Is It Possible to Wear Binder to Tight? Will Cause Your Feet to Tingle?

Question

I'm 4 weeks po and at night when my swelling is the worst, I get pains all through my legs and my feet get cold and tingly. I was wondering if I should have my binder on where my PS marked it or should I let it out a bit?

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Sometimes patients think that if the doctor places a binder it should be as tight as possible and the tighter the better.  This is NOT the case.  In tummy tuck the goal of the binder is to GENTLY compress the tissues that were elevated, the layer of skin and fat, to the abdominal wall.  This is so that the layers will heal together. This also helps to prevent fluid colllections under the skin known as seroma. In the early weeks gentle compression can also help swelling within the tissues and amd minimize puffinesss avove the incision..

	I generally recommend the binder is comfortably form fitting and that my patients should be able to slide a hand underneath it. It should be worn so as to avoid bends or kinks.

	If the binder is too tight or not smoothly placed on the trunk it can actually lead to healing problems or fluid collections.

	Please check in with your PS about your feet. There may be other reasons for this that he or she will want to discuss with you.

	Best wishes.

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.  Certainly just have the garment snug - not too tight to strangulate or restrict movement/activity...or the other symptoms you describe.  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!

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like your binder may be too tight.  Give your plastic surgeon a call so that he/she can see you and evaluate the situation and possibly loosen or discontinue your binder.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Probably best to check with your plastic surgeon, but I would suggest that you &ldquo;let it out a little bit&rdquo;.

	I'm sure most plastic surgeons would agree that the purpose of the abdominal wall binder is not necessarily to provide compression.  An abdominal wall binder that is too tight make apply excessive pressure on a sensitive abdominal wall flap,  cause restriction of pulmonary/lung  function,  and  potentially compromise the venous return from the lower extremities etc.

	I would suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon for examination of the lower extremities  to rule out other potential problems as well.

	Best wishes.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

By 4 weeks most patients can stop wearing their binder as the tissues have healed enough to be without the compression, but you should check with your plastic surgeon to be sure this is OK.  I try not to have my TT patients wear their binders too tight , but just snug, otherwise it becomes uncomfortable and patients don't wear it.  You should also have your plastic surgeon examine you to be sure there is not some other reason for the symptoms you have in your legs.

Is It Possible to Wear Binder to Tight? Will Cause Your Feet to Tingle?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy Tuck and Use of Binder?

Answer: Tummy Tuck and Use of Binder?

Answer: Tingling and cold feet after TT

Answer: Tingling and cold feet after TT

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.

Is It Possible to Wear Binder to Tight? Will Cause Your Feet to Tingle?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy Tuck and Use of Binder?

Answer: Tummy Tuck and Use of Binder?

Answer: Tingling and cold feet after TT

Answer: Tingling and cold feet after TT

Browse related questions

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.