Is a sequential compression device after tummy tuck useful? Trying to reduce chances of deep vein thrombosis / complications.

Sequential Compression Devices are sometimes used during surgery but are not typically necessary afterward. It is important that you walk around several times a day and take nice deep breaths. Your surgeon will let you know if compression socks or any medications are recommended for you based on your medical history.

Hello realself number 09903993,
thank you for question regarding whether sequential compression devices after a tummy tuck are useful and whether sequential compression devices reduce the chances of the venous thrombosis DVTs and pulmonary embolus or PE.
Sequential compression devices absolutely do decrease the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and potentially fatal pulmonary emboli. Many plastic surgeons, including myself, believe in sequential compression devices so much, that I give all my tummy tuck and body lift patients sequential compression devices to take home and keep. The cost is minimal and the potential complications of wearing sequential compression devices are almost none. My tummy tuck patients wear their sequential compression garments for at least two weeks after their tummy tuck. In addition, some plastic surgsome plastic surgeons, including myself, go above and beyond to minimize the chances of deep venous thrombosis by having their patients take two weeks of Lovenox (blood thinners) injections. This combination of sequential compression devices and Lovenox minimize and almost eliminate the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and PEs. My take home message would be definitely wear sequential compression devices after a tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, please contact my office. Since an abdominoplasty can be a difficult procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing tummy tucks. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 abdominoplasties. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)