Thank you for your question. I think that this is often a confusing point for many patients who elect to have a tummy tuck. Some surgeons use these terms interchangeably, but there are some significant differences between abdominal binders and compression garments. Abdominal binders are generally an elastic band that can wrap around your midsection and can be adjusted to be made tighter or looser. These binders are generally employed for the first week or so following a tummy tuck, but are generally not used for much longer as they tend to be less comfortable, require frequent adjustments, and can roll up on patients with prolonged use. Compression garments are usually made of a spanx-like material, have no boning, and typically have no zippers or clasps. It is important to note that 'waist trainers' are neither an abdominal binder nor compression garment, and they are not acceptable forms of compression following a tummy tuck. In my practice, patients begin in an abdominal binder for the first week or so following a tummy tuck and then transition into a seam-less compression garment until they have reached their 1 month post-op mark. I have found that compression garments tend to be more comfortable for patients, can be worn easier beneath regular clothing, and provide acceptable compression to help prevent the accumulation of fluid while the soft-tissue of the abdominal flap re-adheres to the soft-tissue below. I would recommend following up with your operating surgeon to discuss his/her specific philosophy regarding compression in the immediate post-op period. Your surgeon will be your best resource and any concerns should always be addressed with him/her. I hope you find this helpful and I wish you the best.
