Too much compression ruin my TT?

Question

I’m Day 19 Postop - was told by PS that I could double up on compression. I wore a Spanx type garment with binder over it. It wasn’t uncomfortable and I could breathe just fine. I never felt like it was too much. I wore it for six hours then removed them for a shower. Immediately I noticed tons of swelling on incision line and pubic area, which have not occurred prior to this. I actually haven’t had much swelling until this. The incision line is also hard now. Did I mess something up?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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 with multiple bands so the garment can be tightened and loosened as swelling changes.   This provides differential compression. 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, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. Compression is an essential part of the tummy tuck recovery process and helps minimize swelling while you heal. So long as you do not experience discomfort or have difficulty breathing while wearing your compression garment, you should be safe to continue using it. Be sure to discuss these concerns with your plastic surgeon, however, to ensure you are applying your compression garment properly. Hope this helps!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Your garment should feel snug, but not tight. Have your surgeon check to make sure you have your garment adjusted correctly. Swelling is normal and you will have swelling for several more months. Good luck.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Each surgeon will have their own protocol on which they would like their patients to follow.  You are in the early stages of recovery and swelling is normal.  I would suggest to make sure your binder is sitting appropriately.  I would also suggest following up with you PS and following their instructions.  Best of luck to you.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Compression is used to manage swelling and support tissues as they heal.  Garments should feel supportive but not restrictive.  Without photos or an exam it is difficult to determine if yours were fitting correctly.  Swelling is still expected even with the use of compression.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is normal during the post op period.  Your binder may have been positioned incorrectly so that more swelling went to the pubic area so you may want to try adjusting or just wearing the spanx for now.

Jerry Chidester, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. After tummy tuck surgery, swelling will start to accumulate just above your incision line. This is because the blood flow and lymphatics have been disrupted from removal of the excess skin and fat. However,  over the next several months your body will reconfigure it’s blood flow and the swelling above your incision will resolve. Your scar will also continue to “remodel itself” over the next year or so, so it will become less thick and less pink. However, without photographs, it is difficult to tell if something else is going on. If you are concerned, I would recommend contacting your plastic surgeon for follow-up. Best of luck.

Michelle Bonness, MD · Answer

Thank you. What you are describing I have heard from patients before. You have not ruined your tummy tuck. When you remove your garment early after surgery and get in a warm shower your blood vessels expand. There is increase blood flow to the area and therefore more swelling. I have heard this from patients that they can actually see it change right before their eyes. Continue to follow up with you plastic surgeon and share your concerns with them. After surgery it is normal for tissue to swell. That is how your body brings healing cells to the area.  Good luck.

John E. Nees, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Following surgery, inflammatory swelling will obscure the result. The purpose of the compression garment if to prevent bleeding and to control swelling. Most but not all surgeons employ compression.  The garment should be snug, but not tight. If a compression garment causes discomfort, it is either not applied correctly or it is too small. 60-80% of the swelling will subside by the 6th week but it takes 6-12 months for all swelling to subside. Swelling is position dependent, waxes and wanes, and will not respond to diuretics. Be patient. It will subside.Best wishes...

Too much compression ruin my TT?

Answers (9)