Tummy tuck 10 days ago but the garment is hurting to the point I can't breath. Any suggestions?

Question

I had surgery 10 days ago (hysterectomy, tummy tuck, MR and lipo to the flanks). Everyday I try to keep my abdominal binder on but it hurts and I literally can't breath and it rolls up. Is this going to effect my final outcome I have been keeping it on at all time tho. Drinking tons, eating well and taking bromelin to help with the swelling :( I am terrors it will not work well for me

Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The binders are designed to provide support and reduce swelling but should not cause pain.  I would see your surgeon to make sure that there are no other issues (seroma, hematoma, etc), then loosen the garment to allow support without discomfort.  Good luck

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I'm so sorry to hear that about your discomfort. Compression garments mean well but sometimes they can be difficult to tolerate and additionally calls problems due to too much compression in certain areas. I would advise you strongly to go back to see your surgeon to  sure that your compression garment is not causing excess tightness in certain areas.  If this is the case then a different Garm may need to be ordered or sometimes simple relieve pressure by cutting in the material to alleviate pressure.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point  10 days post op the swelling is normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.If the fter six months post-op, I recommend you send us your photos again, to give you more information about how we can solve this problem.Kind regards,Dr. Emma Mallol Cotes.-

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Abdominoplasty garment should provide compression, not keep you from breathing.  Speak to your surgeon's office first.  They'll likely recommend that you loosen it a little bit.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

The compression garment should never be painful. In fact, most patients find that it is more comfortable to wear the garment which provides gentle compression and support to the surgical sites.  If the garment is shifting and causing discomfort you might need to change to a size that fits better.  Sometimes I even change the brand or type of garment that my patients are wearing.  Discuss this with your surgeon.

Tummy tuck 10 days ago but the garment is hurting to the point I can't breath. Any suggestions?

Answers (10)

Answer: Abdominoplasty garment should provide compression, not keep you from breathing

Answer: Abdominoplasty garment should provide compression, not keep you from breathing

Answer: Pain while wearing compression garment

Answer: Pain while wearing compression garment

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Tummy tuck 10 days ago but the garment is hurting to the point I can't breath. Any suggestions?

Answers (10)

Answer: Abdominoplasty garment should provide compression, not keep you from breathing

Answer: Abdominoplasty garment should provide compression, not keep you from breathing

Answer: Pain while wearing compression garment

Answer: Pain while wearing compression garment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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