How long should you wear your binder after a drainless tummy tuck and muscle repair?

Question

I'm almost 5 weeks post op still very swollen and when I don't wear the binder I go to swell hell and pain around the navel and muscle repair area

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

I ask patients to wear their binders 18-23 hours a day for the first 2 weeks.  Then, I suggest they wear some form of external compression as long as they need it. As you suggest, wearing some compression can be helpful for weeks and weeks while your lymphatic flow returns to normal.  This takes a variable amount of time, whether you had drains or not.  I encourage patients to wear what is comfortable after 2 weeks: Spandex, Spanx, bike shorts, Cupid girdle or nothing.  Many find external compression to be comforting, like a hug or a security blanket.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Guy Cappuccino, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for patients to experience swelling for the first 2 months after abdominoplasty and or liposuction, especially when they remove their binder.  I recommend my patients wear their binders day and night for 2 weeks,  just daytime for second 2 weeks, and then just during exercise for 3rd 2 weeks if that makes sense.  However, I would have you surgeon examine you to make sure it's healing normally and you don't have a seroma.Best regards,Dr. C

David B. Reath, MD (retired) · Answer

I recommend that patients wear a binder, or other type of compression, for at least 6 weeks after a tummy tuck with muscle repair. (Whether or not drains are used really isn’t a concern). The main reason for the binder is for comfort. You will feel better and have more energy if the repaired muscles are supported by the binder. Many patients choose to wear the binder considerably longer (3 months or more) because they just feel better when they are wearing it. Other people can’t wait to get rid of it at six weeks. It’s all a matter of how it makes you feel.An alternative to the binder is Spanx. I will let people switch over to Spanx mainly for daytime wear at 2 or 3 weeks after surgery. But, some feel that these are a pain to get into and just go with the binder.Compression will have some effect on swelling while you are using it. However, it will not shorten the overall time course of the resolution of the swelling. So once you are six weeks out, wear whatever makes you feel the best.There is more information about recovering from plastic surgery is our eBook The Plastic Surgery Planner. Here's the link:All the best,David B. Reath, MD

How long should you wear your binder after a drainless tummy tuck and muscle repair?

Answers (4)

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