I am now 16 weeks post tummy tuck... do I still need to wear my compression garment?

Question

I do still have swelling in my lower abdomen, but I don't notice much difference with or without the garment. Is there any benefit to continue to wear it?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (16 weeks post-po) the swelling have to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

Compression garments are worn after a tummy tuck to increase the compression of the abdominal region and reduce the amount of swelling.  If you wear them continuously they should reduce the risk of certain complications such as seromas, and can help make your recovery much easier and quicker.  Becasue of this I have my patients wear them for a minimum of 6 weeks.  At this point most swelling is minimal and can be handled by the body and your recovery should be well completed.Most surgeons are particular about how long you wear a garment so i would recommend you ask your surgeon to be sure.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has their own protocols and recommendations. I typically advise my patients to wear their garment for 6 weeks post-op. I'd recommend speaking with your own Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for their preference. All the best.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery.  At 16 weeks most surgeons would allow you to go without your garment but it is usually advisable to clear this with your surgeon.  I normally have my patients wear a garment for 6 weeks after surgery and then transition to a more comfortable garment such as Spanx.  If you see little difference in appearance you are likely fine to discontinue use.  Hope this helps.

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

For most people at 16 weeks post-op,
swelling has subsided, so you may be able to stop wearing compression garments.
However, if you still have any swelling, I would recommend wearing them longer,
possibly until around 6 months post-op. Ultimately, this is a decision that
should be made upon the advice of your plastic surgeon, as I have not examined
you. He or she can best evaluate if you would still benefit from the garments
or if you have healed to a point where they’re no longer necessary. Best of
luck to you

Lawrence Rosenberg, MD · Answer

Usually at 16 weeks there is minimal to no difference with the garment.  Most surgeons only continue it for 4-6 weeks.  Any residual swelling at this point should slowly resolve itself with time.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

It is important to speak to your surgeon about whether you can discontinue the garment.  Only he/she knows the specifics of your surgery and recovery and can clear you.  Some of us do not use garments at all and some use them for several months.  Garment choice is controversial and while it may decrease swelling it also may increase DVT (blood clot) formation risk.  Thus, each of us have our own protocols and really can't make a recommendation for you without more information about your specific case and type of procedure performed.  Call or email your doc, it should be something they can handle with a phone-call or email.  Good luck!

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Typically, swelling after a tummy tuck resolves at around the 4 month mark.  If you don't notice a difference with or without the garment, you no longer need it.  I would recommend following up with your surgeon if you still feel you have swelling. Good Luck!

I am now 16 weeks post tummy tuck... do I still need to wear my compression garment?

Answers (8)

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