Wearing Binder Past 8 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had Tummy Tuck done 9 weeks ago. I am more swollen in the upper abdomen and above incision line since I stopped wearing the binder 2 weeks ago. Can I continue wearing the binder to help with the swelling? If not, is the swelling going to get better on it own without the binder? I am not a big person 5'2", 116 lbs, and my stomach is still not flat.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

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!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

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.

Wearing Binder Past 8 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Swelling of the belly (abdomen) after a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Answer: Swelling of the belly (abdomen) after a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Answer: You can wear the binder as long as you want

Answer: You can wear the binder as long as you want

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Wearing Binder Past 8 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Swelling of the belly (abdomen) after a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Answer: Swelling of the belly (abdomen) after a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Answer: You can wear the binder as long as you want

Answer: You can wear the binder as long as you want

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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.