Wound from binder? I am 5 days post op. I had a full tummy tuck, no lipo. (Photos)

Question

I still have drains and PS told me to wear my binder most of the time. The binder has two seams, which have been leaving marks on my skin. This morning I had a very sore spot above my incision line. Upon inspection I found two small open wounds/abrasions that have been apparently caused by the binder rubbing the skin. I’m wondering if that indicates the binder is too tight or if I need to purchase a seamless binder instead?

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It appears that you might have traction blisters from the steri strips based on the photos.  Sometimes with swelling the paper tapes pull on the skin and cause blistering or small superficial wounds.  These generally heal uneventfully.  I would show them to your PS and it is best to set up an appointment to have them reviewed and to make sure nothing more serious is going on.  It is best to keep them clean and avoid further chafing to those areas.

Ivor B. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and your photos. At this point in your recovery it is very early, so your best course of action would be consulting with your surgeon and making a follow up appointment with him so he can look at the wounds in person. Good Luck.

Wound from binder? I am 5 days post op. I had a full tummy tuck, no lipo. (Photos)

Answers (2)