Should I worry that impressions from the garment could cause permanent damage to my results? (Photo)

Question

I am noticing that my compression garment is digging into my skin when I lay down. It doesn't feel too tight but I assume it has to do with the swelling.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

I would not worry too much about some skin impressions from your garment. Even normal clothing can leave some harmless skin impressions.  The swelling and edema from your surgery will exacerbate the appearance of these impressions.  I instruct my patients to wear the garment so that it applies gentle even pressure over the surgical area. You want to avoid any isolated pressure points. The garment should not be so tight as to cause pain in any area.  Follow your surgeon's recommendations.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

I personally do not use compression the early stages after a tummy tuck because of the risk to the blood supply and the minimal benefit of compression.  If your garments leaving marks it is too tight.  It may affect your outcome in a negative way.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

The garment can cause marks on the skin on rare occasions. One can wear a t shirt, a slip or cotton roll can be placed between your garment and your skin. This can act as a buffer to protect your skin. I usually advocate this about 10 days after surgery. Also if you are sitting, the garment can cause a fold that can cause discomfort and marks that are not usually permanent on your abdomen.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

My patients wear a garment or spanx for 3-4 weeks full time and 3 additional weeks part time.  I recommend that you follow up with your plastic surgeon to see your options at this point after an exam. Best of luck.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Not knowing what was done and the techniques used, this answer should truly be addressed by your operating plastic surgeon.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Always best to check with your chosen surgeon concerning all these post operative issues. I recommend to  remove the girdle till you see or hear from your chosen surgeon. But I can not authorize this removal because I have NEVER seen you.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello  and  thank  you  for  your  question. I don't  think you need to worry. When I  see however see indentation marks like that on my patients I usually have them find ones with less compression  or preferably  ones that have seems on the outside.Peter  Fisher  M.D.

Should I worry that impressions from the garment could cause permanent damage to my results? (Photo)

Answers (7)