How Long Should I Wear Compression Garments After A Tummy Tuck?

One thing seldom discussed is surgical aftercare, and how long it should continue. A patient asked recently whether she should continue to wear compression garments and fittings, as she was 12 weeks post-op from a tummy tuck. Dr. Pane chose this question for a recent hangout, because aftercare is so important but seldom discussed.

Generally, how long the patient needs to wear compression garments and fittings depends on the surgeon who did the procedure and the unique needs and preferences of the patient. In cases where the patient undergoes liposuction on the sides, which is the most common area performed with a tummy tuck, it is typically a good idea to keep compression on. However, 12 weeks is an unusually long time for a patient to need those garments. There’s usually a medically valid reason to keep the garments in place that long, such as requiring extra support or shaping for the patient or because there was another problem that drains by themselves cannot address.

Dr. Pane remarked, “I don’t use compression garments for a tummy tuck by itself unless extra support is needed.” In addition to other potential complications that compression garments may lead to, such as weakening of abdominal muscles due to overuse, overcompression of the surgical area is a worry that can lead to other problems, such as subcutaneous fluid pooling, which is relatively rare but can occur. At 12 weeks most of the benefit has already been obtained, unless extra shaping, sculpting or contouring of the waistline is desired.

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Like any medical procedure, cosmetic surgery has risks both during and after the procedure. Overuse of compression garments and fittings can be even worse than no garments at all for some patients. Every patient’s body is a little bit different and may require more or less surgical aftercare to prevent problems. Even then, and even with the best and most skilled surgeons, there is always a chance that something could go wrong.

Because of this, it is very important for patients to follow the instructions given by their healthcare providers and support staff. These instructions are intended to help prevent the vast majority of problems before they have the chance to become something more serious. While 12 weeks may seem like a long time to us, like most good surgeons, Dr. Pane is very reluctant to second-guess the provider who did the original procedure, because he doesn’t know the history, needs or specific reasons the provider decided to keep the patient wearing the garments for this length of time.

At ACA, Dr. Pane normally doesn’t require patients to wear compression garments for that long. However, as he noted, there may be other reasons that the surgeon requires them. Dr. Pane starts with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s physical health, the desired outcome of the procedures involved and the reasons for having the procedure. Then he analyzes the benefits, risks and potential problems that may accompany a given procedure and offer alternatives, if they exist. This helps ensure that the patient has the clearest possible picture of what to expect before, during and after surgery, giving them the information they need to help make them active participants in their own care and healing as well as giving them a heightened awareness of what risks the procedure may carry and how these risks might be addressed if necessary.

Of course, the best information in the world is meaningless if the skill of the surgeon providing it is in question. For patient’s own comfort, safety and highest assurance of satisfaction with the results, it is strongly suggested that they seek out an experienced, board certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon like Dr. Pane. This shows that the surgeon has the discipline, skill and demonstrated practical knowledge to provide patients superior care with a higher level of satisfaction and lower risk of problems. To learn more about Dr. Pane and ACA, or to schedule a consultation, visit us at acplasticsurg.com or call us at 561-422-4116 and find out how you can have the body you always dreamed of!