tummy tuck

A sagging or protruding abdomen is the number one reason for getting a tummy tuck surgery. Aging, some surgeries, pregnancy and significant weight fluctuations can lead to a loose or unattractive abdomen.

A tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is intended to eliminate loose skin and excess fat in the abdomen to give a more attractive and toned appearance. A tummy tuck can also tighten the muscles and tissue in the abdominal wall.

Tummy Tuck Surgery and Abdominal Binder

Many people want to know how to maintain the results from a tummy tuck surgery. Fortunately, there's a clear-cut solution. Cosmetic surgeons around the country recommend an abdominal binder after a tummy tuck surgery.

Why? Because in addition to supporting the abdomen as you walk around and sit after surgery, an abdominal binder lends support to the lower back and abdomen. Since a tummy tuck surgery frequently involves tautening the muscles and tissue in the abdomen, discomfort and a separation of the repaired muscles can often be a problem following a tummy tuck.

An abdominal binder helps to reduce this discomfort and lessen the tug of the recently repaired abdominal muscles. Fluid retention as a result of recently removed skin can also be a problem, which is another reason why cosmetic surgeons recommend abdominal binders after tummy tucks.

An abdominal binder reduces the odds that swelling will ensue and fluid will be retained in the abdominal region. In other words, an abdominal binder helps to ensure that your muscles repair correctly subsequent to surgery and that you don't experience swelling and the unwanted buildup of fluid.

Practical Issues with Abdominal Binders

Abdominal binders are normally incredibly affordable and only need to be worn for a few weeks following tummy tuck surgery. Binders should be tight enough to prevent too much movement while remaining comfortable to wear. It is recommended that you wear soft cotton under the binder since this is typically non-abrasive and allows the skin to heal without incident. Many people coming off a tummy tuck surgery report that abdominal binders controlled their post-surgery pain and prolonged the surgery's beneficial cosmetic results.

Bear in mind that swelling for up to three weeks subsequent to tummy tuck surgery is perfectly normal. The steric-strips that your cosmetic surgeon put on should not be removed - these will fall out naturally. Also, since you may be wearing a girdle compression garment or abdominal binder, and because you haven't fully healed yet, most cosmetic surgeons recommended that you avoid soaking in any kind of still water immediately following surgery. That said, many surgeons allow you to shower as early as twenty four hours following surgery.

Girdle Compression Garment

The intention behind wearing a girdle compression garment after surgery is to reduce swelling and fluid retention while keeping the muscles taut against the body.

By keeping the newly manipulated skin relatively flush against your abdominal muscles you reduce the possibility of swelling or a kind of localized blood flow problem called hematoma. A hematoma is an unwanted swelling of already clotted blood in the abdominal tissue that can be sidestepped by wearing a girdle compression garment after tummy tuck surgery.

An abdominal binder or girdle compression garment should not be so taut around the abdominal region that it causes additional bleeding following a tummy tuck surgery. If worn immediately after surgery, an abdominal binder or girdle should reduce swelling, bleeding and significantly reduce pain. If your binder is too tight and creates indents or you notice an impairment in circulation, go with a size larger or speak with your cosmetic surgeon right away.