Is It Necessary to Wear a Girdle After Tummy Tuck?

There are a multitude of approaches when it comes to post-operative care.
The general tendency is to wear a compression garment to compress the skin against the muscle with the intention to limit swelling (edema), minimize fluid collections (seroma) and prevent localized bleeding (hematoma). Kind of similar to squeezing your nose when you have a nose bleed.
Some physicians use drains while other's don't. In those that don't, they may use a technique called quilting sutures to make the skin "stick to" the muscle and prevent it from separating. In these instances, it is not unusual to go without a binder.
However, other physcians are finding that binders have caused patients significant discomfort and have opted to forego the use of binders.

Dear clea91,

The decision to wear a girdle or compression garment after a tummy tuck can vary depending on individual circumstances and the preferences of your surgeon. While some surgeons recommend wearing a girdle or compression garment post-surgery, others may not deem it necessary for every patient.

Wearing a girdle or compression garment after a tummy tuck can offer several potential benefits, including:

Reduced Swelling: Compression garments can help minimize swelling by applying gentle pressure to the treated area, promoting better circulation and fluid drainage.

Support for Healing: Girdles or compression garments provide support to the abdominal area, which can be beneficial during the early stages of healing as your body adjusts to its new contours.

Improved Comfort: Some patients find that wearing a compression garment provides added comfort and stability as they recover from surgery.

However, it's essential to follow your surgeon's specific instructions regarding post-operative care. If your surgeon advises against wearing a girdle after your tummy tuck, they likely have valid reasons based on your individual case and surgical technique.

Factors that may influence whether a girdle is recommended include the extent of your surgery, your body's natural healing process, and any underlying medical conditions you may have. Additionally, some surgeons may prefer alternative methods of managing swelling and supporting healing without the need for a compression garment.

If you have concerns or questions about whether you should wear a girdle after your tummy tuck, I recommend discussing them directly with your surgeon. They can provide personalized guidance based on your unique needs and circumstances, ensuring the best possible outcome from your surgery.

Best wishes for a smooth and successful recovery!

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question.  Every surgeon’s post-operative regimen is slightly different.  Many plastic surgeons, including myself, advocate the use of a compression garment/girdle after a tummy tuck.  Be sure to speak with your board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their specific post-operative preferences and reasons behind them.  Best of luck!

We almost always use a binder for the first week or two followed by a girdle for the next month. I would ask your doctor before buying/using a garment on your own; he or she may have a specific reason not to.

My personal opinion is that the first elastic garment/girdle should be fitted for you in the office prior to surgery and applied in the operating room. Often it will become loose as the edema is mobilized and then it will need to be replaced. Spanx is a reasonable compression garment if it gives enough support and is the right size. I have my patents bring them in and confirm that it fits well.Most important advise is to listen to your surgeon's advice as he best knows how much fat was removed, the elasticity that remains in your skin and amount of skin redundancy.I recommend my patients wear their garments for a minimum of 3 weeks full time then for 12 hrs (day or night). if not a lot of redundant skin following liposuction to a maximum of 6 weeks. To be effective the garment needs to fit snug but not too tight as to cause pressure problems (inspect your skin if discomfort and when skin is exposed), or prevent you from sleeping. As the edema resolves it is common for patients to switch to a smaller garment that fits - A Spanx type garment would work rather than ordering one or paying more at your doctor;'s office.Liposuction requires compression garments for three main reasons:it restricts the amount of edema that forms and hastens its resolution by mechanical pressureIt decreases the amount of bruisingIt assists the loose skin in retracting or shrinking#RightSizeLipoGirdle

Thanks for your question. I like my patients to wear a compression garment after surgery mostly to reduce swelling. 

I encourage my patients to wear a garment for at least 6 weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling. You can take it off while bathing. Of course it's best to ask your surgeon, though, because not everyone shares the same opinion on the necessity of wearing a garment after surgery.

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!

I actually do not use girdles immediately after tummy tuck.  In the patients that I think compression will help, I wait until 1 month when the wounds are well healed.

I generally advise patients wear their garment 24 hours a day for three weeks, removing it only when bathing or washing it. From 3 to 6 weeks, wear your garment in the day only. It helps with easing swelling and reducing the risk of seroma.

                   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 longer periods 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.