Will a compression garment with front binders leave a permanent mark after a tummy tuck?

Hello! Thank you for your question!. The tummy tuck procedure is an
excellent method for contouring of your abdomen, often removing the
excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal wall. After nearly all
surgical procedures, a potential space is created from where the
surgical procedure/dissection was performed. This is especially true
for the tummy tuck, in where the abdominal flap is raised off of the
abdominal wall and then redraped atop the area to contour the abdomen.
The procedure alone promotes swelling and inflammation, which typically
lasts for 6-12 weeks. This may even last longer if liposuction has been
performed in addition. During this time, a few things may be done to
allow adherence of the abdominal skin/soft tissue to readhere to the
abdominal wall and close that space. Many surgeons use drains to
evacuate the expected serous fluid from building up. Stagnant fluid as
such may be a nidus for infection as well as does not allow the tissue
to adhere back to its normal anatomic position. Drains usually are
removed once output is <30cc/day - usually removed within 3-4 weeks
on average, sometimes longer. When this occurs, a seroma may develop -
which may require aspiration or surgical evacuation to rid this in order
to optimize your result. This is not an uncommon reason for
persistent swelling and/or bulging in a certain area of your belly. Of
course, thwarting the development of a pseudobursa, or seroma capsule,
is always best, to provide the best result as well as avoid any future
procedures for this. This may be a troubling consequence and often
compromises your overall result. Thus avoiding this complication, in
whatever manner, is the objective. "Drainless" tummy tucks are becoming
more popular - basically, the overlying tissue is physically sutured to
the abdominal wall to close the potential space. In addition, most
surgeons typically restrict vigorous activity/strenuous exercise as well
as lifting restrictions of usually <20#, especially the core, for
6-8 weeks to allow healing to continue. Most also often recommend an
abdominal compression-type binder or garment, which will serve to
provide
compression as well as assist to decrease swelling and eliminate the
dead-space of the area for at least 6 weeks as well. After the initial
binder, many patients like the Spanx garments. Most patients are
able to return to most activities within a couple of weeks, provided
they adhere to the restrictions. Overall, this is a procedure
with a high satisfaction rate. Discuss the procedure and postoperative
instructions/restrictions with your surgeon, as these will vary among
surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Your compression garment is probably just fine. They will not leave permanent marks or have a negative effect on the healing process or scars. There really is not much evidence that compression garments do much to help after surgery. But they don't hurt either. It is a bit unusual to start compression garments a week after surgery. Most surgeons would agree that if there is a benefit, it would be to inhibit the initial swelling that happens right after surgery. But your surgeon must have his reasons, so I would follow his advice. 

This is a great question that is frequently asked.No, it should not cause any permanent problems or marks. The pressure should be moderate. This is not easy to quantify exactly. It means it should not be extremely tight or loose. It should be somewhere in between.The pressure of the garment should be moderate because the fluid being squeezed out is not high pressure. Moderate pressure is ample.The garment has other benefits as well. Go to my web page that is linked below. In the menu, go to the educational writings and click on tummy tuck. One of my writings will review this and other benefits to you.Hope this helps!Dr Chris Saunders

Flexees is a product I use and patients can substitute it for their binder that is provided right after surgery since its easier to put on.  There are many products out there and none should leave permanent dents or deformities in your skin.  You could also use those that allow you to wear your own bra as an alternative.  My patients are asked to have a mild to moderate compression for up to 6 weeks, depending on what was done at surgery.

There is no one answer for what is the correct approach to compression after abdominal surgery. Some surgeons are aggressive and require tight binders both before and 6 or more weeks after surgery. Some do not use them at all. Most seem to be somewhere in between. Unless your binder is causing the skin to break down, it is very unlikely that you would get permanent marks from a binder.  As time goes on, a softer compression is useful and more comfortable but it would be inappropriate for I or anyone else to tell you what to do when another surgeon did your operation. Most offices are very used to answering questions like this and my suspicion is that your surgeon would love the opportunity to be the most important voice in your postoperative concerns.Best,Dr. Pyle

When buying a compression garment make sure you are getting a post surgical one the is soft enough on your surgical areas. Always ask your surgeon before you put on the new one he would be give you the best advise for your procedure. 

Thank you for your question.  I doubt that the garment you have use will leave permanent marks.However you should try to buy a garment that has a bra component and shoulder straps so that there is no extra compression of the upper abdomen that can cause an indentation.  Many patients like the body garments made by Spanks.

Your Plastic Surgeon is the best person to instruct you in regards to your compression garment.  Sometimes I have patients add extra padding to areas that are creasing the skin.  Extra padding could be a folded hand towel, etc.  Discuss this with your surgeon as soon as possible for your best surgical result.

Wearing compression garments following your surgery is crucial to the healing process and in my mind does impact your outcome. I instruct my patients to wear them religiously for 6 weeks after surgery.A binder may leave temporary markings that should go away, when you take it off. Very rarely, patients develop allergy in the form of redness, skin rash or blisters after wearing certain brands. Sometimes the garment grows too tight in the immediate first few days after surgery due to swelling and bruising.Best is to consult with your surgeon. He will be able to help you with this matter.