Which compression garment is best for tummy tuck and lipo? 8 days post op. (photo)

We often recommend the style #85 from Design Veronique. It looks like a one piece swimsuit.There is a version with clips to open and close during early recovery then when the  swelling is down we switch to the slip on style. They are ordered based on your measurements. Discuss it with yoursurgeon. He will guide you through the process.Best wishes.

Thanks for your question. In our practice we use caromed abdominoplasty garments. Sizing is based on pre-operative measurements taken in the clinic. If the garment is ultimately too loose, at times we will use a 2 or 3 strap abdominal binder for adequate compression. That being said, recommendations and specific garment types will can vary significantly from provider to provider. I suggest that you contact your surgeon to discuss your concerns and review options. Best of luck and congratulations on your operation! 

Dear Rmom,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Every surgeon prefers a certain type of compression garment, and I always support following your surgeon's post-operative guidelines as he/she knows the extent of your surgery and how well you are recovering.   Our office provides our TT/lipo patients with an adjustable compression garment.  The  patients like the support it provides to the back and to the abdomen.  The only complaint I have heard is related to the "itchiness" of the fabric which can be remedied by wearing a soft t-shirt under the garment.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hello and thank-you for your question.I would suggest contacting your treating surgeon for guidance in how long you should wear your garment.  I generally advise my patients to wear the garment for 6 weeks following a tummy-tuck and liposuction. I advise my patients that once they stop wearing the garment, if their tummy is swollen or does not look as good, that they should wear the garment at least part time for an additional two weeks. For the first 6 weeks I recommend my patients wear a compression garment by Contour MD. They then can change out to a softer garment, something like spanxs or Firma wear. I hope that this helps,Andrew Lyos MD, FACS

Hi @RMom, Thanks for the question and the pic! Congrats on your new tummy.
The use of an abdominal binder or compression garment is definitely a surgeon-to-surgeon dependent practice and each of us tend to have our own preference. I would recommend getting fitted at the surgeons office and if you had liposuction too I prefer one that goes below your waist to avoid the swelling from accumulating in the "Mons" or "Pubic" area.
The garment should be snug, but not tight. Too much pressure can reduce blood flow in the tiny blood vessels in the skin which may lead to poor healing.
Typically, there will be an initial period of continuous abdominal compression garment around the clock for the 2 weeks then just at night for the second and third weeks.  It may be helpful to have some form of compression for the first 2-3 months to reduce overall chances of swelling and expedite your healing.  
The reason for the compression is to aid in allowing the new flat tummy skin to sculpt and fit to your torso without excess swelling, fluid accumulation and to offer some support as your repaired muscles become well adjusted. Keeping swelling to a minimum helps expedite your recovery and enhance your healing. 

Generally I recommend any type of compression garment that is comfortable for the patient. The compression garment should fit snuggly and should not be too tight. We just want moderate compression to fit snug that the patient to wear the majority of the day.

This question would best be answered by your surgeon.  Please utilize that office for your postoperative needs.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Thank you for your question. After the drains are removed, my nurse recommends to our patients the  "flexees" shapewear by Maidenform. The have a high rise tummy shaper with firm support that should give adequate compression to the flanks and help control the lower abdominal swelling.Best to you,Dr.Zenn

Congratulations on your recent surgery!  It is very difficult to determine how compressive your garment is in the photo.  I put all of my tummy tuck with liposuction patients in an abdominal binder that has three Velcro adjustable straps.  You could inquire with your plastic surgeon to see if they have one available and what alternative compression garment may work best for you.