What Style Spanx Should I Buy After a Full Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift?

Compression
garments and abdominal binders are frequently used following abdominoplasty
surgery for several reasons.These
devices provide compression which reduces swelling, increases comfort and
minimizes the potential for seroma formation.I
generally tell patents to use compression garments and binders for three weeks
following surgery.When drains are used
we continue the use of binders for longer periods of time.It’s interesting to note that when we
discontinue the use of these devices, many patients continue to wear them.In some cases we switch to Spanx at this
point in time.Patients feel that the
extra support makes them feel more comfortable during activity.

Thank you for your question.  You will likely get different answers depending on whom you ask.   Most surgeons will likely utilize a professional grade compression garment that is selected based on your procedure and body measurements.    I advise my patients to wear this 24/7 for the first month and then consider a Spanx or similar garment during the second month.  Check with your surgeon for their preference.  Good luck. 

Good question -Short answer: it needs to cover the all of the lipo areas and fit relatively snuggly but not too tight. I would bring in the garment in question to have your plastic surgeon see how it fits. My personal opinion is that the first garment should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in and confirm that it fits well.Most important advise is to listen to your surgeon's advice as he best knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend my patients wear their garments for a minimum of 3 weeks full time then for 12 hrs (day or night). if not a lot of redundant skin following liposuction to a maximum of 6 weeks. To be effective the garment needs to fit snug but not too tight as to cause pressure problems (inspect your skin if discomfort and when skin is exposed), or prevent you from sleeping. As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits - A Spanx type garment would work rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor;'s office.Liposuction requires compression garments for three main reasons:it restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressureIt decreases the amount of bruisingIt assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking#SpanxTypeAfterLiposuction#SpanxSizeAfterLipo

I generally don't have my patients wear Spanx after mommy makeover, as I prefer a garment that provides even more compression. I generally have my patients wear an abdominal binder, which can be made progressively tighter as your swelling subsides, as well as either a surgical bra or a sports bra.

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Not all compression garments are created equal. As with surgeons and surgery centers, you tend to get what you pay for. In my practice we provide the compression garments for abdominoplasty patients (there is no added fee for compression garments), and we have tried out almost every major company’s garments. We have been happiest with Marena’s compression garments as the fabric is very soft, elastic and comfortable yet durable. They are also the most aesthetically pleasing garments we have used. If modified with scissors the fabric does not ‘run’ or split.
If the garments are not pleasant to wear then patients will inevitably discontinue their use earlier than would be ideal. Some practices ask patients to purchase their own garments (I’ve even heard of patients being sent to Wal-Mart for this), which is leaving an important part of the postop care regimen in inexperienced hands. If a practice advises you to purchase your own compression garment, they are probably more interested in controlling costs than your postoperative comfort.

If you are in the immediate post-op period, this is an excellent question for your plastic surgeon. I individualize each patient, and decide during their recovery period which patients will benefit from wearing  a post-surgical compression garment.  

Most surgeons have their own preference as to what to wear after surgery.  I provide my patients with an abdominal binder (that they will wear for 4 weeks after surgery) and then after that period of time, I have garments that are more comfortable but give extra support (such as Spanx).  I have some links on my website of garments. I am sure you can find them online or in stores.

We like to transition into the Spanx Higher Power after tummy tuck as it will cover and support the full abdomen. You can find them on-line and it is good to go slightly smaller than you would normally wear.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

Each surgeon has their own preferences. I have my patients wear a more substantially supportive (but not TOO tight) garment for a few weeks after a tummy tuck...the same type of garment a patient wears after liposuction.  After a few weeks, I tell my patients that they are no longer required to wear support, but that they may find it helpful to "step down" to a lighter weight and more comfortable Spanx-type garment for an additional period of mild support and to control the chronic swelling that can occur for another few weeks.  How long to wear that lighter garment I leave up to them...when they feel that it is no longer beneficial in providing comfort or controlling the mild swelling, then they stop wearing it.

For the first few weeks following a tummy tuck and breast lift a good supportive garment reduces bruising and swelling and reduces discomfort.  There are a variety of companies that manufacture these specialty items and will even custom build them for unusual sizes or combinations of procedures.  I like my patients to use Spanx or other garments of less compression around week three.  Many people like this support for several months afterwards. The garments should cover the surgical areas and leave no constricting bands that might create a permanent crease.