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

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. 


 

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. 

           

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.

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.

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

Wearing your post-op garments as prescribed by your surgeon is important, however, if the garment is painful, does not fit correctly or needs to be washed, its okay to remove the garment for a period of time.

 It can take at least 6-8 weeks for your swelling to resolve, sometimes much longer if extensive liposuction or tissue removal was performed.  Continue with your compression garments as per your surgeon's instructions and followup with your surgeon as scheduled.  I'm sure you'll love your results once you are fully healed!


Dr. Basu

Taking a break from your compressive garments should be fine.  The garments should provide support and not be too tight.  If your garment is often uncomfortable you may should mention it to your surgeon as it may be too small or not fitting properly.

Always best to check with your own plastic surgeon, but I think that you will find that most plastic surgeons will not have a problem with you taking a “break” from the constricting garments. Yes, you may experience slight rebound swelling when you do so but this break should not cause any real setback to your progress.

 Again, best to check with your own plastic surgeon.

 Best wishes.

Congratulations for your surgery!

You should ask your plastic surgeon if you can remove your girdle from time to time as he knows your case and he is follwing you up. Consider to visit his office for further instructions.

Best Wishes