Top 6 Tips for Wearing an Abdominal Binder After Surgery
Just had a tummy tuck? You’re probably living in your abdominal binder—and wondering if you’re wearing it right. As a plastic surgeon, I get these questions every day. So here are my top 6 tips to help you wear your binder correctly, comfortably, and without creating new problems:
1️⃣ You can open it.
The binder is not holding your incision together. We use strong, layered sutures for that. So if you need to loosen it or change your dressing—do it. You’re not going to “ruin” anything by opening your binder.
2️⃣ How tight is too tight?
This isn’t a “tighter is better” situation. Think Goldilocks: not too loose, not too tight. You shouldn’t be able to shimmy it off—but you also shouldn’t feel pain or shortness of breath. You should be able to fit a few fingers underneath comfortably.
3️⃣ Watch for creasing.
Most binders have panel seams that allow flexibility, but these can pleat against the skin—especially in patients with small waists and curvier hips. That can lead to pressure wounds or even scarring. Periodically check that your binder is lying flat and smooth against your skin.
4️⃣ Don’t suffer sharp corners.
If your binder’s corners dig into your skin, it’s totally fine to cut them off or fold them inward. There’s plenty of Velcro to keep things in place—you deserve to be comfortable during recovery.
5️⃣ Yes, you can wash it.
Your binder will get dirty—think fluid leaks, ointments, skin oils. It’s totally okay to throw it in the wash. Just wash it alone so the Velcro doesn’t snag on other clothes.
6️⃣ Get help in the beginning.
At first, undoing or reapplying your binder can be awkward (and sometimes startling). I recommend having a friend or loved one help you open it slowly and re-secure it. With time, you’ll get more confident doing it solo—but having help at first makes a big difference.
I’m Dr. Victoria Aimé, a plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ. My job is not just to do the surgery—it’s to set you up for a safe, confident recovery.
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