How long do you wear faja after tummy tuck

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure used to make the abdomen thinner and more firm. This involves excess skin removal and fat from the middle and lower abdomen so that muscle and fascia of the abdomen wall are tightened. After surgery a compression garment (elastic fabric) applies consistent pressure to the treatment area. It is designed to enhance recovery for postoperative treatment following plastic-aesthetic procedures such as; liposuction, body surgery, Tummy tuck, etc.

Dr Rebecca Wyten, Female Specialist Plastic Surgeon, regularly performs Tummy Tuck Surgery in Melbourne’s Eastern and South-Eastern Suburbs.

URGENT UPDATE – The Australian Government has reinstated a Medicare Item Number for a Tummy Tuck for some post-pregnancy patients suffering from Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number – is effective 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.

If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Tummy tuck surgery is NOT FREE.

What is a Tummy Tuck compression garment?

A Tummy Tuck compression garment is a heavily elasticized cloth that stretches around your midsection, much like a girdle. It fits snugly over your midsection, applying constant even pressure on that area. This typically covers the area below breasts down to hips and pelvic area.

How long do you wear faja after tummy tuck

Why should I wear compression Garments after a tummy tuck, Body surgery, or Liposuction?

To have a better plastic surgery outcome, there is a combination of factors; how we prepare for the procedure, the state of general mental and physical health, and what we do in the recovery process all play a vital role.

Wearing compression garments accelerates the healing process and reduce swelling and pain associated with the procedure. Compression garments that are of good quality and fit can lead to a speedy recovery and proper healing as well as reduce the risk of hematoma, lymphedema, seromas, and skin unevenness.

What are the benefits of using a compression garment following a tummy tuck, body surgery and lipo?

1. Reduced risk of Edema

  • This is one of the most common complications of a tummy tuck. It is also known as a seroma.
  • This refers to the excess serous fluid collecting and filling a pocket under the skin.
  • Using compression garments, pressure is applied and this, in turn, pushes down on tissues so as to minimize or eliminate pockets where fluid could collect.
  • The garment also promotes better circulation

2. Better circulation

With any surgical procedure, one of the most significant risks especially one as invasive as tummy tuck surgery is blood clots. Due to a lack of circulation blood clots can develop anywhere and can be dangerous. Compression garments, fortunately, promote circulation and therefore reduce the risk of blood clots.

3. Reduces postoperative pains

Since compression stimulates circulation and decreases swelling, these garments can help you feel better earlier. Furthermore, events like coughing or laughing are more bearable thanks to the pressure applied by the garment.

4. Protection from Infections

Compression garments also act as a protective barrier to our incised abdomen in procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction and protect them from infection. It also facilitates better circulation and helps transfer antimicrobials to the site of possible infection.

5.  Minimize scarring

The site of the surgery is properly held by compression garments and helps maintain stability. They hold the skin to recently contoured areas and allows wounds to heal and limit the extent of scarring.

6. Shaping the final results

  • Compression garments improve the contour of the treatment area, this helps achieve optimal liposuction results.
  • With the support of garments the body adapts to its new streamlined shape and reduces the risk of your skin developing a lax or wrinkled appearance.
  • This allows smoother, tighter, more attractive liposuction results.
  • Some patients also find that wearing a compression garment improves their posture and facilitates easy movement after a body contouring procedure.

Finding the best tummy tuck compression garment

  1. To help your recovery it is good to select a high-quality device to minimize the post-op discomfort.
  2. Coco Ruby Surgeons advise patients to wear a compression garment for six weeks in cases of larger surgeries like body lifts and tummy tucks.
  3. In cases of small ones like breast augmentation or a breast lift, a surgical bra for four weeks helps.
  4. Since you will be wearing it for a  long time it’s better not to choose a cheap low-quality garment as not only will it make recovery harder it will also probably be more uncomfortable.
  5. Choosing a low-quality garment is a decision you will likely regret.
  6. Patients should not have to worry about researching and buying garments on their own because we will simply provide you with a comfortable, high-quality compression garment to wear after surgery.
  7. It is all included in our price.

Choosing the Best Compression Garment

The quality of a compression garment is very important. It can vary depending on the manufacturer. some features to look at if you are buying one:

Antibacterial properties

  • Lipoelect is a brand that makes garments with silver nanoparticles to prevent bacterial growth on the skin.
  • This helps lower the spread of microbes.
  • It also helps speed healing and reduce odour.

Breathable materials

  • It’s always good to choose items that are comfortable.
  • It’s best to avoid cheap, scratchy, or itchy fabrics that can be too abrasive for healing skin.
  • Breathable materials will also decrease sweating, allowing the skin to stay dry and comfortable.

