Are compression garments only used for swelling and bruising? Will not wearing it affect my final result of Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo 2 1/2 weeks ago. My compression garment is not as tight as it use to be but very uncomfortable as I think it's causing my wounds to separate and ooze. If I don't wear any garment any longer will it affect my FINAL result as to how well my tummy will flatten? If not, I'll deal with the swelling for now without the garment? My surgery was done out of state and it is almost impossible to ask my plastic surgeon directly. Please provide your opinions.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The compression garment ONLY has two purposes: help the skin to reattach to the muscle and this will prevent developing seroma, and also to control swelling. We, as surgeons sculpt the body, not the garment. So your results will not be worst if you stop wearing it once is the time to stop and that is about 6-8 weeksDr. Cardenas

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

Compression after a tummy tuck is very important, it notonly decreases swelling and bruising, but it helps prevent fluid collection underthe skin (seroma) that can be a very difficult problem if it gets established.Also they help the skin to shrink as much as it can, and not swell and sag asit would tend to do if you didn’t wear the garment. Obviously the garment shouldnot cause problems – if yours is too tight and does not fit well you should seeif you can get another or a different garment. Even if you can’t speak to yourdoctor, his/her office staff should be able to help you with that. Otherwise,medical supply stores (like Kohl’s pharmaceuticals or even Walgreens) oftenhave garments or binders, and department stores have “shape wear” like Spanksor spandex with tummy control. The idea is to get compression, but not rub onor injure the incisions (sometimes even a soft T-shirt under the binder canprotect the stitches and make it more comfortable). I have my patients weargood support around the clock for the first 4 weeks, and for at least 2 moreweeks while they are doing activities. Many patients actually feel better withthe support on, and have trouble “giving it up” when the time comes! If youjust stop wearing your support you can set yourself up for longer and possiblymore complications with healing. You have invested a lot in having your surgeryand getting through the early healing – don’t give up on it now and risk havinga worse result long term.

Constance M. Barone, MD · Answer

The compression garment decreases sheer force and thus decreases movement and decreases fluid production.   It also decreases edema of the skin and pain postoperatively. Normally it is worn for 8 weeks.  The overall result will not be affected if the garment is removed earlier. Perhaps your surgeon can refer you to someone  close to you so that the fluid can be accessed and drained, if needed.    Best of luck to you.

Are compression garments only used for swelling and bruising? Will not wearing it affect my final result of Tummy Tuck?

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Are compression garments only used for swelling and bruising? Will not wearing it affect my final result of Tummy Tuck?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.