Best compression garment for tummy tuck?

Question

What recommendations can you give for best compression garmet to wear after tummy tuck procedure? Do you recommend different type for immediately following surgery vs 2-3 weeks post op. Would love to hear experiences of what worked and what did not. Also where to buy, best brands, etc.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
After having an abdominoplasty, it is extremely important to wear a compression garment to decrease the amount of swelling. Post-operative swelling can last up to a year, but you will see the most dramatic difference in the first three months after your surgery. For those initial months, I would recommend wear an abdominal binder as much as you can. I typically will put my patients in these after surgery as they provide the most amount of compression possible. After the first three months, you can switch to a less compressive garment such as any shape wear brands you could find at stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

Mansher Singh, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of my patients buy it on Amazon and have had great luck with it. The key thing is to have the compression as tight as possible. You will be swollen after the surgery and and you will probably need a smaller garment once your swelling goes down

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there,Thank you for your question! Depending on your surgeon, you may need to wear a binder immediately after surgery due to your drain placement. After drains are removed, I usually recommend a Step 1 Garment for the next 2 weeks. After that, you can switch to a Step 2/3 Garment that has more stretch and can be worn for daily activities underneath clothing. Marena has some great post surgical options.Hope that helps!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Plucky260986, thank you for your question. The best operative attire is the one recommended by your specialist, because the compression garment depends of multiple things among other the doctor's surgical technique and the type of equipment used to perform the surgery. According to the clinical criteria is the level of compression of the girdle and the period of use. Is important that you take into account that inadequate compression can generate more inflammation. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Plucky260986,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Compression garments are helpful to support healing tissues and to control swelling.  Your surgeon is the best one to recommend the style of garment that is best for you based on your surgical plan.  The garment should fit snugly but not be too tight.  Often times patients can "step down" to a lighter compression garment after a few weeks once some of the swelling has resolved.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I place my patients in an abdominal binder for the first month to not interfere with the surgical tapes or drains. Then, they were a compression girdle up to two more months.  Do what you doctor wants.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Every plastic surgeon I know offers patients and abdominal binder to use after a tummy tuck and patients do not need to purchase their own compression garments.
Compression garments do not change the outcome of the procedure.
Typically the surgeon or medical facility will take care of this for you.
Follow up with your provider if you have chosen one. If not I suggest having multiple in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Best compression garment for tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

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