Is the open crotch of a Marena Compression garment a concern for bacterial travel after a tummy tuck surgery?

Question

I see that the compression garments tend to have an open crotch, which their website FAQs says is for easier bathroom use after surgery. The convenience of this is appealing, but women’s urinary streams aren’t always straight like men’s, meaning a little bit of urine can end up on your legs and buttocks, meaning they would get on this part of your compression garment. Is this sanitary concern after a full tummy tuck? Just trying to make sure.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. In most cases this is not an issue as it is not around your incisions and because urine is sterile.  That said some patients elect to enlarge the opening or they urinate standing upright in a shower depending on their comfort level after surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kfnheat,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. This should not be a problem since is not close to your incisions. I like to use an abdominal binder with Velcro straps.

Wesley Walker Hall, Jr., MD · Answer

Excellent question to ask, and the answer isn’t always as straight forward as we would hope. It’s recommended to use an abdominal binder with a Velcro strap (similar to a waist trainer) and this is preferred for our patients. The Velcro strap makes it easier to take on and off and requires less effort for you to get in and out of.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The opening in the compression garment has not caused issues in the past.  It is typically a good distance away from incisions.  Some patients elect to purchase 2 garments so that one can be already laundered if the other becomes soiled.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

While it is a good question, It has not posed a problem in the hundreds of procedures that we have used an open crotch compression garment.

If a member of my family underwent these procedures, they would be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) . If you are serious about undergoing these procedures, you should have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon having those credentials, who will fully explain what is entailed in the procedures, including both the positives and potential problems. You should be complimented on the fact that you are seeking valid information before jumping into any procedure.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Yes, the open crotch from the garment is a problem. For this reason most plastic surgeons will use an abdominal binder with Velcro straps after a tummy tuck rather than the Marena garment. The binder is much easier to take off and on and you can avoid the whole toilet issue. Ask your plastic surgeon if you could use an abdominal binder instead.

Good Luck!

Good Luck!

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

Thank you for the question and I have had my patients use that garment after surgery for years now without any problems.

Dr Corbin

Is the open crotch of a Marena Compression garment a concern for bacterial travel after a tummy tuck surgery?

Answers (8)