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.

Swelling is normal and may persist for 4-6 months.  There is a large area to heal so you will have to allow time for that to occur.

Some swelling, especially if you've been wearing a compression garment regularly, should be expected.  It's only been 6 weeks after surgery, and you noted that you've been wearing your compression garment all of the time as instructed, so some swelling to occur after you remove it is normal. 
 

Every patient is different, so the amount of swelling you have may be different compared to other people.  Also, plastic surgeons vary as to how long you should wear a compression garment after a tummy tuck.  You should talk to your plastic surgeon as to how long he/ she recommends wearing your compression garment.

 

You may have some increased swelling at the end of the day, if you're on your feet a lot, or if you exercise.  Thiss is normal as well, and should go away when you lie down or when you wake up after a night's sleep.

 

 

 

 

Hi,  It is very common to have the yo-yo effect that you are describing post op tummy tuck.  What happens is that the normal vascularization of the redraped  upper abdominal tissue is taken away and will need up to a year to reestablish itself as the vessels regrow into the tissue that was pulled down in your procedure.  As the vessels regrow, then the swelling will be more normal as the day goes by and not be like a "wet sponge" getting engorged as you are upright during the day.  The binder is good to wear but not an absolute.  It does compress the tissue and it seems to be swollen less but that is merely the binder keeping the redraped tissue squeezed.  The swelling will go down over time with or without the binder as long as you are "reattached" and it seems that you are.  Be patient....there will be a lot of interesting changes that you will notice and be quite pleased with as it happens.  Be sure to stay close to your board certified plastic surgeon and have your questions answered.