How Long Does the Average Patient Wear Their Girdle After a Tummy Tuck?

Compression garments and abdominal binders are frequently
used following abdominoplasty for several reasons. These devices provide
compression, which reduces swelling, increases comfort and minimizes the
potential for seroma formation. I
generally tell my patients to use a binder for three weeks following surgery.
When drains are used, we continue the use of the binder for longer periods of
time. It’s interesting to note that when we discontinue the binder, many
patients continue to wear it. They feel that the extra support makes them feel
more comfortable with activity.

I recommend that patients wear compression garment regularly for about 3-4 weeks following a tummy tuck procedure, both day and night (though taken off when bathing). Make sure a snug garment is applied, and is still worn part-time for another two weeks or so afterward so that and excess skin is still reduced. Make sure that compression garment is not uncomfortable or overly pressuring the abdomen, causing activity or sleeping problems.

Three weeks is usually sufficient if muscle repair wasn’t done. It’s up to you whether you’d like to wear it for longer, as many patients become so accustomed to wearing the binder that they continue wearing it for a few more weeks after that.

Thank you for your question.  In our practice, we require patients to wear the compression garment, which we provide, 24 hours per day for one month following surgery.  Many patients chose to switch to a spanx type of garment after one month and continue wearing this for added support and comfort for another month.Best of luck,

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!