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.
