Am I Supposed to Wear my Binder over my Incision or Just a Little Bit Above It?

Question

I had my TT last week 07/18/2012 and I am very swollen, my incision is very low but I was wondering if I'm supposed to wear my binder covering my incision or above it? Also is it normal to be this swollen....I look like I'm pregnant?

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.  Your binder should be worn snug to cover the incision, be worn low on the hips, and adequately give compression to areas with the swelling.  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!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The garment should be covering the incision at all times, so if it slips off, then simply pull it over the incision  again by holding on to the sides of the garment. Swelling can be quite prominent after surgery and can take a few months to fully subside. Wearing the garment and following your surgeon's post-care instructions will help with the swelling. Best of luck.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

I recommend for my patients to wear the binder over their incision. If liposuction is performed with the tummy tuck, then my patients wear a compression girdle which is different. Every plastic surgeon has their own recommendations on what type of garment they use and how they want the patient to wear it. Check with your plastic surgeon. I would also follow up with your doctor about the swelling to make sure that you do not have a seroma in the midsection.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, this question is best answered by your surgeon who is watching your progress and incisions, but in my practice i have patient's wear their binder over the incision.  I reccomend this  so that swelling does not form between the botton the binder and the top of the incision.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Check with your surgeon. I tell my patients to wear the binder lower, over their lower tummy / hips. The binder can have a tendency to ride up higher beneath the breasts. This is not good since it tends to restrict your rib cage and makes it more difficult to take a deep breath.

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Am I Supposed to Wear my Binder over my Incision or Just a Little Bit Above It?

Answers (7)

Answer: Binder after surgery

Answer: Binder after surgery

Answer: Where To Wear Binder After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Where To Wear Binder After Tummy Tuck

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