Anyone not wear a binder after abdominal work?

My surgeon does not use them and after researching a bit, I see that some drs. feel binders can actually inhibit healing.  It seems to me that the support of a binder would be easier on your stomach muscles and reduce or control swelling, but I know people complain about them, too.  Please let me know if you've gone through this without a binder.

I went home the day of my tummy tuck with a binder which was put on before I left the operating room.  I wore it for the 5 week before I went back to work and after that I wore control top underpants.  I had my surgery the end of February and I still wear the control tops when I'm wearing a dress or skirt.  The only surgery I've had that I didn't have compression garments was my arm lift.  Good luck to you.

my surgeon feels the same way. I am 5 weeks out and have not worn one. That being said, I was just released for heavier exercise. I upped my walking to a light jog, and truth be told; belly didn't hurt but where he did lipo of saddlebags. . .maybe a binder there would have helped.

You did a light job?!!!!  Woohoo!!!  That is so encouraging.  If I can jog at 5 weeks I will be thrilled!  I'm getting lipo on the saddlebags too.  Maybe my under armour under my shorts would help that pain.

surely!

So the 24 hour period countdown. How are you doing? Do you have your "area" set up? Think you'll be able to sleep tonight?

yep, I am counting down!  I'm prayed up and ready for a good nights sleep.  The only thing that is really bugging me is that I still weigh 165.  I really thought I would be 155 by the time I did this part of the journey but I guess 10 lb difference is not something I should be stressing over.

Aloha-

My PS says it depends on who you trained with- those that trained under someone who uses compression garments  tend to follow suit. I read alot of posts before my surgery and I think it just comes down to....everyone's different.

My recovery was a breeze- I had lots of drains ( 7) but no compression garments, my swelling was minimal for about 4 weeks post op, and I never developed edema/swelling after exercise, nor at any time during my recovery.  I was cleared for yoga / stretching at 12 days ( when the last drain came out) and cardio/weights at 3 weeks. I read posts where people are still swelling and retaining fluid 6-9 MONTHS down the road. I think if you have lots of liposuction, PS's tend to use binders to minimize the dead space ( pockets of space created by the now missing suctioned fat) with compression so you avoid seromas, but my guy used drains.

I had my 9 month recheck yesterday and we both marvel at how well everything came out- I say it's his skill, he says I scar well and heal fast - but  I am a huge fan of upping that protein before and after surgery ( I still keep mine up over 125 g/day) and being in the best shape possible before you go under the blade.

Be well- get excited, it's really life altering to have a flat tummy for the first time EVER! XOXOLori

Your response to the original poster really encouraged me!  I didn't realize the protien was so important until a week ago so I haven't done well on that but I have been working out hard for a couple of years.   Thanks for sharing.

It looks like you have gotten some great feedback.  Good luck on your surgery and recovery!  I will be sent home with a binder.

I can't imagine NOT wearing a binder.  WHen I take mine off my tummy muscles HURT!!  But it is a pain - and I'll be glad to get rid of it too!