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.

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