Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck
After losing a lot of weight, people tend to have a lot of loose skin around the abdomen. Undergoing a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at Tarrant Plastic Surgery is one of the best ways to address this problem. The surgery removes sagging skin and smooths away stretch marks to help you look slimmer and trimmer.
When patients undergo a tummy tuck at our Keller, TX surgical center, Dr. Vishnu Rumalla typically instructs them to wear a compression garment afterward while healing. Let’s discuss what this is and why it’s so important for people to wear a compression garment after a body contouring procedure.
What Is a Compression Garment?
A compression garment is a breathable, form-fitting undergarment that is worn after a surgical procedure around the surgical site. It’s intended to brace and support the operated area, helping with the healing process.
For tummy tucks, the compression garment is worn around the torso and abdomen to help with post-surgical healing.
Is a Compression Garment Necessary After a Tummy Tuck?
While a compression garment may not technically be necessary, we advise our Keller tummy tuck patients to wear a compression garment following surgery. This garment has a number of benefits when it comes to the healing process. Even the short-term and the long-term aesthetic results of a tummy tuck may be affected by the use of a compression garment.
Our cosmetic surgery team can help you select an ideal compression garment for your needs. We’ll also make some recommendations regarding the right fit, good materials, and other considerations that will be key for your recovery.
The Benefits of Wearing a Compression Garment
Some of the key benefits of wearing a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery include:
- Provides Support During Recovery - The compression garment offers your abdominal region some much needed support while you are healing. Keeping your body supported can aid greatly in the healing process after this procedure.
- Helps Control Swelling - Swelling is a common side effect after undergoing a tummy tuck. The compression garment helps keep swelling, fluid retention, and other related issues under control.
- Reduces Discomfort While Healing - Compression garments typically reduce the discomfort a patient feels as they are healing from a tummy tuck. A big part of this is the support provided to the healing abdominal region. There is also a sense of snugness and psychological comfort that compression garments can provide.
- Enhances Aesthetic Results - Healing tissues could wind up looking uneven or bumpy after the tummy tuck and liposuction are performed. The compression garment tends to even out skin texture and maintain a symmetrical and natural body contour.
How Long Should I Wear My Compression Garment?
It’s usually ideal to wear your compression garment for about six to eight weeks after undergoing a tummy tuck. This will give your body a chance to fully recover from the procedure. During follow-up care visits at our practice, we will let you know how much longer you should wear your compression garment as well as when you can return to normal daily activities.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck
For more information about tummy tuck recovery and what to expect, contact a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon. You can reach Tarrant Plastic Surgery at our Fort Worth location by calling (817) 809-3166, our Southlake location by calling (817) 741-6801, and our Keller location by calling (817) 741-6800.
