Should I wear a girdle or not?? I see not all surgeons use them.

Question

I have a condition that leaves me prone to blood clots (May Thurner Syndrome and have had a clot already a few years ago. I am about to get a tummy tuck and was reading that sometimes girdles are worn after but when I read about girdles it said that they can cause a DVT. So in my case with the fact that I have this anomaly with MTS should I go without the tight restriction of a girdle to lower my risk of another DVT?

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

A girdle is not absolutely necessary but it helps to have a binder of some sort for the support you need following surgery. You will need a blood thinner such as Low molecular weight heparin after surgery.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello Meg50,Deep venous thrombosis and Pulmonary embolism are some of the most serious complications that can occur with a tummy tuck surgery.  The risk can be lowered with appropriate planning  including:efficient use of operating room timeproper intra-operating room positioningproper hydration during and after the surgeryblood thinning medications (when needed)Your plastic surgeon will work with your hematologist to figure the best treatment for your risk of blood clotting.  In terms of wearing or not wearing a binder after your tummy tuck surgery that will also have to be determined your plastic surgeon but compression of the abdomen area is a key part of a tummy tuck recovery.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

You are right that not all surgeons use them and their only goal is reduced swelling so always a help and never a necessity. Make sure you are on Lovenox postop.

Joseph W. Aguiar, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

That is a question to ask your operating PS.  He/she knows your medical history.  With my patients, I have them wear a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery.  If blood clots are a bigger risk factor than normal, there are additional precautions that can be taken.

Should I wear a girdle or not?? I see not all surgeons use them.

Answers (4)

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