How Can I Relieve Binder Pain on Incision?

Question

I had a TT and hip/flanks lipo seven days ago. I have to wear the binder garment for another three weeks, but it's quite painful on my incision. The velcro seems to pull on the tape and it gets bunched up. Is there something I can put on my skin between the binder? cotton pads or something?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!.  The tummy tuck procedure is an 
excellent method for contouring of your abdomen, often removing the 
excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal wall.  After nearly all 
surgical procedures, a potential space is created from where the 
surgical procedure/dissection was performed.  This is especially true 
for the tummy tuck, in where the abdominal flap is raised off of the 
abdominal wall and then redraped atop the area to contour the abdomen.  
The procedure alone promotes swelling and inflammation, which typically 
lasts for 6-12 weeks.  This may even last longer if liposuction has been
 performed in addition.  During this time, a few things may be done to 
allow adherence of the abdominal skin/soft tissue to readhere to the 
abdominal wall and close that space.  Many surgeons use drains to 
evacuate the expected serous fluid from building up.  Stagnant fluid as 
such may be a nidus for infection as well as does not allow the tissue 
to adhere back to its normal anatomic position.  Drains usually are 
removed once output is <30cc/day - usually removed within 3-4 weeks 
on average, sometimes longer.  When this occurs, a seroma may develop - 
which may require aspiration or surgical evacuation to rid this in order
 to optimize your result.  This is not an uncommon reason for 
persistent swelling and/or bulging in a certain area of your belly.  Of 
course, thwarting the development of a pseudobursa, or seroma capsule, 
is always best, to provide the best result as well as avoid any future 
procedures for this.  This may be a troubling consequence and often 
compromises your overall result.  Thus avoiding this complication, in 
whatever manner, is the objective.  "Drainless" tummy tucks are becoming
 more popular - basically, the overlying tissue is physically sutured to
 the abdominal wall to close the potential space.  In addition, most 
surgeons typically restrict vigorous activity/strenuous exercise as well
 as lifting restrictions of usually <20#, especially the core, for 
6-8 weeks to allow healing to continue.  Most also often recommend an 
abdominal compression-type binder or garment, which will serve to 
provide 
compression as well as assist to decrease swelling and eliminate the 
dead-space of the area for at least 6 weeks as well.  Try placing a soft cloth/towel between your binder and your incision.   After the initial 
binder, many patients like the Spanx garments.   Most patients are 
able to return to most activities within a couple of weeks, provided 
they adhere to the restrictions.  Overall, this is a procedure 
with a high satisfaction rate.  Discuss the procedure and postoperative 
instructions/restrictions with your surgeon, as these will vary among 
surgeons.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Kelvin Eusebio, MD · Answer

Dear
denvermama36, congratulations on having your procedure performed. Binder
garment could cause discomfort around the scar area. I would suggest you to use
epi-foam pads to protect the area from the binder. This foam could also
increase the pressure limiting the swollen. Good luck.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes, I recommend that you put some soft padding (for example a peri pad) or wear a tea shirt underneath your binder for relief.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes, I think the  simplest solution would be to use pads  or dressings between the  abdominal wall binder and your skin. 

	Best wishes.

How Can I Relieve Binder Pain on Incision?

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Answer: Binder and Pain on Tummy Tuck Incision?

Answer: Binder and Pain on Tummy Tuck Incision?

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How Can I Relieve Binder Pain on Incision?

Answers (4)

Answer: Binder and Pain on Tummy Tuck Incision?

Answer: Binder and Pain on Tummy Tuck Incision?

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