Is it OK to still wear a compression garment after 3 months? I'm frightened not to

Question

I still ache on my right side and still swell a lot, and am numb from the bb down, so been wearing it 24/7

John Mancoll, MD · Answer

I get this question a lot from my patients. First I would say follow what ever advice your surgeon has given you. For my patients  By 12 weeks I want them out of their compression garments. At some point to garment starts doing the work the core  muscle should be doing. So after all the hard work of surgery and recovery it be a shame to let the core get  weak. What I usually recommend is downgrade to some yoga pants and then in the next 3 to 4 weeks to nothing. At first it will seem uncomfortable, but very quickly you will get use to it. Good luck

Bradley Bengtson, MD, FACS · Answer

Many patients develop kindof a security blanket with their garments which is totally fine.  There are many step-down garments along the Spanx idea that may be used following surgery at this point verses the formal binders.  Your plastic surgeons should be able to direct you to his or her favorite brand.  We like Marina Garments-Activewear.Best!Dr Bengtson

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. I recommend you to talk to your surgeon about whats going on, but you can still use it because it will help you to decrease the swelling. It wont cause any bad or side effect. Hope you get well soon,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Claire.babe.  Thanks for your question.  I hear from many of my patients that they feel more secure wearing compression garment.  However, at 3 months after tummy tuck, you do not need to wear compression garment. Depending on the extent of liposuction and tummy tuck that was performed, you may have swelling up to 6 months.  The numbness from belly button down is normal.  It will slowly improve over 1-2 years.  Please visit your plastic surgeon to make sure that your swelling and healing are normal and to learn about his/her post-operative recommendation at 3 months post-op.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Wearing the compression garment 3 months after your tummy tuck will not harm you in any way.  You may want to check in with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated for the swelling and pain on the right side.  Best of luck!

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

There isn't going to be harm in wearing your garment.  Many patient feel more secure post liposuction with more compression.  Most of my patients wean off surgical garments and convert to Spankx indefinitely.  Keep your scheduled follow up with your surgeon.  Best wishes

Christopher D. Knotts, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes it's ok to wear it. Some patients find it more comfortable and slowly wean themselves off of it. You're not going to hurt anything by being in compression. It will help with swelling, but the numbness is sometimes permanent below the bb. Hope that helps!CDK

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

We generally recommend wearing compression garments for 4-6 weeks following a tummy tuck.  Numbness below the umbilicus (belly button) is very common and may, or may not, resolve.    Aching and discomfort following the procedure is also very common.   Continuing to wear the compression garment shouldn't hurt anything if it make you more comfortable.   Best of luck with your continued recovery.

Is it OK to still wear a compression garment after 3 months? I'm frightened not to

Answers (8)

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