Is that okay to wear spandex instead of a compression garment right after a tummy tuck? I'm 10 days post-op.

Question

My doctor put me in a spandex outfit rather than a compression garment....is that okay to wear right after a tummy tuck? I'm 10 days post op and still have swelling and he's on vacation.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons recommend compression after a tummy tuck procedure, although the duration varies between surgeons.  An abdominal binder is most often used in the immediate postoperative period because it provides easily adjustable tension over the entire abdomen. However many surgeons will allow you to switch to a more comfortable form of compression (like spandex) after a short period of time.  Surgeons understand that compliance will be better if the patients are comfortable.  Discuss this with your doctor.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Care after your tummy tuck or abdominoplastyMy patients will wear compression for at least 6 weeks.  The type of garment is up to your doctor.I may start with a binder, and progress to a garment. it also depends on the patient

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Every surgeon is different. I recommend that my patients wear medical grade compression for about 6weeks. SPANX do not qualify as medical grade compression

Michael Law, MD · Answer

I measure my patients for surgical pot-op garments. This is included as part of the surgery as I believe that a garment that fits well is important.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

I prefer less compression in the first 72 h to avoid pressure on the abdominal flaps. This is usually achieved with a loose garment.Every physician is different , it is better to follow your physician post op regimen. There is always a covering physician to check with.

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

Maybe...it takes a minimum of 3 weeks for the abdominal skin/fat to securely reattach to the abdominal muscle wall. A  tightly fitted and contoured spandex may be fine. I  have some of my patients wear both until I am certain that they do not have a seroma. 10 days  would be too early  for my patients who have  had a full abdominoplasty.  The first three weeks post op are  very important !

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually require my patients to wear medical grade compression garments for 6 to 8 weeks then transition to spanx.  Speak to your surgeon about it as everyone has different recommendations.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Each surgeon has his own recommendations for post operative care so I would follow his recommendationsDr Corbin

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Surgeon vary in terms of their aftercare following tummy tuck surgery. I require my patients to wear the binder for 6 weeks after surgery. The skin in your back is the thickest in your body. Spandex might not provide enough compression especially if you had lipo to your waist area.

Is that okay to wear spandex instead of a compression garment right after a tummy tuck? I'm 10 days post-op.

Answers (9)

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