Is it necessary to wear a binder or compression garment after a drainless tummy tuck? How does it effect the results?

The purpose of the post-procedure #garment is to provide some gentle #support and to reduce swelling following a #TummyTuck or #Abdominoplasty. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. Patients wear the #elastic garment for several weeks after surgery, as directed by their doctor. Some choose to wear it longer for several months for comfort.The #healing process make take at least 3-4 months until you see your final results. I suggest you contact your surgeon or their medical staff and further inquire. At any time, you have any concerns about your healing or recovery, it's best to contact your plastic surgeon  sooner than later,  to prevent any possible infections or #healing complications.

Thank you for your inquiry. I suggest using a garment with or without drain after a tummy tuck, this is to help swollen and also to avoid edema and/or decrease seroma formation. I usually have my patients wear their post op surgical garment 3 weeks of surgery. However, each plastic surgeon has their own protocol. I suggest asking the board certified plastic surgeon you will be having your procedure about post op care. Best of luck! 

Healing after a tummy tuck is usually retty straight forward. There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery. The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens. It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. If you have any questions you should speak to your plastic surgeon directly to get the best informed response.

If possible I prefer the garment. Having the skin held tight against the underlying fascia will help decrease the dead space and decrease the likelihood of seroma formation or hematoma. It also helps prevent some of the edema that would occur if you did not use a garment.The only problem is if the garment is too tight . You should be sized before the day of surgery to get the best fit, a little lose is better than too tight.

Most plastic surgeons would have a patient undergoing a tummy tuck, with or without drains, and flank liposuction wear a compression garment post-operatively to minimize potential problems and achieve the best cosmertic result.I
would suggest that you discuss this and any concerns that you have with your plastic surgeon who should be  certified by the American Board of
Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery (ASAPS).Robert
Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Compression garments comfort, support, contour and reduce swelling. They are good idea.  You should also not doubt your chosen surgeon. Trust is good for the patient and the doctor.  Seek your answers directly from your surgeon and not from others on internet. 

With or without a drain, I would recommend some type of compression. It helps to relieve both swelling and takes some stress off the internal sutures, which lessens pain.

Many of us use compression garments following tummy tuck procedures to help the swelling and edema resolve more quickly.   However, there are many plastic surgeons which don't use them.   Drainless tummy tucks are becoming much more common.   Would have a discussion with your plastic surgeon.  

Use of a binder after tummy tuck is a decision and recommendation based on what your surgeon decides.  I personally do not use binders after tummy tuck and believe that they have both positive and negatives when it comes to your recovery, though the final results will in all likely be the same regardless of whether a garment is worn or not.  Positives include a faster reduction in swelling.  Negatives include the risk of deformity or skin healing problems as a risk.

I recently did a TT a month ago on a local ER doctor's wife. He told me that he has had to frequently drain seromas in patients who had drainless TTs in my area. So maybe the complications are higher than some doctors realize. Plus the ER visit can cost huge money! I use just a single small drain for about a week and only see fluid issues every 2-3 years. A drain is no big deal to help you heal faster and better IMO.