Post-Op Compression Guideline Differences with Abdominoplasty

Question

The more reading I do of physician sites and reviews, the more I've noticed that there are major differences in compression guidelines post-op: some do a compression garment schedule for 6 weeks but some offices opt to limit their use or not even use at all, stating that it can increase the risk of blood clots. I'm just surprised at the inconsistency: does the American Board of Plastic Surgery not have specific recommendations on compression garments post-op? Is it just doctor preference?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not have specific requirements for post-operative compression garments. It is ultimately up to the discretion of the plastic surgeon and their practice. However, many plastic surgeons, including myself, do recommend wearing compression garments for at least 6 weeks after a tummy tuck to help with swelling and promote optimal healing. Some practices may choose to limit the use of compression garments or not use them at all due to concerns about blood clots, but this is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with your plastic surgeon. Thank you again for your question and good luck with your tummy tuck!

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

While the American Board of Plastic Surgery may have guidelines overseeing certain practices, often times many patients have combined procedures that are tailored to their aesthetic goals, body habitus, medical history, and more. Some patients are a candidate for a mini abdominoplasty where trimming of the abdominal skin is limited to the skin lying below the belly button. Others, require a full abdominoplasty to comprehensively address skin laxity and excess fat around the abdomen. Additionally, these procedures may warrant muscle plication depending on whether or not muscle diastasis (muscle separation) is present. For the latter, you may find that surgeons generally recommend a timeline of wearing compression garments for 6-8 weeks, may be more or less depending on a patient's progress and individual attributes. 
A virtual or in person consultation with a TummyTuck specialist will provide you an accurate recommendation and pricing.
Respectfully, Brandon Richland, MD

Karan Mehta, MD · Answer

The use and duration of compression garments are up to the individual surgeon. In my practice, we use compression garments for atleast 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. 
Compression garments are important to help minimize swelling after the surgery, especially if tummy tuck was combined with liposuction. It is typically recommended to wear compression garments for 4-6 weeks after procedure, but the duration and the type of garment varies between different Plastic Surgeons.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. I hope this helps.
Best regards, 
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear IgLmx,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

As in must things plastic surgeons will vary widely in their recommendations. I suggest you find a plastic surgeon you feel is right for you and follow their instructions.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are some common and well accepted   practices for postoperatuve care of aesthetic patients,  which include the use of compression garments after liposuction or tummy tuck procedures. The benefits are usually limited to decreasing short term  swelling and  enhancing postoperative  comfort.  There is little evidence of long term difference in outcomes, whether compression garments are used or not. It is best to follow your surgeon's guidelines and advice. Most of us do advise use of compression garments for a few weeks. Please discuss this with your Board certified plastic surgeon and have all your concerns addressed  before having the procedure. All the best!

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Post-operative compression guidelines for abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, may vary among surgeons. However, general recommendations often include wearing a compression garment to minimize swelling, provide support to the surgical area, and help contour the body. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions regarding the type of garment, duration of use, and any other guidelines for optimal recovery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The use of garments is up to the prescribing physician and does depend upon how the procedure is done and the surgeon's training and experience.  If you have some specific concerns, please address them with your surgeon.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

All of our recommendations either come from data collected in major studies that are published in the scientific literature or if there is no data--as with compression--no study has been done to scientifically assess different types of compression--then we make recommendations based on our experience and that is where the variability and inconsistency comes from.

For example, if you take 10 oncologists and ask them the treatment for stage IIIb melanoma all of them will agree. 10/10 will do the same thing. That's because there is good studies evaluating treatments for stage IIIb melanoma so everyone will follow the data and do the same thing. But if you ask 10 dermatologists the best moisturizer cream you will get 10 different answers because there is no study for that and each dermatologist will have their own recommendation.

Post-Op Compression Guideline Differences with Abdominoplasty

Answers (12)

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