Compression Garment After a Tummy Tuck

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

Following cosmetic abdominoplasty, patients are required to wear a compression garment. There are three main reasons why a compression garment is used to help the body after a tummy tuck.

1. FLUID ABSORPTION – The pressure of the compression garment helps control swelling, bruising and discomfort while the body heals from the effects of a tummy tuck. This pressure works to shift fluid balances in the affected area, “pushing” the fluid out of the tissues and encouraging the body to absorb them naturally. When the body is able to properly absorb these fluids, the bruising and swelling that is common to the recovery process is sped up.

2. SCAR HEALING – Compression garments also work to promote scar healing. The pressure applied by the garment works to provide patients with a smoother and more attractive scar while also minimizing the chance of developing keloid or hypertrophic scars. Compression garments are so effective in controlling scarring that they are also used in the treatment of burn patients (where they are worn for an entire year). Though the scarring that results from a tummy tuck is nowhere near as severe as those caused by burns, the application of a compression garment still works to help maximize healing and minimize problematic or unsightly scarring for abdominoplasty patients.

3. SKIN CONFORMING – The pressure applied by a compression garment helps to conform the skin to its new position. Properly conformed skin helps patients to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result.

OTHER BENEFITS

Aside from the healing effects provided by compression garments, patients may also enjoy weight control benefits. Since abdominoplasty doesn’t replace healthy eating and exercise, it is important to maintain an ideal weight after the surgery. Surprisingly, compression garments help patients to feel fuller (because of the pressure around the stomach).

PROPER USE

The compression garment should be worn day and night for roughly three weeks after tummy tuck operations. During this period of time it may only be removed during bathing or washing of the garment itself. From three to six weeks the compression garment should be worn during the day, but can be removed at night. The garment must cover the incision.

Either a binder or girdle compression garment recommended by your Toronto plastic surgeon works well. As long as the garment puts pressure on the operating area it will help to provide the benefits listed above in recovery following tummy tuck procedures.

Call (416) 256-5614 for more information about tummy tucks in Canada.