Does a binder affect Tummy Tuck results? (photos)

Great question.Every surgeon has their own preferences and see excellent results with the techniques they use. Some use drains, others not. Some use compression, others not. In my opinion, most plastic surgeons would recommend post operative compression, especially if some liposuction is combined. I use compression, either a garment or abdominal binder, for several reasons. As mentioned, often I will combine some liposuction with the abdominoplasty and comression helps with those results, prevents some fluid accumulation, decreases brusing and adds to some post operative comfort. For abdominoplasty without liposuction, I use an abdominal binder because it also helps with post op comfort, helps prevent significant post op swelling of the abdominal skin flap, and it helps "immobilize" the abdominal skin flap on the abdominal wall. Let me explain that one a little more. In performing an abdominoplasty, the skin and fat are lifted off of the abdominal wall over most of the tummy, from the rib cage to the hip bones. This "skin flap" needs to heal to the underlying muscle part of the abdomen. With activity and with motion the skin/fat flap can slide back and forth slightly preventing early and adequate healing. This will lead to fluid collections early on and possibly, but rarely, a permanent cavity that needs attention later. The downsides of the binder are cost, skin irritation, inconvenience. Theoretically, a compression garment can be too tight, but would have to extremely tight for healing consequences and practically this is rarely a problem. A tip, I tell my patients to wear their binder over a T shirt which makes it a great deal more comfortable. Also, if it is not custom garment designed for tummy tucks then we often modify it my cutting down the binder under the breasts so that it does not impinge on the fold. I hope this answer helps.Bottom line is I recommend you follow your surgeon's directions. He/she is in the best position to advise you. Good luck and enjoy your results.

If the binder is tight enough, it will collapse the veins.  If the veins are collapsed, then there is no outflow.   If there is no outflow, there can be no inflow.  No inflow from the arteries means no oxygen.  No oxygen means no healing.  No healing means wound dehiscence (opening) and failure.

Use of a tummy tuck binder after surgery varies from surgeon to surgeon. It's a question best directed to your surgeon for specific recommendations, but some surgeons believe that a binder improves patient comfort/support, helps with swelling, and may help the elevated abdominal flap stick to the underlying abdominal wall more quickly.There can be downsides however. A tight wrap on the abdomen could affect the blood flow to the abdominal skin during the healing process. It's important to make sure that the binder is not too tight. One option is to not wear a binder for the first one to two weeks after the surgery to allow the new skin to get used to its new blood supply, and then wear a compression garment there after to help with support and swelling.

Whether or not to use a binder is about 50/50.  Some plastic surgeons always use them and some only sometimes.  I use them in about 50% of the cases then I think the muscle tightening has a high chance of splitting apart again. Good luck!!

An abdominal binder is designed to apply external pressure to the abdomen to aid in control of postoperative edema and to give external support to the abdominal wall after abdominoplasty or hernia repairs.  Most patients find they are more comfortable wearing the binder when they are up and moving around.  Worn improperly, however, the binder can cut off blood supply to the skin or healing soft tissues.  When wearing the binder, inspect it frequently to make sure it is positioned properly and not cutting into the skin.  Remember that your sensation to the skin is not normal after surgery, and you may not feel the damage occurring from an improperly worn or positioned abdominal binder.

I agree in part with Dr. Lawton.  Compression can help speed healing by allowing the tissues to touch each other after surgery which can decrease the formation of fluid pockets.  However, I am very cautious to tell patients only to apply it lightly snug like a sock, not tight.  You are better off without a binder than one that is too tight for the reasons Dr. Lawton explained.