 Durability

  • Having fabric that has both plenty of stretch and durability is important.
  • Choosing an inferior, cheaper product will end up costing you more in the long run.

Moisture-wicking fabric

  • Fabrics like these help to keep your skin dry.
  • Such materials will not only make you more comfortable but also decrease bacterial spread since bacteria thrives in moisture and heat.
  • It can also help reduce the odour caused by bacteria.

Flat seams or seamless design

  • Having flat seams will help to decrease irritation on the skin as you heal.

Quality closures

  • There are binders that have Velcro closures, unlike compression garments that have zippers or hook-and-eye closures.
  • Zippers and clasps make it easy and comforting.
  • Your strain when taking the garment on and off will also decrease.

How long do you wear faja after tummy tuck

Post- Op Garment FAQs – Questions about Tummy Tuck and Compression Garments

How long do you wear faja after tummy tuck

What is a Compression Garment

  • A compression garment is an elastic fabric that applies consistent pressure to the treatment area.
  • It is designed to enhance recovery.
  • We use them for postoperative treatment following plastic-aesthetic procedures such as;
    • Liposuction
    • Body surgery
    • Tummy tuck
    • And more.

How long should I wear a compression garment following a tummy tuck?

  • Tummy tuck surgery is one of the more aggressive body contouring procedures performed by cosmetic or plastic surgeons around the world.
  • To have the best outcome from your procedure, you will need to wear compression garments for at least 6 to 8 weeks after tummy tuck surgery.

How tight should your compression garment be after lipo?

  • Doctors advise that the compression garment should be tight enough to provide the support you need, but not too tight as to cause uneasiness or discomfort.
  • The compression garment should fit properly to achieve its goals, but if we wear a garment that is too tight, it can worsen the condition instead of improving it.
  • Yes, when you shower you can remove compression garments.
  • 2 days after a tummy tuck, body lift, or liposuction most patients are able to have a shower.
  • Gently pat yourself dry with a towel and once dry put your compression garment back on.

How Long Do I Have to Wear a Compression Garment?

  • Every patient’s healing capacity is different, but the following list provides a rough estimate of how long compression garments are worn after each procedure.
    • Tummy tuck – 4 to 6 weeks
    • Liposuction –2 to 6 weeks, depends on the body area and liposuction technique the surgeon uses.

How can I protect the surgical site while my garments are in the wash?

  • It’s best to purchase multiple garments so you always have a backup.
  • The successful surgical result is seen with consistent compression so that the site is always protected and secure.

What is the best tummy tuck compression garment?

  • To help your recovery it is good to select a high-quality device to minimize the post-op discomfort.
  • It is a fat removal procedure from specific fat deposit parts of the body, the most common being the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thigh commonly used in plastic surgery.
  • In general, good candidates for liposuction include:
    • Patients within 30% of their ideal weight.
    • Adults who have firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone
    • Patients who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
    • Nonsmoker individuals
    • Patients with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

How is abdominal liposuction different from a “tummy tuck”?

  • Most of the fat found under the skin and above the abdominal muscles is removed by liposuction.
  • For patients who have good abdominal muscle tone, liposuction can provide a good improvement, with a natural appearance of the abdomen, and with minimal scarring. In the majority of liposuction patients, the elasticity of abdominal skin contracts smoothly, and there is no need to surgically remove the skin.
  • A tummy tuck involves liposuction to remove fat plus the surgical removal of a large section of skin from the lower abdomen along with a surgical relocation of the belly button. An unsightly scar can be seen with a tummy tuck that extends across the entire lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Liposuction is much safer, quicker, and easier than the recovery after a tummy tuck.

How long do you wear faja after tummy tuck

Choosing Dr Rebecca Wyten

Your Plastic Surgeon for a Tummy Tuck or Mummy Makeover Procedure

It’s best to follow the steps beneath for choosing the best plastic surgeon:

  • A local, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (look for FRACS and ASAPS or ISAPS).
  • Choose a surgeon who has a lot of experience performing tummy tuck or liposuction surgeries
  • It is vital that you ask your surgeon where the surgery is going to take place. Make sure it is a reputed hospital.
  •  Try to get an appointment with the plastic surgeon directly for an extended consultation before you say yes to the surgery.
  • If confused or in doubt, you can have two consultations or get a second opinion. Because it’s a collaborative procedure process where you’ll want to have great communication with your Surgeon and feel comfortable you’re getting the right Specialist Surgeon for your procedure.
  • This will also help you to get to know the Surgeon and see if your personality and surgical needs mesh with his personality and his communication style.
  • It’s not the end of the world if you don’t, because there are other Plastic Surgeons in Melbourne.
  • Check on the surgeons before and after photos. It will help you to determine your surgeons’ skill and expertise.