Is it necessary to wear compression garment 7 weeks post-op from tummy tuck and muscle repair?

I recommend a compressive garment for about six weeks after and abdominoplasty. This is not based however on any evidence that it affects long-term outcome.

Check with your surgeon but for the majority of my patients they stop wearing garments by 6 weeks. My personal opinion is that the first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in and confirm that it fits well.Most important advise is to listen to your surgeon's advice as he best knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend my patients wear their garments for a minimum of 3 weeks full time then for 12 hrs (day or night). if not a lot of redundant skin following liposuction to a maximum of 6 weeks. To be effective the garment needs to fit snug but not too tight as to cause pressure problems (inspect your skin if discomfort and when skin is exposed), or prevent you from sleeping. As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits - A Spanx type garment would work rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor;'s office.Liposuction requires compression garments for three main reasons:it restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressureIt decreases the amount of bruisingIt assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking#LipoGarmentTiming#StoppingLipoGarment

Thank you for your question.  Every plastic surgeon has their own routine for the use of garments after tummy tucks and liposuction.  While some plastic surgeons recommend their use for three months or more, others limit their use.  I typically have my patients wear a binder for only two weeks after a tummy tuck, but would suggest contact your plastic surgeon for advice.The use of a compression garment is supposed to limit the swelling and fluid buildup that can occur after a tummy tuck.  However, there are no definitive studies about the duration of their use.  For that reason, there is wide variation among plastic surgeons.  My personal thought is to use the binder for 1 week after the drains are removed, and that use after that is for comfort only.I hope that this is helpful and wish you safe travels on your cruise.Jeff Rockmore

Thanks for the question. My patients are asked to wear the abdominal binder for two to three months. If they find it uncomfortable I get them into a fitted girdle. Hope this helps. The longer the better when it comes to compression garments

In your situation I would have my pressure switch to a spanks like garment for a tummy tuck and wear this for approximately 3 months to decrease overall swelling. They fit under clothes without bulges and should allow you to look wonderful for your cruise!

Thank for your question!It depends if your plastic surgeon tell you to do that, if that the case, you must wear it. Ask your concerns to your plastic surgeon, which type of garment he could recommend to you.Have a nice day!

A good portion of your swelling is
resolved two months after a tummy tuck. At this stage, you can likely
transition to a more wearable garment such as second stage liposuction wear or
spanx. You can experiment with how much compression you need by going for half
or whole day with no compression and see how you do. If you find you have some
swelling, then return to some form of compression. The goal at this stage is to
find the right combination of a comfortable garment, and control of swelling
until you wean yourself off the garment all together as the weeks progress.

I have my patients wear their compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how they are healing. This is based on each individual patient, you need to follow your surgeons recommendations as he/she knows you best. Good luck!

Hi LindaObviously, the most important advice is to discuss this with your surgeon and follow their advice.However, in terms of principles, this is what I inform my patients. It takes 6-8 weeks for the suturing of the rectus muscles to become solid, and this repair should be supported during this time. It also takes a few weeks for any liposuction areas to completely collapse down and the swelling in these areas to reduce.I ask my patients to wear their compression garments full time for the first 6 weeks, and then taper them over the next 2 weeks.Dr Gavin Sandercoe

Thank you for the question.Always best to run these types of questions by your plastic surgeon, who is ultimately responsible for your care.  Personally, I ask my patients to where the abdominal wall binder for one month after surgery;  most patients are eager to “burn” the garment  as soon as possible.  Some patients however prefer to keep  some form of compression garment on for a longer period of time,  stating that the garment gives them  a feeling of “security”.  Also, the use of compression may be helpful as patients become more active;  with this increased activity often comes increased swelling as well. Best wishes.