Compression Garments after Tummy Tuck Surgery - advice?

My patients wear compression socks to the knee and the surgical garment takes care of the thighs. I use a hard foam under the faja. It is ok to call your surgeon's office to get these questions answered - they won't mind!

Please direct your questions and concerns to your surgeon, as they are most familiar with your situation and surgery. Each surgeon has their post-op instructions, so it’s best to follow yours to avoid being misguided.

I recommend that you phone the office of the plastic surgeon who is to perform your TT with lipo 360, BodyTite, lipo and bodytite of arms and inner thighs, breast lift, and BBL. This is a lot of surgery to have performed at one time. The patient coordinator at the plastic surgeon's office should be able to provide you with pre and post operative care instructions. All plastic surgeons have different guidelines for their patients. You need to follow those of your plastic surgeon for the best results.

These are all things to bring up to your surgeon. Don't take recovery advice from a source on the internet. You should call your surgeon ahead of time and ask these questions.

Thank you for sharing your question. As these are specific to the surgeries you are having I would ask these questions to your surgeon directly.

Dear buBBLzandT,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Congratulations on your upcoming procedure! Yes, you will need to wear compression garments. Individual surgeons have their own post operative compression techniques. These are developed based on the type of surgery that is done. I highly recommend communicating with their office to get a detailed description of what to expect and how to prepare for your postop care. This will ensure you get the best result. Often times offices will give out these instructions in written format so you can go back and access information as time goes on.

It is very important that you have open communication with your surgeon. If you feel these questions were not answered, I encourage you to contact the office and have all questions answered. Typically compression stockings are only worn a few days after surgery, and sometimes even less than that depending on your surgeon's preference. The use of ab boards also varies based on your surgical plan and your surgeon's preference. You are having many procedures in one day so it is especially important that all safety concerns are addressed and that you are comfortable with your post op plan.

If your consultation was insufficient then I suggest you schedule a preop visit with your provider. Patients should not go into surgery feeling unprepared.

In the end your surgeon is responsible for your well-being and you intern are responsible for choosing that surgeon.

It is really not appropriate for other doctors to give you postoperative instructions. Most plastic surgeons will provide postoperative instructions at the time of consultation, a preop visit or email them once patients commit to having a procedure.

Why don’t you call your surgeons office or send them an email.

I’m sure you’re paying a substantial amount of money and you deserve to be well informed and educated patient.

Different doctors have different protocols and really what matters for you is what your doctor recommends.

You’ve signed up for a lot of surgery to be done at the same time including invasive large procedures.

Knowing what to expect and being prepared for the recovery is part of having this be and overall positive experience.

Follow up with your provider.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD