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.

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.

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