Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
klinikest@gmail.com +90 (545) 191 49 19
- June 30, 2025
- 4 min read
- Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Bora Yücel
After pregnancy and childbirth or after excessive weight gain and loss, swelling and sagging may occur in the abdominal area. To get rid of this situation permanently, tummy tuck surgery is the ideal solution.
In tummy tuck surgery, either mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck is performed depending on the patient's needs. Using a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery is beneficial to speed up the healing process, reduce edema and help the skin recover.
Why is a compression garment used after tummy tuck surgery?
A compression garment worn after tummy tuck surgery:
- Minimizes the possibility of bruising.
- Supports the abdominal muscles.
- Accelerate the healing process of suture areas.
- Helps loose skin recover.
- Gives a smoother contour to the application area.
- Protects the abdominal area against possible risks.
- Makes the post-operative result visible faster.
- Ensures that the flatness provided in the abdominal area is permanent.
- Reduces edema, especially concentrated in the incision area.
- Provides extra support for the patient's movement and gives confidence to the patient.
- Ensures that the separated skin layers adhere and merge more quickly.
The people who have tummy tuck surgery the most are those who are uncomfortable with their post-birth belly and cannot get rid of their cesarean belly.
With tummy tuck surgery, patients have a tight, flat stomach. The results can be seen in a shorter time by following the surgeon's recommendations and using a compression garment after the surgery.
How long should a compression garment be worn day and night after a tummy tuck?
A compression garment should be worn day and night for at least 3-4 weeks after a tummy tuck surgery. During this period, the use of the compression garment should never be interrupted.
During the initial recovery period after the surgery, the abdominal area is protected against external factors by using a compression garment. Edema is easily removed, bruising is reduced, and the abdomen has a flat appearance.
When can I stop using a compression garment at night after a tummy tuck?
Taking into account individual differences and differences in healing speed, you can stop using a compression garment at night starting from the 4th week after a tummy tuck surgery, with the advice of your surgeon. Your plastic surgeon should definitely recommend stopping using a compression garment at night.
How long is a compression garment worn after a tummy tuck?
A compression garment should be worn for 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck.
How long is a compression garment worn after a mini tummy tuck?
A compression garment should be worn day and night for 2-3 weeks after a mini tummy tuck. After this period, it is sufficient to use a compression garment only during the day.
How long is a compression garment worn after a full abdominoplasty?
After a full tummy tuck, you wear a compression garment day and night for 4-6 weeks.
The date at which you should stop wearing a compression garment at night varies depending on your recovery rate and your surgeon's recommendations.
Advantages of wearing a compression garment after tummy tuck
- The healing of muscles and stitches after tummy tuck surgery is accelerated by using a compression garment.
- Using a compression garment after abdominoplasty protects the surgical area from external effects.
- Using a corset after surgery helps to ensure that the flatness in the abdomen is permanent and the results of the surgery are perfect.
- Using a compression garment after tummy tuck ensures that the skin layers in the surgical intervention merge quickly.
- Wearing a compression garment after tummy tuck reduces post-operative side effects such as bruising and edema.
- Using a compression garment helps loose skin recover.
- The abdominal muscles and abdominal wall are supported by the compression garment.
- The abdominal area is provided with a flat contour.
- Since it tightly wraps the surgically operated tissue, it allows the patient to move more comfortably after tummy tuck surgery and supports the patient..
- Using a compression garment after a tummy tuck helps to see the final results of the surgery in the early period.
Not wanting to wear a compression garment after abdominoplasty
Some patients complain that "I don't want to wear a compression garment after abdominoplasty. It is too tight, it makes me sweat a lot." after abdominoplasty.
Since it directly affects the success of the operation, care should be taken to use the compression garment after abdominoplasty. Considering that the duration of compression garment use is temporary, the uncomfortable situations experienced should be tolerated.
Using a corset after abdominoplasty is complementary to using a compression garment after surgery. Avoiding using a compression garment after surgery may prevent the desired results from the surgical intervention.
Does an abdominoplasty reduce edema?
A compression garment is worn after an abdominoplasty without the patient being taken out of the operating room. There may be edema and bruising, especially in the incision area, after the surgery. The tight compression garment worn after the surgery prevents fluid accumulation between the tissues. The abdominoplasty compression garment, which maintains the flat contour of the abdomen, is effective in reducing edema.
How tight should a compression garment be?
After tummy tuck surgery, your compression garment should fit comfortably around your waist. The garment should not be too tight around your waist; it should not restrict movement or block blood circulation. The garment should apply light pressure but should not cause discomfort. If you can easily slide your hand under the garment, it is tight enough. Excessive pressure can negatively affect blood flow, which can compromise the healing process.
How to clean a compression garment?
Hygiene is a critical element in minimizing the risk of infection after tummy tuck surgery. You should wash your compression garment regularly and keep it clean. It is advantageous to have more than one garment, especially for long-term use. In this way, you can always wear a clean garment by washing one while using the other. Washing according to the cleaning instructions prolongs the life of the garment and preserves its effectiveness.
In short, a compression garment that fits correctly and is always kept hygienic both increases your comfort after a tummy tuck and contributes positively to your recovery.