Is It Necessary to Sleep with Girdle 3 Weeks Post Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am 3 weeks post tummy tuck. My girdle is extremely uncomfortable to sleep in. I take it off halfway through the night, but use the binder. Can this affect my results?

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.  After this time, most allow you to loosen or remove during resting/sleeping.  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!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

You will probably be just fine removing your girdle if it is &ldquo;extremely uncomfortable&rdquo;  but always best to check with your plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

For most of my patients, I allow them to stop wearing the firm binder 2 weeks after surgery (unless they wish to wear it longer). I do recommend the GelZone abdominal wrap, which provides some support and scar treatment, starting 1-2 weeks after surgery. Check with your surgeon but in most cases, patients can stop wearing it by weeks.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon for advice on compression garments and girdle after tummy tuck.in my practice if compression garments aren't comfortable I recommended patients do not wear them.

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

I believe compression is important and use it in all of these cases. Your surgeon will have specific instructions for you which you should follow

Is It Necessary to Sleep with Girdle 3 Weeks Post Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: If girdle is uncomfortable 3 weeks after tummy tuck usually can be removed.

Answer: If girdle is uncomfortable 3 weeks after tummy tuck usually can be removed.

Answer: Binder

Answer: Binder

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is It Necessary to Sleep with Girdle 3 Weeks Post Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: If girdle is uncomfortable 3 weeks after tummy tuck usually can be removed.

Answer: If girdle is uncomfortable 3 weeks after tummy tuck usually can be removed.

Answer: Binder

Answer: Binder

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.