Are Tummy Garments Needed After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
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A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) provides a flatter midsection by removing extra skin and fat deposits from the abdomen. After surgery, patients at Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery may need to wear a compression garment to support the healing tissues. Most people report excellent results and feel more confident in their appearance after recovery.
Below, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang reviews what to expect after an abdominoplasty. We also describe how tummy garments work and what their role is in the healing process. Contact our Atlanta, GA office for a consultation and see why our practice is a leading provider of cosmetic procedures.
What areas are treated in a tummy tuck?
Tummy tucks can be beneficial if you have loose skin or excess fat in the abdominal area. Surgery can be performed on adult men and women of any age, but it is commonly requested by people who have undergone massive weight loss or women who had one or more pregnancies.
Depending on your needs, an abdominoplasty can treat:
- Sagging skin in the lower abdomen
- Excess skin and fat around the belly button
- Stretch marks below the belly button
- Weak or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
A tummy tuck does involve some scarring, but Dr. Mang minimizes the appearance of scars through advanced surgical techniques in Atlanta, GA.
What is a compression garment?
Compression garments are an essential part of the healing process for many cosmetic procedures, including tummy tucks. They apply pressure to specific areas of the body to minimize swelling and inflammation while supporting the newly-repaired tissues.
Tummy garments come in different sizes, shapes, and compression levels based on your surgery's extensiveness. Dr. Mang can choose the right garment for your needs and provide instructions on how to wear it safely and comfortably.
How long should you wear your compression garment?
Walking and standing upright may be challenging for the first several days after an abdominoplasty. Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery recommends taking time off from work and other activities, so your body can rest and heal. You can appreciate your flatter and more toned abdomen once side effects like swelling subside.
Most people need to wear a compression garment for about four weeks after surgery. However, Dr. Mang may recommend a longer or shorter timeframe, depending on the extent of your procedure.
Tips for taking care of your tummy garment
There are ways to ensure your compression garment is working properly and doesn't cause any discomfort:
- Wear the compression garment as directed: Dr. Mang can tell you how long to wear the garment each day and when to take it off.
- Keep the garment dry: Avoid getting the garment wet, so the surgical sites stay clean and free of irritations. You may need to purchase two garments to rotate while one is being washed.
- Be gentle when putting on the garment: Pulling or tugging too hard on the garment can cause pain and disrupt your incisions.
A safe and successful tummy tuck recovery
Cosmetic procedures like tummy tucks provide excellent results, but it's important to have realistic expectations about the healing process. Wearing a compression garment as directed can help you recover quickly and enjoy your results.
If you're considering abdominoplasty, call Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery in Atlanta, GA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang. He can answer any questions about abdominoplasty surgery or what to expect when wearing a tummy garment.