Is it possible to cause Diastasis Recti or Muscle Repair damage by wearing a tight binder post op Tummy tuck?

Question

Just wondering if the pressure from the compression garment or binder can cause a seperation or split in the midline of your abs like pregnancy or weight gain

Robert N. Severinac, MD · Answer

Hello Forever Young,No, a tight binder would not cause diastasis recti.  The pressure of a binder would reduce the tension in this fascial layer and is one of the reasons they are used after tummy tuck.  Weight gain or pregnancy causes pressure from the inside out and stretches the fascial cover of the abdomen.A caution regarding wearing binders too tight.  The purpose of the binder is to provide ligh support if the tissues.   They should not be pulled too tight as this can impede blood flow in the abdominal skin flap and cause tissue necrosis.Thank you for your question.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The pressure from a compression garment or binder will not cause a separation or split in the midline of your abs such as pregnancy or weight gain. The CG or Binder should gently and supportively hold you together internally. Be careful that the CG or Binder are not too tight. It is best to have your CG and binder checked by your PS to ensure it is applied at just the right amount of pressure. Best wishes to you!#binder  #compressiongarment #damage

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The only way it could cause separation or damage your results is if the compression garment were to pull your muscles apart, which would be pretty much impossible since it’s worn around your mid-section, applying pressure inwardly.

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

The abdominal binder can be very helpful for swelling and discomfort after a tummy tuck. It is unlikely that it would be so tight as to cause any damage.  The key to the binder is wearing it snug not overly tight. If it is hard to breathe or move it is probably too tight. I tell patients they should be able to slide a few fingers between the binder and the skin without difficulty. The muscle repairs are pretty durable and it's unlikely you would do anything to break the sutures

Michael J. Weinberg, MD · Answer

Thanks for this question.There are many good reasons to wear a binder after a tummy tuck. One of the main reasons is to protect the diastasis repair. I can't think of a way in which wearing the binder would cause a diastasis rectus to occur or get worse.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

External compression keeps things together (including your muscles, whereas pressure from within out tends to force things apart. I recommend my patients wear their garments for a minimum of 3 weeks if not a lot of redundant skin following tummy tuck 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.Tummy Tuck recovery 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#tummytuck#tummytuckpostop#TT

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well.. The only thing tat can cause separation or a damage to your results is the faja after surgery. You have to be careful with the applied pressure always when you're using compression under it.

Atul Kesarwani, MD, FRCSC · Answer

An abdominal binder or other compressive support garment is always worn after a tummy tuck. Patients are more comfortable with it on, it gives support and security, and may help control swelling and prevent fluid buildup.  It should be snug but not too tight.  I will not cause damage to any muscle repair.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Actually we would expect quite the opposite, the binder is there to protect the muscle and diastasis repair after your tummy tuck.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Binder or compression garment is recommended to help with swelling post-operatively.Although a very tight garment/binder can decrease the tissue perfusion, it is very rare to have healing problem from it.  I do not think a compression garment or binder would cause muscle split (diastasic recti).If you are concerned about the tightness of your binder, please visit your plastic surgeon to be examined.Best regards.

Is it possible to cause Diastasis Recti or Muscle Repair damage by wearing a tight binder post op Tummy tuck?

Answers (11)

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