Then he analyzes the benefits, risks and potential problems that may accompany a given procedure and offer alternatives, if they exist. 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. However, as he noted, there may be other reasons that the surgeon requires them. Pane normally doesn’t require patients to wear compression garments for that long. 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.Īt ACA, Dr. While 12 weeks may seem like a long time to us, like most good surgeons, Dr. These instructions are intended to help prevent the vast majority of problems before they have the chance to become something more serious. Even then, and even with the best and most skilled surgeons, there is always a chance that something could go wrong.īecause of this, it is very important for patients to follow the instructions given by their healthcare providers and support staff. Every patient’s body is a little bit different and may require more or less surgical aftercare to prevent problems. Overuse of compression garments and fittings can be even worse than no garments at all for some patients. Like any medical procedure, cosmetic surgery has risks both during and after the procedure. At 12 weeks most of the benefit has already been obtained, unless extra shaping, sculpting or contouring of the waistline is desired. 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. 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.ĭr. However, 12 weeks is an unusually long time for a patient to need those garments. 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.

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. Pane chose this question for a recent hangout, because aftercare is so important but seldom discussed.

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. One thing seldom discussed is surgical aftercare, and how long it should continue. How Long Should I Wear Compression Garments After A Tummy Tuck?

Surgical compression garments