How long is normal to wear the binder after mini tummy tuck with muscle repair surgery?

Question

I had my 1 month post op visit and my PS said I could stop wearing my binder. I've been wearing it 24/7 since my surgery. I keep reading 6 weeks for a lot of women. I hesitated when he advised me and he said I have 1 week to stop wearing it, I think he felt my resistance. He also said since I didn't get liposuction that a compression garment isn't necessary. Will this affect my end result by not wearing it longer? I hated the binder and trust my PS but want to know if this is common?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question and congratulations on your tummy tuck procedure.  Because of the lack of liposuction, and the relatively smaller procedure that a mini-tummy tuck entails, it is not unreasonable to stop wearing a binder after 4 weeks.  If it would make you feel better you can perhaps wear a compression garment such as Spanx to help limit any residual swelling.  Binders and compression garments will not affect your surgical results, only limit swelling.  Hope this helps.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your procedure. I recommend wearing a compression garment for 6 weeks following mini tummy tuck surgery with muscle repair. Marena makes quality post operative support garments. You should also follow your plastic surgeon's advice regarding level of physical activity and use of a compression garment. Hope this helps!

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Linnyleigh. My patients generally discontinue the surgical grade compression garment and switch to a regular compression girdle between 4-6 weeks. Many patients prefer the firm hold, especially when sneezing or coughing-like increases in pressure. Your surgeon is assessing your healing and making individualized recommendations for you--While you probably won't hurt anything to extend the garment wear by another week, you should trust your surgeon. Best wishes,

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Compression garments are helpful after surgery to give support to tissues as they heal and to help manage swelling.  I typically have my patients wear compression garments for three to four weeks, but this may vary by patient.  Some patients find it helpful to wear it for a few hours if they have been particularly active in a given day.  It will not affect your end result if you stop wearing it after a month.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

thank you for your question.every surgeon has a different post op process , i for instance would recommend you a binder or soft faja/ spanx for at least 6-8 weeks after surgery. Best of luck

Usha Rajagopal, MD · Answer

I generally recommend that my patients wear their abdominal binders for at least 6 weeks after their mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck.

Mokhtar Asaadi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Binder is used few weeks after Abdominoplasty, whether full Abdominoplasty or mini Abdominoplasty.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest following your surgeon's recommendations. You could consider wearing something smoother like a Spanx during the day.

Samuel Maurice, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Sirgrons often have different post-op protocols, and they can also vary depending on how extensive the surgery is. In my practice, I generally continue the compression garment for 4-6 weeks. After that time, the patient can continue a compression garment if it feels more comfortable, but I don't require it in most circumstances. At 4 weeks, I often give my patients the option of switching to a Spanx type of garment.

How long is normal to wear the binder after mini tummy tuck with muscle repair surgery?

Answers (9)

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