What happens if you don't wear a binder after a TT?

Thank you for your question. I do not use a binder after a TT, but use a soft compression garment based on the patient's measurements. Binders never stay in place, unless you are a mannequin in a store window. You find that some surgeons are iffy in their answers, but I see faster resolution of swelling (I always do extensive liposuction with my TT's), better ultimate shape and comfort during healing.  Matter of fact, patients don't want to give up their compression garments even after six weeks of wearing them. We also combine the postop care with lymphatic massage and placement of thick soft foam inside the garment where I want added, selective  compression during the early healing.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Thank you for your question. Speak with your surgeon about their specific recommendations. Only they can give you specific advice. My patients wear a binder after tummy tuck surgery, for comfort only. This is not a requirement and if they choose not to wear the binder then it doesn't change their results. After one week I have them discontinue the binder, and then they use a compression garment for 3-6 weeks.

Dear nunu5150,binders are used to help with prevention of swelling after surgery. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon and follow his instructions.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

The use of compression garments varies by surgeon preference. Their purpose is to help control swelling and to help support and shape the body as it heals from surgery. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.

you may forget the procedure you had and over-stress your sutures that could lead to breakage or tearing, more seroma formation, especially if progressive tension sutures were not used, and swelling.  My patients wear binders or compression (is there a difference???) for 3-6 weeks, depending on whether the muscle was tightened or not.  Any reason you are against using a binder?

All surgeons have their own specific post-operative routines, I have not found that a binder has any effect on the final post-operative results. We have the patient wear it for comfort. Most patients like to use it for 3 to 4 weeks. In theory it might help prevent seromas but I don't think anyone has ever proven that.

Thank you for your question. You will find that different plastic surgeons will have different thoughts regarding the necessity of binders and/or other compressive garments after tummy tuck surgery.   I would recommend that you, once you have carefully select your plastic surgeon, follow his/her specific recommendations.
 
Having said that, longer-term swelling after tummy tuck surgery is not uncommon; swelling may persist for many months and even up to one year after the procedure is performed. Often, patients will report that the swelling increases as their activity level increases and gets worse later on in the day.  The use of compressive garments may be helpful to control the edema.  

In my practice, I ask patients to use the abdominal wall binder for the first three to four weeks after surgery and switch over to a comfortable but compressive garment subsequently.  Often, patients find the use of a spanx like garment helpful for the first 3 to 4 months after surgery.

I would suggest that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon, who will be in the best position to assess your situation and provide you with specific recommendations.  

Best wishes.

After an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck), it is very important to wear any compression garment recommended by your surgeon. Compression garments can help sped up recovery by lessening tissue edema and decreasing the risk of a post-operative seroma. In my experience, patients often feel more comfortable wearing the garment and several of my patients have opted to wear the compression garment for a longer period of time than what I require.