Girdle? Can I Take a Break from It? (photo)

Question

Hi! I'm post op day 17 mommy make over. I was told by my PS that I could remove the binder & start wearing a snugg girdle to help contour my torso so I did. I wear the girdle and the bando(for my left breast wich slightly goes lateral as recommended by my ps)24/7 but with both i feel so constricted. Can I take breaks from both or either one for just for a few minutes? Without causing a setback on my progress? Or further swelling. Thank you.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Grumpyme,

	The post tummy tuck and liposuction girdle is meant to decrease fluid flowing into injured areas.  Obviously, the more you wear it, the sooner you will reach a steady state where injured cells are repaired and swelling diminishes and finally ceases.

	This, of course, has to be balanced with a comfort level and at times, downright pain, from wearing binding garments 24/7.

	Each plastic surgeon has his or her own regiment for the wearing of girdles.  However, in my practice, patients are allowed to take the garments off for an hour or two to wash them, to shower, and sometimes just because.  I also feel the garments have minimal value after 14 days, but that's just me.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not
unusual for surgeons to recommend the use of compression garments following
mommy makeover surgery.  Although the
majority of plastic surgeons recommend some type of compression, there are
surgeons who don’t always recommend compression.  It’s important to understand that every
patient’s situation is unique and for this reason, the use of compression
varies from patient to patient.

In some cases, not wearing a
compression garment may have no significance. 
In other cases, it might be the difference between an excellent result
and an average result.  We generally
recommend the use of compression support garments for about three weeks
following surgery.  Under these
circumstances, it’s not unreasonable to remove them for brief periods of time
to stretch and get comfortable.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Where the compressive garment is prescribed by your surgeon. However most recommend the garment the worn is much as possible but can be taken off periodically for comfort.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

Wearing a garment post operatively is important and you should wear it most of the day. However, you should be able to take it off for short periods of time without any problems. Always check with your surgeon for his recommendations.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is generally ok to take a small break to wash your garments and 'breathe' a little. Defer to the plastic surgeon who operated on you to assess your progress in terms of swelling. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Girdle? Can I Take a Break from It? (photo)

Answers (10)