Do You Have to Have the Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck?

I HIGHLY recommend wearing a garment. Think of a sweater that is too tight and the seams begin to unravel. This is what can happen with your abdomen if you do not wear a garment. The swelling cased by the surgery could cause you to pop or loosen a suture. A great company for garments is Design Veronique. They have a fantastic website that can assist you in finding the perfect garment for you. Good Luck!

Thank you for your question about whether a compression garment is necessary after a tummy tuck. Compression garments are typically recommended after surgery to help support the healing process, but every surgeon has a different protocol based on their surgical technique and the patient’s needs.

In general, wearing a compression garment after a tummy tuck is highly beneficial because it helps:

Reduce swelling: Compression helps control post-operative swelling by limiting fluid buildup under the skin, which can speed up healing.
Support the tissues: After a tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles and skin are healing, and the garment provides gentle support to prevent excessive movement that could cause discomfort or disrupt the sutures.
Improve contouring: A compression garment can help ensure the skin and tissues settle smoothly and adhere to the new contour of your body, leading to more refined results.
However, if your surgeon did not recommend a compression garment, it’s important to follow their specific post-operative instructions. Not wearing a garment won’t ruin your results, but it may mean that your healing process takes a bit longer or you might experience more swelling than if you had worn one.

I suggest discussing this with your plastic surgeon at your next follow-up appointment. Every patient’s recovery is different, and they’ll be able to provide personalized guidance based on how you’re healing.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I always suggest my patients wear a compression garment. This is because it helps ease the swelling, it supports the tightening of your muscles, and allows your skin to better conform to your sleeker contours. However, if your surgeon did not advise you wear one please follow his or her advice.

Many surgeons do not recommend a compression garment after a tummy tuck.  Each surgeon is different regarding their post-op philosophy.

Hello,
Your question helps emphasize the fact that when a patient goes to a plastic surgeon, she is treated to a philosophy as to how something should be done. Doctors differ in these opinions as our practice's have different philosophies. This is one of the reasons that one doctor's results differ from those of anothers.
I emphasize garments in my practice after tummy tuck surgery. I see the proper garment helping "mold" the result.

There really are no studies to indicate if there are better results with a support or without a support. I generally have patients wear support if :
1. They like the way it feels
2. They have alot of swelling
3. They are doing more lifting and straining than usual.
Otherwise it is probably optional and will probably have no effect on the final result.