Hospital binder vs waist trainer. Does it matter? (Photo)

Question

I plan to ask my surgeon at my 2 week follow up (I am currently 10 days post op fleur de lis and healing well) but am curious of the opinions of other surgeons. The binder I was provided with is great but also fairly bulky under my clothes. Is there a difference between the binder provided and a more discreet waist trainer? Would you allow your patients to wear the trainer instead? When purchasing the trainer I ordered it to fit my swollen abdomen and isn't too tight. The pressure feels similar.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I personally don't have a problem with my patients switching into a waist trainer or spanx after a week or so. As long as it applies compression to the treated areas then it should be fine. I wouldn't suggest wearing it until you run it by your surgeon. Best of luck!

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Hello, and congratulations on your tummy tuck! It looks like the waist trainer you’d like to use is similar to the compression garment that your plastic surgeon sent you home with, so as long as it fit similarly and is comfortable, you should be able to switch to the more discreet garment. Still, run it by your plastic surgeon just to make sure.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Show the waist trainer that you want to wear to your PS. Some of the waist trainers have metal rods in them that can cause indentations in your skin. If work over a long period while you skin is healing and impressionable these indentations can become permanent.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

I would have not problem with either garment.   As long as you are in a nice tight compression garment, you should be fine.  Of course, you should confirm this with your surgeon as everyone has their own protocol.

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Hospital binder vs waist trainer. Does it matter? (Photo)

Answers (4)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU