Hi Kfm10, Thank you for your question regarding whether a compression garment helps reduce swelling after a panniculectomy, and whether plastic surgeons normally wait until tube removal. Thank you for your history and pictures. Your pictures reveal great inverted T or fleur-de-lis (FDL) abdominoplasty results. Congratulations. Basically, every plastic surgeon has their own way of handling their patients postoperatively. There is no one way or distinct way to treat post-op tummy tuck patients. In general, most plastic surgeons continue compression garments or binders after an abdominoplasty for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Garments help minimize swelling and accelerate healing. Garments also help to buttress the incision and reduce physical tension. Garments also provide emotional support because it helps make you feel like you are not going to break open. Most plastic surgeons do not wait till the drains are removed, but rather wait till the swelling is gone. For most abdominoplasty patients, garments are removed at about 6 to 8 weeks. However, if you are still swollen 6 to 8 weeks after your abdominoplasty, the garment should continue. Garments do have downsides. Sometimes the garment can be too tight, leading to tissue strangulation, necrosis, and tissue death. Garments can also rub in certain areas, leading to wound breakdown or permanent skin indentations. Therefore, it is important to monitor your garment. If your garment is digging into your skin, you will need to adjust it. In summary, you must follow your plastic surgeon's instructions. Do not follow online generalizations. Rather stick with your plastic surgeon's recommended treatment for your excellent tummy tuck result. Good luck.I hope that I have answered your question regarding whether a compression garment helps reduce swelling after a panniculectomy, and whether plastic surgeons normally wait until tube removal. If you have any more questions regarding tummy tucks, abdominoplasties, or abdominal liposuction, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the tummy tuck surgery is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing tummy tucks. Do your research. If you cannot find an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)
