feel that compression garments provide them with better core support. 
I suggest that you discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon. I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Thrifty743045,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

The compression garments do not help this far after the surgery.  They are meant to be worn for six weeks only to help reshape and resolve swelling.  Sometimes patients have a hard time transitioning out of the garment.  I advise these patients to wear Spanx for a while.  Some patients feel achy longer than expected, which resloves by getting a massage.  I would avoid core exercising till you discomfort has subsided.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Sometimes patients feel a little odd when not wearing compression when they are used to it.  Most patients can comfortably go about daily routines without compression by this point.  Some like to wear it if they are exercising or having a particularly active day for a little extra support.  Speak to your surgeon about what is best for you.

Michael S. Wong, MD · Answer

Dear Thrifty743045,
Everybody recovers differently. Wear the compression if it helps. It is there for this purpose. You might consider transitioning to some lighter compression such as spanks or exercise pants.
Ask your plastic surgeon what they recommend for this.
Best to you and your recovery.

Should I feel uncomfortable without the compression garment?

Answers (14)