Will I Need a Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
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Compression garments are a fairly routine part of tummy tuck recovery, but many patients still wonder whether they're truly necessary — and, notably, for how long they'll need to wear them. At Sawan Surgical Aesthetics, Oklahoma City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan performs a specialized 3D abdominoplasty, which addresses more than just excess skin on the front of the abdomen. By targeting skin, fat, and muscle around the front and sides of the midsection in one carefully tailored procedure, Dr. Sawan delivers comprehensive body contouring results that can look natural from every angle.
With this 360 approach to tummy tuck surgery, a compression garment is particularly important for minimizing swelling and ensuring a smooth new contour. If you're preparing for abdominoplasty or want to learn more about what to expect afterward, keep reading to learn more about why you have to wear compression bands after tummy tuck.
What is 3D abdominoplasty?
Unlike a traditional tummy tuck that focuses primarily on skin removal from the lower abdomen, 3D abdominoplasty is designed to contour the full midsection — including the front, sides, and even back. By incorporating muscle repair, fat removal with liposuction, and skin tightening, Dr. Sawan is able to sculpt a more balanced and youthful silhouette. This multi-dimensional approach is especially beneficial for patients who have experienced pregnancy, major weight loss, or significant changes in body composition.
What does a compression garment do after a tummy tuck?
Following 3D abdominoplasty, your body will naturally produce fluid as part of the healing response. A compression garment helps reduce fluid buildup and swelling while keeping gentle pressure on your newly sculpted contours. It also helps prevent complications, supports your healing tummy tuck incision, and encourages your skin to reattach smoothly to the underlying tissue. Many patients find that wearing their tummy tuck compression garment actually helps them feel more secure and supported in the early days after surgery.
How long will I have to wear a compression garment after tummy tuck?
Dr. Sawan will provide personalized instructions on how long to wear your garment based on the type of tummy tuck performed and how your body is healing. In general, patients are advised to wear their compression garment around the clock for the first several weeks, only removing it to bathe or wash the garment. After that, you may be cleared to wear tummy tuck compression aids only during the day or at certain times until healing is complete. Wearing your garment as instructed is one of the best ways to protect tummy tuck results and support a smoother recovery.
What else should I expect after 3D abdominoplasty?
Recovery from tummy tuck surgery is highly dependent on individual case factors and the patient's unique lifestyle and health, but most people can expect some temporary discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility initially. We recommend planning for rest during the first 48 hours after a tummy tuck, keeping your body at a slight bend — around 45 degrees — to protect your incisions. Dr. Sawan will recommend and/or prescribe appropriate pain medication to keep you comfortable and help you manage tenderness.
Staying hydrated, walking short distances as advised, and following aftercare instructions can help you heal as quickly and safely as possible. As the swelling after tummy tuck subsides, you'll begin to notice improvements in shape, with optimal results continuing to reveal themselves over the course of several weeks. Some of the primary recovery milestones after tummy tuck surgery may include:
- Noticeable early improvements in abdominal contour
- Reduced swelling and bruising after a few weeks
- Increased mobility by weeks 2 – 3
- Return to normal daily activities in about 4 – 6 weeks
Dr. Sawan and our team will monitor your healing and help you know when it's safe to resume certain activities, return to exercise, and stop wearing your compression garment — leading to tummy tuck recovery and enjoying the slim, sexy, smooth new shape you've been dreaming of.
Look your best all the way around with 3D tummy tuck surgery near Oklahoma City
Don't let stubborn belly fat and loose stomach skin keep you from living your life any longer. At Sawan Surgical Aesthetics, Oklahoma City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan takes great pride in helping patients achieve full-body confidence through procedures like his signature 3D abdominoplasty. Contact our friendly team today to schedule your consultation for a tummy tuck and take the first step toward a sculpted, more confident you.