Question:
Someone PLEASE ANSWER on recovery period plastic

My surgeon will be doing the panty line incisions. Do I wear a girdle over them (ouch)? What are the restrictions regarding sitting, walking, etc? Haven't been able to find much on the web. I got so much conflicting advice regarding compression garments following my tummy tuck (bought them then told not to wear them by my doctor), breast reduction (wore a binder only), and arm lifts (wore baby tights) that I need some straight forward advice from someone who's been there! Please help. Thanks, Linda    — LLinderman (posted on August 5, 2003)

August 5, 2003
Hmmm...I wonder why your Dr told you NOT to wear compression garments after a TT? I had to wear mine for a month to keep the swelling down and the scars flat. I had an extended TT, extended brachioplasty and breastlift all at the same time. I had compression garments as soon as the bandages came off (binder on the TT before the garments were put on). On top, I had a little compression 'shirt' to wear for a month that took care of both my arms and breasts.I had no restrictions on sitting and walking. Actually, walking is good! Just restricted exercise and lifting for 6 weeks.
   — Kris T.

August 5, 2003
There was a lady at support group last night that has her panni 1 week earlier and she was doing awesome. She did have a binder on but it won't be for all that long. She said she really doesn't have any pain, just a little discomfort at times but moves just fine. I was shocked as I've always hear horror stories about the pain after panni surgery.
   — zoedogcbr

August 6, 2003
I'm having an abdominoplasty next month. While I haven't gotten all the post-op instructions yet, I was told that the hospital would be providing a binder. From all my own research, I haven't heard of one person who had a TT who wasn't required to wear a binder. I don't think it even matters whether it's an abdominoplasty or panninectomy. I have heard of women who, after the binder was removed, wore a one piece body support garment for weeks afterwards, but that may have been their own personal preference. I meet with my surgeon again on the 20th of this month (5 weeks pre-op), and hopefully, will get all the post-op instructions. Why don't you call your surgeon's office and ask them for post-op instructions? I would imagine they have a sheet already prepared to provide you with all the information. I know mine does.
   — Cyndie K.

August 7, 2003
It sounds like you are going to have an inner thigh lift: right? If so, these are the instructions I got from my surgeon when I had mine: compression only if you think it is helpful. What I did was to get a SOFT pair of lycra bike shorts at Walmart. I wore these if I was out. If I was home, I just wore old baggy underwear that didn't bind. I also had gone to a resale store and bought a few long, loose dresses to wear. I wore these for WEEKS, but at home and out in public. My surgeon also required me to shower and wash with antibacterial soap after every bowel movement, to reduce the chance of infection. I was to keep my legs together (no comments you guys!) when standing up, sitting down, etc., so as not to pull on the incisions. Somehow one of my incisions did come open and had to be restitched the next day. I had the inner thigh lift along with a TT and was down for about three weeks. Hope this helps! Feel free to email me directly if you want more info. Good luck. hugs, Ann
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