Wearing Binder Past 8 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Hello LizCalgary, thank you for your question regarding wearing a binder after a tummy tuck. It's not uncommon for patients to experience swelling in the upper abdomen and above the incision line, especially after discontinuing the use of a binder. While you are now 9 weeks post-op, wearing a binder or compression garment can still help manage the swelling and provide additional support as you continue to heal.

Swelling can persist for several months after a tummy tuck, and the binder can aid in reducing it. If you decide to wear the binder again, make sure it fits comfortably and does not cause any discomfort. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and gently massaging the swollen areas can also help with the swelling.

However, it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon before making any changes to your post-operative care routine. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and ensure that wearing the binder again will not interfere with your healing process.

Good luck with your recovery!

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thank you for your question! For my patient having a tummy tuck procedure, I recommend that they wear the abdominal binder that we provide for the first three weeks 24/7, then an additional three weeks at night only. It is OK to wear the binder after the first six weeks, but not required. Swelling will continue to decrease on its own over the first year post op. I hope this helps!

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. Many like the additional compression for several weeks past this time.   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!

You may want to discuss other possible causes for your swelling with your doctor such as seroma. However, swelling can persist for some time (3-6 months). Some garments can actually make it worse by acting as a tourniquet around your midsection.
I have found that many patients transition to a spanx-like spandex commerical garment available at most department stores. Many women report other brand names such as flexees ro cupid which are available at Target or Walmart stores.
Increasing your activity will also eventually help resolution of the swelling but discuss this with your surgeon

 There is no limit of time you can wear compression after a tummy tuck.  An over the counter product may be more pleasant to you than a velcro binder.  It is called a Flexi and we use them on all of our patients.