My Compression Garment Keeps Riding Up over my Incision. Should I Be Worried About This?

Question

I just had a full tummy tuck on Nov. 11, 2010. My doctor said to keep my incision covered with the binder, but it rides up every time I move. It is really stressing me out.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The problem with a high riding binder is that it sometimes acts like a tourniquet and can increase the swelling above the abdominal scar.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.  Wear your binder snug low on hips.  It is not uncommon for it to ride up, so do your best to fit it well (cutting to size), and pulling down when getting up.   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!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

i think you have a couple of options: one would be to get a better fitting binder from your surgeon. The second option would be to place a bandage (gauze, ABD pad, etc) over the incision then place your binder.  Consult with your surgeon to his/her opinion about your issue.

	Dr. ES

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Five days after abdominoplasty, if your binder keeps riding up, and it is stressing you out, the best thing to do is to call your plastic surgeon. What to do depends on why it is riding up, and they are in the best position to help, without causing a new problem. You may need a different garment. You may to wear it lower. However, your surgeon should be the one to make that determination. You plastic surgery is team work, and good team work depends on good communication between teammates.

Roy Kim, MD · Answer

In general, you want your compression garment over your tummy tuck incision.  You may have more swelling than usual, the garment may be too small, or you may be wearing it incorrectly.  I would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon to make sure your garment fits, and if it does not, then get a new one or larger one.

My Compression Garment Keeps Riding Up over my Incision. Should I Be Worried About This?

Answers (7)

Answer: Compression garment after tummy tuck

Answer: Compression garment after tummy tuck

Answer: Don't be Too Worried about Your Garment and Tummy Tuck Incision

Answer: Don't be Too Worried about Your Garment and Tummy Tuck Incision

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My Compression Garment Keeps Riding Up over my Incision. Should I Be Worried About This?

Answers (7)

Answer: Compression garment after tummy tuck

Answer: Compression garment after tummy tuck

Answer: Don't be Too Worried about Your Garment and Tummy Tuck Incision

Answer: Don't be Too Worried about Your Garment and Tummy Tuck Incision

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.