Should I still wear compression garments if my surgeon uses tubular bandage after tummy tuck?

Question

I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck in April 21, and my doctor has advised that they generally don't use compression garments for abdominoplasty surgery, instead they use tubular bandage - I have a pre-op appointment coming up, so I will discuss. But is this tubular bandaging enough?

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi
To be honest there is no good science behind the use of these garments. We use them to protect the muscle repair, reduce fluid collections, reduce swelling and help the skin to tighten. I think a proper binder gives more support especially dor the muscle repair but it is less comfortable to wear. 
Regards
Damien

Sepehr Lajevardi, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Its always best to use compression garments after surgery to help with reducing swelling, collapsing dead space and reducing seroma. Please discuss this with your surgeon at your appointment.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Twins Mum,
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.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You should follow the advice of your plastic surgeon. I typically ask patients to use adjustable garments with multiple bands so that tension can be adjusted and the areas of liposuction are less likely to get a fluid collection. The key here is the size and the ability to tighten the garment not the brand or make. My patients wear a soft cotton t-shirt under the garment to make it more comfortable.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Very simply put, tubular bandages are an option following abdominoplasty. So are compression garments. These choices are more than personal preferences, they are clinical decisions. Certainly discuss this with your surgeon to put your mind at ease, but once you have decided to utilize a particular surgeon, I would follow their advice. Best of luck to you.

Dann Leonard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If all you are having is abdominoplasty with no liposuction, then the tubular bandage should be adequate. Your surgeon will most likely use suction drains, which are the major force that promotes adherence of the deep tissues over the first several weeks. In my practice, even though patients don't require compression garments after abdominoplasty only, I still use them because patients tell me that it gives them support and helps them progress back into their daly activities. In my view, there is some value in a snug post-surgical garment.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Compression can come in different forms, and both garments and tubular bandages are options.  The choice will vary by surgeon.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns/questions with your surgeon.  It is important that you feel comfortable and confident as you prepare for your tummy tuck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It sounds like you’ve already answered your question. I recommend you follow your doctors aftercare instructions and recommendations.

I personally don’t think compression garments have any impact on the final results.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Should I still wear compression garments if my surgeon uses tubular bandage after tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

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