Binder for tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

Is it okay if sometimes I won’t wear my binder for my tummy tuck (mini tummy tuck) because sometimes my tummy is sweating. I’m 6 weeks Post OP. Thanks.

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
I do recommend you speaking with your surgeon to clarify your specific postoperative instructions. 
When speaking with my patients I do recommend for them to wear the compression garment as much as possible at day and night. I instruct them to remove it to take a shower and to let the area completely dry before reapplying it. 
At some point you might be able to be transitioned to e.g. SPANX. But it is best to clarify and speak with your surgeon regarding timing, duration, and kind of compression garment.  
Best wishes. 
Franziska Huettner

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Caroline and thanks for your question! I instruct my patients to wear a compression garment 24/7 for 4-6 weeks.  I am strict with my post op compression protocol in order to prevent the formation of seromas between the muscle and subcutaneous tissue.  Compression helps to "stick" these layers together to prevent fluid build up between layers.  I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon for his/her protocol.  Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Congratulations on your procedure. I will suggest discussing any post op instructions with your surgeon. Every surgeon has their own post op protocol.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

It is OK to not wear your binder for short periods such as when showering and performing other personal hygiene. I suggest you speak with your plastic surgeon about other times you do not want to wear the binder. Good luck. Dr. ALDO

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question.  I'd suggest getting in touch with your surgeon for specific advice.  Generally for my patients the binder is only worn continuously for 3 weeks, then it might be worn intermittently for several weeks thereafter.  Of course each person heals uniquely, so in some cases (for example if the person has a postop seroma) I might recommend they wear the binder a little longer.

Jeffrey Ridha, MD · Answer

While you should always follow your surgeon’s recommendations, I typically don’t have patients wear a binder for much longer than 6 weeks, so you are likely nearing the end of the time needed. Check with your board-certified plastic surgeon, and he/she will determine when you can stop wearing the garment. Best wishes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Each surgeon has their own respective garment protocols but after 6 weeks I tend to transition my patient to a lighter weight compression garment like Spanx.  Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Compression is helpful after surgery to help manage swelling and to support the healing tissues.  I advise my patients to wear the compression for the first three to four weeks after surgery in most cases.  You will need to check with your surgeon for your post op instructions.  She/He is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to ask your surgeon what you should and should not be doing at this time. Every surgeon has his/her preference about binders.

Angeline Lim, MD · Answer

I advise my patients to wear some type of compression after their tummy tuck or mini-tummy tuck for 4-6 weeks.  Many patients like the support the more rigid binder offers in the first few weeks and will stay with the binder for the entire course.  Others want to have more flexibility in terms of what they can wear over the compression and switch to something softer, similar to Spanx.  
If you tend to get sweaty from your binder, it should be fine to take brief breaks from wearing it to air out and to launder it.  A lighter type of compression may also work well for you.  Be sure to check with your own surgeon as to how much longer you should wear the binder - at six weeks postop, you may be ready to move on from continuous compression.
Hope this helps, and best of luck,
Dr. Lim

Binder for tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (13)

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