Tummy tuck, and gel zone wrap? (photos)

Question

I am 4 weeks post tummy tuck, can I use the gelzzone wrap? Should I also be using bio oil or just the gel zone? Also, I am swelling a lot w just wearing the gel zone, should I go back to my binder? O would like the best results

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I think a gel zone wrap is perfectly fine to utilize.  Swelling is normal and can take three to four months to resolve.  I advise my patients to wear their binder when they exercise or if they are unusually active after the four week time frame.  As far as the bio oil, I would consult your plastic surgeon.Best of luck,

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Best to discuss with your surgeon. However, silicone based products (like the GelZone wrap) have the best scientific evidence for improving scars. Oils and lotions are less useful on the abdomen.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear krystle31,

Thank you for your clinical post and photographs.  For 4 weeks you appear to be healing
uneventfully from the photos provided. 
Most plastic surgeons recommend wearing the support garment at least
part of the day from week 3 to week 6 and particularly when active.  Silicone gel strips or gel zone and foam over
the scar can help flatten the scar and minimize the risk of hypertrophic
tendencies.  Intense pulsed light and
laser treatments can help lighten the scar and particularly an application of
various moisturizing oils can also be deployed on the abdominal skin at this
time.  However, as your operative plastic
surgeon is in the best position to understand what was performed these
questions should be directed to your surgeon and the clinical nursing team that
may assist him.

I’m sure you’ll get an excellent result and best of luck.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Tummy tuck, and gel zone wrap? (photos)

Answers (3)