Which garment or binder is best to wear after a tummy tuck?

Hello! Thank you for your question!. The tummy tuck procedure is an
excellent method for contouring of your abdomen, often removing the
excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal wall. After nearly all
surgical procedures, a potential space is created from where the
surgical procedure/dissection was performed. This is especially true
for the tummy tuck, in where the abdominal flap is raised off of the
abdominal wall and then redraped atop the area to contour the abdomen.
The procedure alone promotes swelling and inflammation, which typically
lasts for 6-12 weeks. This may even last longer if liposuction has been
performed in addition. During this time, a few things may be done to
allow adherence of the abdominal skin/soft tissue to readhere to the
abdominal wall and close that space. Many surgeons use drains to
evacuate the expected serous fluid from building up. Stagnant fluid as
such may be a nidus for infection as well as does not allow the tissue
to adhere back to its normal anatomic position. Drains usually are
removed once output is <30cc/day - usually removed within 3-4 weeks
on average, sometimes longer. When this occurs, a seroma may develop -
which may require aspiration or surgical evacuation to rid this in order
to optimize your result. This is not an uncommon reason for
persistent swelling and/or bulging in a certain area of your belly. Of
course, thwarting the development of a pseudobursa, or seroma capsule,
is always best, to provide the best result as well as avoid any future
procedures for this. This may be a troubling consequence and often
compromises your overall result. Thus avoiding this complication, in
whatever manner, is the objective. "Drainless" tummy tucks are becoming
more popular - basically, the overlying tissue is physically sutured to
the abdominal wall to close the potential space. In addition, most
surgeons typically restrict vigorous activity/strenuous exercise as well
as lifting restrictions of usually <20#, especially the core, for
6-8 weeks to allow healing to continue. Most also often recommend an
abdominal compression-type binder or garment, which will serve to provide
compression as well as assist to decrease swelling and eliminate the
dead-space of the area for at least 6 weeks as well.  After the initial binder, many patients like the Spanx garments.   Most patients are
able to return to most activities within a couple of weeks, provided
they adhere to the restrictions. Overall, this is a procedure
with a high satisfaction rate. Discuss the procedure and postoperative
instructions/restrictions with your surgeon, as these will vary among
surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Hello and thank you for the question. Typically, I have my patients a wear compression garment for 3-4 weeks postoperatively, After that, I let my patients to switch to a lighter compression garment (Spanx-type) that can be purchased from a variety of stores. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

I would check with your surgeon to see what the best garment is. In general, the more body parts you are trying to fit into one garment, the more challenging it is. I personally like the Design Veronique garments; they have removable straps in the their abdominal garments; I think this helps reduce the garment rolling down and creasing. You are able to buy these garments on your own; your surgeon, however, is usually able to get a better price.That being said, I would encourage you to check with him/her prior to changing. Some garments can be entirely inadequate. Best of luck. I hope you can find one that is effective and comfortable. 

Hi Hispana, Thank you for your questions regarding what to wear after a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.  In general, most plastic surgeons recommend that you wear some form of compression garment for six to eight weeks after a tummy tuck.  While the drains are in place, I have my patient's wear a Velcro binder.  Once the drains are removed, I then suggest a compression garment from the mid-thigh to the rib cage.  I use three brands exclusively.  I use my own private label  (which only my patient's can get), Mareena, and Veronique.  Mareena and Veronique have their own websites where you can order your garments individually.  I hope that I've interview questions. If you have any more questions regarding a tummy tuck or any concerns after tummy tuck, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

A compression garment is required and beneficial after liposuction because:It restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressure.It decreases the amount of bruising.It assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking.Most important advice is to listen to your surgeon, as he or she knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin, and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend that my patients wear their garments for a minimum of three weeks full timethen for twelve hours at a time (day or night). If there is not a lot of redundant skin, this continues to a maximum of six weeks.To be effective, the garment needs to fit snugly—but not too tight as that can make it difficult to sleep or cause pressure problems (inspect your skin when it is exposed if you are uncomfortable). As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits. A Spanx-type garment would work fine, rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor’s office.#compressiongarment#tummytuck#tt

Personally, I prefer an abdominal binder (with 3 velcro panels) after a tummy tuck.  It's easily adjustable to give some compression without being too tight.

 It sounds like you may need a larger size garment while you are swollen...I'd suggest that you call your surgeon to discuss.  Also, have your surgeon check to make sure you don't have a seroma, as this will add to any lower abdominal swelling.

    Surgeons are very particular about garments and postoperative protocols.  This really cannot be answered by anyone other than your surgeon. 

 

 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

It can be overwhelming with all the different brands of garments.There is no standard answer, and it will vary with your doctor. I believe the garment is extremely important to help heal well. The first month, I recommend you wear it full time. The second month, the garment can be worn less frequently. The brand of garment is not important. The concept is pressure. The pressure can be achieved with shapers at most departments stores. 
Interestingly, the garment has value beyond just fluid and swelling. 
Finally, the garment helps us eat better by helping with portion control. It's old fashioned but the pressure helps us eat less because it makes us feel full. This can help some people lose weight if needed.
Best wishes.

Hi,I have tried many garments for my patients post-tummy tuck and I have found dale binders to be the best. Each doctor will have their own preference. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question. I always recommend going to any department store & try garments that fits you the best and make you feel more comfortable. Spanx makes excellent garments, so my patients usually purchase these.