Is It Normal to Have Swelling After Removing an Abdominal Binder?

Hello! Thank you for your question!. The tummy tuck procedure is an
excellent method for contouring of your abdomen, often removing the
excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal wall. After nearly all
surgical procedures, a potential space is created from where the
surgical procedure/dissection was performed. This is especially true
for the tummy tuck, in where the abdominal flap is raised off of the
abdominal wall and then redraped atop the area to contour the abdomen.
The procedure alone promotes swelling and inflammation, which typically
lasts for 6-12 weeks. This may even last longer if liposuction has been
performed in addition. During this time, a few things may be done to
allow adherence of the abdominal skin/soft tissue to readhere to the
abdominal wall and close that space. Many surgeons use drains to
evacuate the expected serous fluid from building up. Stagnant fluid as
such may be a nidus for infection as well as does not allow the tissue
to adhere back to its normal anatomic position. Drains usually are
removed once output is <30cc/day - usually removed within 3-4 weeks
on average, sometimes longer. When this occurs, a seroma may develop -
which may require aspiration or surgical evacuation to rid this in order
to optimize your result. This is not an uncommon reason for
persistent swelling and/or bulging in a certain area of your belly. Of
course, thwarting the development of a pseudobursa, or seroma capsule,
is always best, to provide the best result as well as avoid any future
procedures for this. This may be a troubling consequence and often
compromises your overall result. Thus avoiding this complication, in
whatever manner, is the objective. "Drainless" tummy tucks are becoming
more popular - basically, the overlying tissue is physically sutured to
the abdominal wall to close the potential space. In addition, most
surgeons typically restrict vigorous activity/strenuous exercise as well
as lifting restrictions of usually <20#, especially the core, for
6-8 weeks to allow healing to continue. Most also often recommend an
abdominal compression-type binder or garment, which will serve to
provide
compression as well as assist to decrease swelling and eliminate the
dead-space of the area for at least 6 weeks as well.  It is not uncommon to experience some swelling once the binder is removed - most patients like wearing a compression garment for several weeks past the recommended 6 week period.  For you, if you are experiencing additional swelling, use of such for an extended period may be helpful to you.  After the initial
binder, many patients like the Spanx garments. Most patients are
able to return to most activities within a couple of weeks, provided
they adhere to the restrictions. Overall, this is a procedure
with a high satisfaction rate. Discuss the procedure and postoperative
instructions/restrictions with your surgeon, as these will vary among
surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Yes, this is very common and can take a few more weeks to subside. I usually recommend patients wear their garment 24 hours a day for three weeks after their surgery, then only in the day for up to 6 weeks or so, however you should ask your surgeon for their advice. You may want to wear your garment during the day just to alleviate the swelling, or switch to a Spanx type of garment if that is more comfortable.

Hello Jolie, yes, it is normal to have swelling 5 weeks after a tummy tuck. It's very common for patients to have significant swelling after a tummy tuck, especially if liposuction is performed at the same time. I advise my patients to wear their garment for at least 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck. Then, I advise them to switch to a second stage garment, like Spanx. I also advise them to massage these areas and not exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.

I hope this helps and wish you all the best!