What size guaze pads do I need post tummy tuck?

Your surgeon's postoperative instructions should guide this, because dressings vary depending on the incision, drains, and whether there are any small open areas. For a routine tummy tuck incision, many patients keep 4x4 inch sterile gauze pads at home for small areas, plus larger abdominal pads or nonstick dressings if more coverage is needed.

If you have drains, you may also need small split gauze pads or regular 4x4 gauze folded around the drain sites. Paper tape, gentle surgical tape, or the tape your surgeon recommends can be useful, but avoid placing strong adhesive directly on irritated skin.

Before buying a large amount, ask your surgeon's office what they prefer and how often they want you to change the dressing. If you notice increasing redness, drainage, odor, fever, worsening pain, or separation of the incision, contact your surgeon promptly rather than just changing the dressing more often.

Dear I am she,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

When it comes to post-tummy tuck care, the size of gauze pads you need will depend on the size of your incision and the amount of drainage. Generally, a 4x4 inch gauze pad should be sufficient for most patients. However, if you have a larger incision or are experiencing heavier drainage, you may need to use larger pads. It's important to change your gauze pads regularly to prevent infection and promote healing. Follow your surgeon's instructions and guidance for post-operative care, as they can provide specific recommendations tailored to your individual needs. Thank you for your question, and best of luck with your recovery.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

I reccomend 5x9 ABD pads for my patients after surgery, or you can even use XL Maxi Pads! They help to absorb any drain fluid or oozing/bleeding that may occur. hope that helps!

Hello @I am she, thank you for your question. My recommendation would be to follow your doctor's advice since the surgical technique used by different specialists varies. Typically, after a tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon will apply a sterile dressing to the incision site and drainages. This dressing will be removed after a few days and replaced with a smaller. The size of the dressing will depend on the size of the incision and the amount of drainage. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Thanks for your inquiry, I recommend my patients buy woven 4x4 gauze and sometimes maxi-pads. best of luck with surgery.

Any size will be fine. I tell my patients to use panty liners and let the adhesive stick to the binder to avoid tape on their skin.

This question is best answered by your surgeon's office. They will explain to you the supplies you will need at home to care for your incisions. This post operative protocol varies by surgeon. Common sizes that are used are 4x4's or ABD pads.

Absorbent pads are better than gauze. We use ABD pads which you may be able to purchase on Amazon. Alternatively, a lot of my patients use Maxi-Pads. They work just as well. Just make sure you are not allergic to any of them. Check with your surgeon for his/her preference.

The best pads and most often used are called ABD pads. In our practice, we use poise incontinence pads, which tend to be less expensive and typically fit long thin, incisions perfectly. Poise pads coming in many different sizes. The largest ones may be a bit bulky and the thinnest ones may be a little insufficient.
Generally, we tell patients to follow their doctors instructions and your doctor should either give you supplies or tell you want to purchase.
Different doctors have different opinions about how to cover incisions.Some may prefer that you use sterile gauze.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD