Yes, Spanx can generally be worn instead of a traditional abdominal binder after a tummy tuck, particularly in the later stages of recovery (often 2+ weeks post-op), as long as they provide consistent, high-waisted compression. High-waisted Spanx or similar compression garments help minimize swelling and support the incision.
We recommend compression for most liposuction, abdominoplasty, and gender-affirming top surgeries. For abdominoplasty/ tummy tuck, you'll wear a stretchy abdominal binder for the first day or two, and then switch into a high-waisted shaper garment such as Higher Power Spanx.
Binders offer immediate support after a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. They are vital for holding the abdominal muscles in place, aiding in quicker recovery. Wearing a binder reduces the risk of fluid build-up and supports the body as it adjusts to its new contours.
Binders provide focused compression around the abdomen without compressing other areas, like the hips or thighs. Compression Garment: A compression garment offers broader coverage and is often designed like a body shaper or high-waisted girdle.
Compression garments should be worn day and night for three weeks after abdominoplasty. During this initial time, they should only be taken off when showering. Dr. Chopra encourages Tummy Tuck patients to shower by the second day after surgery.
Postpartum compression garments can provide: Temporary smoothing effect and support for postural muscles while worn. Support for diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) Confidence boost during the adjustment period.
This blog post will delve into five viable alternatives to chest binders, providing you with practical and useful options to consider.
You should avoid wearing a binder for more than 8 hours. For people under 18, we recommend taking it off after 6 hours. If you have to wear it for longer than this, we suggest going to the bathroom or another private space and removing your binder for 5 – 10 minutes to stretch out your muscles and chest.
Compression garments are tight-fitting pieces of clothing that assist in the healing process after surgery. These medical-grade versions of compression garments are different from shapewear in that they are specifically designed to be used as a tool in recovery after surgery.
Common indicators include excessive scarring, a poor healing process, asymmetrical appearance, and a misaligned belly button. If you feel something is wrong post-surgery, trust your instincts and consult a professional or hospital. Identifying these signs promptly allows for timely intervention.
During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Alderman will work with you to determine when it's safe to start sleeping normally. If you have a “mini tummy tuck” with a smaller incision, you'll likely need between one and three weeks of elevated sleeping.
After a tummy tuck, wearing a compression garment is a crucial part of your recovery. The garment should fit snugly enough to provide support and reduce swelling, but not so tight that it causes discomfort, restricts breathing, or interrupts blood flow.
Conclusion. Though medical compression garments and shapewear may initially appear to have the same function and appearance, the two are widely different—shapewear gears towards shaping your body and accentuating your curves for a short time. Meanwhile, medical compression garments have more of a permanent effect.
6 Steps to sit on the toilet after a Tummy tuck
Ignoring your surgeon's advice and sleeping without your garment prematurely can lead to: Increased Swelling: Lack of support may cause excessive swelling, prolonging the recovery period. Uneven Healing: Without proper compression, the tissues may settle improperly, resulting in an uneven or lumpy appearance.
You might feel a rush to start binding or lack the resources to purchase a commercial binder, but it isn't worth putting your health at risk. Sports bras, layering shirts, or wearing athletic or neoprene compression gear, are the options associated with the least amounts of negative side effects (2).
Can I Wear It at Night? The Deep Abdominal Binder is exceptionally comfortable, and can be worn even while you sleep, which is especially recommended at the start of your recovery. After the first few weeks, you can gradually wear the binder less and less.
Only bind for 8 to 10 hours at a time. Even the best binders can cause bruises or sores if you wear them too much. Take your binder off at night, just like other daytime clothing. Take breaks during the week.
As an alternative to a dedicated binder, a good sports bra with high compression can serve as a binder. Sports bras won't provide as much compression as a binder but can be a stepping stone to binding later.
- Binders are natural substances, like clay and charcoal, that the wellness industry is selling, claiming that they bind to “toxins” during a cleanse to prevent you from feeling ill and to stop the body from reabsorbing the toxins.
Other Binder Options
While oil, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce are the most common binders, you can also experiment with other options, such as honey, maple syrup, or even a mixture of these ingredients. The key is to find a binder that complements the flavors of your rub and the type of meat you're working with.
Shapewear can still be used after you've recovered to help you feel your best in your clothes, but they will not provide any medical benefits during your recovery. There are several different postpartum compression garments that can provide you with substantial benefits during your recovery period and beyond.
When Is It Too Late to Wear a Postpartum Belly Wrap? The general recommendation is to wear a postpartum wrap within the first 3 months post-birth. After 12 weeks, your muscles and tissues have typically regained much of their pre-pregnancy position and the wrap's support becomes less impactful.
The 5-5-5 rule is a postpartum guideline for the first 15 days of recovery, emphasizing rest to help the new parent heal and bond with the baby, by spending 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed, and then 5 days near the bed, gradually increasing activity while prioritizing rest, nourishment, and self-care over chores or visitors. It's a framework for creating boundaries and slowing down to prevent overexertion, though individual recovery needs should guide the pace.