Very upset! Will my tummy tuck and liposuction of flanks final result be ruined by wearing a binder due to my open wound?

The lack of compression on the flanks is not going to have any effect on the outcome of the liposuction.  The garment most likely did increase the likelihood of necrosis of the center of the abdominoplasty.  In addition, the liposuction was in the only remaining zone of blood supply to the center of your tummy tuck.  That is why I don't use compression garments on abdominoplasties until one month, and why I don't do liposuction at the same time as tummy tuck.

I  am sorry to hear of your complication.  Your plastic surgeon is right to  discontinue the binder in the face of skin necrosisPlastic surgeons use garments to push tissue against the body to decrease fluid collections and speed healing of the area in the first few weeks following  surgery.  Since the skin and excess fat have been removed, your result should in the end be just as good as if you had a garment on.  It will just take more time to get there.

Hello again,Binders are definitely helpful in reducing swelling associated with liposuction, but there is less evidence that they benefit tummy tucks. Having said that, I've had patients for various reasons not wear binders for very long, and their flanks turned out just fine.  You have a problem that demands attention and priority over anything else right now.  Don't worry about the binder and  heal that wound!Best of luck!

At this stage, treating your wound and following your surgeons guidance is more important.  In my practice, I see no reason why you can not continue with at least the binder.  It will help you keep the dressing in place.Ultimately, it will make little difference in the final outcome.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

The purpose of an abdominal binder is to control swelling and bruising.  If the binder is placed too tight this can cause inadequate blood flow to the abdominal skin after tummy tuck. If this is the case the binder should be removed.  When skin is struggling with enough circulation after a tummy tuck placing a binder will diminish the blood flow to the area of the skin just below the belly button.  If there are wound healing issues the blood flow must be stable before a binder is reapplied.  Of course there may be more swelling or bruising in that case but the swelling will go away with time.  Its better to have the wound heal first than to worsen the situation by compromising blood flow.  Often when binders are placed right after a tummy tuck many patients are not paying attention to how smooth the binder is fitted and the binder can buckle or fold on itself.  This creates a tourniquet effect on the lower abdominal skin and reduces adequate blood flow to the skin flap.  The most distal part of the skin elevated from the tummy tuck can experience reduced blood flow causing the skin to die.  I often do not put a binder on until 5-7 days when I see the blood flow to every part of the tummy tuck is good then I will use a binder to control swelling.  This way I see very few patient with compromised blood flow to the abdominal skin. 

Hard to offer specific advice without some photos.Compression probably helps the swelling resolve sooner, but not being able to use compression garments is not likely to affect the final result. All the best. 

Thank you your question and Without an examination or photos I would follow my surgeons instructions as your care is in his hands. Dr Corbin