Purpose of Binder After Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck creates a large open space under the are of your abdomen that is undermined. Therefore, there is a tendency to have fluid accumulate into this space if it is not closed off. A binder, keeps this area under tension and allows healing to occur and lessens the chances of fluid buildup. Surgical drains are often used together with the binder to minimize a fluid build up (sermoma or hematoma). It is possible that your Doctor is using a tissue glue called Tisseal which can minimize the need for a binder in some patients. I still believe that the binder also gives support to the muscle layer that has been tightened at the time of the tummy tuck. For these reasons, in my hands, a binder works well for my patients. If your Doctor is able to obtain great results without fluid build up without the use of a binder, then I commend him/her.

I do not use binders after abdominoplasty.  I do not feel that they contribute much in terms of benefit, and can put too much pressure on the healing wounds.

When there are several opinions on a subject, it means there is no true answer! Binders can help early on with compressing and keeping the skin adherent to the abdominal wall. It can also assist in early ,light bleeding. Binders will not make the result better or worse if you wear it or do not wear it. Your result will not be different if you choose the surgeon who does not use them . many patients like the "comfort" that the binder affords them, so I use them for a week or two.

Thank you for your question regarding the purpose of using a binder after a tummy tuck. It's great to hear that you are well-informed and excited about your upcoming procedure.

A binder is commonly used after a tummy tuck to provide support and apply pressure to the abdominal area. This pressure helps to reduce the risk of fluid accumulation (such as seromas or hematomas) in the space created under the skin during the surgery. By keeping this area under tension, the binder aids in the healing process, helping the skin and underlying tissues to reattach and adapt to their new contours. Additionally, the binder supports the abdominal muscles that have been tightened and helps maintain the desired shape during the initial recovery phase.

While some surgeons may not use binders, believing that they do not significantly impact the outcome or comfort, many plastic surgeons find them beneficial for the reasons mentioned above. The use of binders can vary based on a surgeon’s experience and observations of how their patients recover. If your surgeon achieves excellent results without a binder and has a protocol to manage the risk of fluid buildup effectively, this approach might be appropriate for your case.

However, if you have concerns, it’s important to discuss them with your surgeon. Understanding their rationale and the specific measures they take to ensure a smooth recovery without a binder can provide reassurance and help you feel more comfortable with the procedure plan.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

At the end of your tummy tuck operation we place you in a compression garment….so basically you’re waking up with this corset type garment on.
This is designed to apply gentle but controlled pressure to your abdomen.
It serves several functions:
It controls swelling.Minimise any early potential bleeding issuesProvides external support for the internal tightening…so the muscle tightening that is often done is further supported by external compression.
I recommend all my patients wear this continuously for 6 weeks…only coming off for brief periods such as when you’re showering or bathing.
After 6 weeks, I’m happy for my patients to no longer wear it. However, many of my patients like to continue wearing it as they find it provides a degree of physical and psychological comfort at a stage when they are slowly returning to normal physical activities.
Also, it is normal for the post-operative swelling to vary from day to day….and this can take many months to fully resolve.
So after you stop wearing your garment at 6 weeks, some patients experience an increase, albeit temporary, in this degree of swelling. So for this reason many people continue to wear garment beyond 6 weeks to control this longer term fluctuating swelling.
And some people simply find these garments quite comfortable and wear them for a very long time…and that’s not a problem

Abdominal compression garments and binders help to control and relieve the swelling that occurs in the torso after abdominoplasty.  Compression for the torso is akin to wrapping a sprained ankle with an ace bandage; it improves the swelling to relieve stress on  your tissues and incision and also helps the area to subjectively feel better.  My patients often find that they feel comfortable discontinuing the garment between one and four months after surgery as their swelling improves.  

Thank you for your question.  Post-op regimen following tummy tuck is subject to some variability between surgeons, and is not an exact science.  The purpose of an abdominal binder is to give support to the operated abdomen, lending comfort to the patient.  It also lends some gentle compression, assisting in the reduction of post-op soft tissue swelling.  A potential downside to the binder is the risk that it is placed too tight, compromising the blood supply to the underlying lower abdominal skin, and elevating the risk of wound healing problems.  Personally, I have my patients wear a binder for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, then switch to a fitted compression garment.  Other surgeons I know do not employ a binder at all, and are still able to obtain beautiful results.  It is a matter of surgeon preference and comfort, and appropriate use.

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. 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!

Compression garments and abdominal binders are frequently
used following abdominoplasty for several reasons.  These devices provide compression which reduces swelling,
increases comfort, and minimizes the potential for seroma formation.  I generally tell my patients to use a
binder for three weeks following surgery. 
When drains are used, we continue the use of the binder for a longer
period of time.  It’s interesting
to note that when we discontinue the binder, many patients continue to wear it.  They feel that the extra support makes
them feel more comfortable with activity.

Compression garments are designed to help your recovery. They ease swelling, support the tightening of your muscles and help your skin conform to its sleeker shape. I recommend my patients wear their garments for at least three weeks after surgery. However it is up to your surgeon. If they recommend that you not wear the garment then please follow their instructions.

Thank you for your question.  I am not aware of any formal scientific studies that have proved the necessity of a compression garment after a tummy tuck.  As you can see from the variety  of answers there are many opinions on this subject.  Reasons to use a binder are primarily for comfort, to help prevent a fluid pocket (seroma), and to help encourage swelling to go away.  I generally use a compression garment after a tummy tuck because I frequently combine this procedure with liposuction.  I don't feel that a binder is absolutely mandatory, but in my experience, most patients like the tight feeling of the garment.  It is comforting and makes them feel good.  Some surgeons argue against using a binder or compression garment because they are concerned that blood flow may be impaired.  Ask your surgeon about his fluid pocket (seroma) rate.  If his results are good and you feel comfortable with his explanations, then move forward with surgery.  Good luck!