How long should I continue to redress my wound after mini tummy tuck?

Question

How long should I continue to redress my wound after mini tummy tuck? My Surgeon has said I need to wear my binder for 6 weeks, this I understand but am not sure if I need to wear dressings over the wound for that long to protect it

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would recommend discussing your question with your surgeon.  We all have our typical postoperative instructions, and beliefs regarding optimal wound care to give the best scar long-term.  I don't want to recommend something that is contrary to what your doctor would like you to do.Best of luck!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us.  I would recommend that you visit your surgeon within the first week if you are unsure of the post-op instructions.  I typically change the first dressing within the first day or two and allow patients to start showering after 2 days.  The binder does stay on for six weeks, but you need to change your dressings every day or before you take showers.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, your surgeon will likely have specific instructions regarding wound care so I would recommend speaking to them.  Usually in my practice the dressing is only worn for the 1-2 weeks, but in some cases it can be longer depending on wound healing.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Your incisions should be healed by a few weeks out however your Plastic Surgeon can give you specific instructions for your dressings as well.All the best

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,If your surgeon has recommended that you wear the binder for 6 weeks I would follow his/her recommendations.  A pad over top of the incision can be helpful to prevent any direct irritation to the area while you are healing and using the binder.Best of Luck!Dr. Rednam

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon as opinions vary for wound care.  In addition your surgeon is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.  If the incision heals well dressing changes are only needed for a short time.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, LainyLouEach plastic surgeon differs in our surgical and post-surgical protocol.If your incision is healing well and is dry, you should not need dressing beyond 1-2 weeks.I do agree with compression garment/binder for 6 weeks.It would be best to check with your plastic surgeon for his/her preference on dressing.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

If your incision is closed and healing without difficulty there is no need to have dressing besides your binder on in after 1-2 weeks. If you have any open areas follow your surgeon's instructions about how to care for them.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

It is always best to follow the advice of your board certified plastic surgeon. That being said, a wound is typically dressed until it is completely closed. Best of luck to you!

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You should first of all discuss this with your PS; only he or she knows exactly what was done and how the wound should therefore be treated.In general, though, you can (probably) cover the incisions with gauze or soft dressing for the first few weeks, after which you may not need anything right on the incision.  That's different if you have any drainage from the wound (which can happen and is not necessarily a cause for concern with this procedure).  In that case you should apply absorbent dressings until the wound has dried up, and then continue as above.  Showers are usually allowed within a few days of surgery, although that can also depend on whether or not you have drains, etc.In short - touch base with your PS for specifics of care in your case.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

How long should I continue to redress my wound after mini tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

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