Best shapewear after tummy tuck

If you’ve just had a tummy tuck, congratulations! You’re looking and feeling great, and it’s all thanks to your amazing surgeon. And if you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to show off that new body of yours by wearing some of those cute dresses and skirts you’ve been eyeing up for months.

But before you go out shopping for all the latest trends, there’s one thing you need to know: shapewear is your best friend. In this post, we review the Best shapewear after tummy tuck, best stomach compression garments, spanx tummy control, and Is shapewear the same as a compression garment?

If you’re not familiar with shapewear, it’s basically a bodysuit made of fabric that compresses your midsection and smooths out any bumps or bulges in an attempt to give you a smoother silhouette under clothing. Shapewear has been around since the 1920s but has really taken off in recent years as more people are seeking ways to transform their bodies into more “ideal” forms.

Best shapewear after tummy tuck

Tummy tuck surgery consistently remains at the top of the list of most in-demand cosmetic surgeries in Beverly Hills. This is not surprising, as the tummy tuck can help both men and women address a long list of concerns and achieve a dramatic transformation. After weight loss, patients often benefit from the skin and fat removal aspect of A tummy tuck. At the same time, many women utilize the tummy tuck as a solution for restoring their pre-pregnancy figures. While the outcome of a tummy tuck can undoubtedly be stunning, patients must understand what to expect during the recovery period and adhere to the postoperative guidelines closely. One of the most critical aspects of the tummy tuck recovery is the use of a compression garment.

Award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Katzen and the stellar team at J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills are committed to helping patients achieve their ideal cosmetic results and enjoy a safe, healthy, and efficient recovery after a tummy tuck by providing the most advanced surgical techniques and tools available as well as detailed postoperative instructions. Learn more about what you can expect during tummy tuck recovery here, including why a compression garment is essential for proper healing and a gorgeous outcome.

HOW DOES A TUMMY TUCK WORK?

A tummy tuck is an exciting body contouring procedure that involves skin removal, muscle tightening, and other advanced techniques to address a wide variety of cosmetic and functional concerns, and, ultimately, sculpt a smooth, taut, beautiful midsection. A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist. The tummy tuck usually takes about 2 – 3 hours to complete. Dr. Katzen will place an incision just above the pubic area on the lower abdomen. The length of the incision will depend on how much excess skin needs to be removed. For patients with diastasis recti, or separated abdominal muscles, Dr. Katzen can reposition the abdominal fascia and reinforce the muscles. Liposuction is also commonly performed during tummy tuck surgery to remove stubborn deposits of fat. Once the loose, sagging skin has been excised, the remaining abdominal skin is pulled tightly and the incision is closed with many layers of absorbable sutures for a sleek, firm new contour.

HOW LONG IS THE TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY TIME?

Patients should have realistic expectations for their tummy tuck recovery period and plan to make the experience as smooth, comfortable, and convenient as possible. Because a tummy tuck is an extensive procedure, most patients need to take about 2 – 3 weeks off work for their recovery. While you should begin feeling much more like yourself after the first 1 – 2 weeks, it is essential to understand that your body is still healing from major surgery. Strenuous physical activity, including exercise, may be off-limits for up to six weeks or longer, though light walking is encouraged. Patients should not stand fully upright in order to maintain the integrity of their incisions. Brief, light walks help to increase circulation and avoid complications, such as blood clots or DVTs.

Most tummy tuck patients are considered fully recovered after about six weeks. However, the final results will continue to improve over the next several weeks and months as the residual swelling resolves, the tissues settle, and the scars begin to fade. Some of the most beneficial things patients can do to ensure a successful and efficient tummy tuck recovery include:

  • Follow all of Dr. Katzen’s instructions
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Attend follow-up appointments
  • Eat healthy and stay hydrated
  • Do not rush your recovery
  • Wear your compression garment as instructed

WHAT DOES A COMPRESSION GARMENT DO AFTER TUMMY TUCK?

Without a doubt, the use of a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery is essential for proper, speedy healing and a cosmetically pleasing result. Some of the most compelling reasons for wearing a compression garment or binder after tummy tuck include:

  • Reduce swelling: The constant, even compression applied by a compression garment – sometimes referred to as an abdominal binder – reduces postoperative swelling and accelerates visible results.
  • Prevent seromas and hematomas: By minimizing swelling and decreasing the incidence of pockets beneath the tissue, compression garments dramatically reduce the risk for developing collections of serious fluid (seromas) and blood collections (hematomas)
  • Protect incisions: Additionally, patients can reduce their risk for wound separation by wearing a compression garment. Wearing a compression garment limits the possibility of pulling, stretching, and opening the incision.
  • Enhance comfort: Many patients feel that snug compression garment feels more secure and comfortable following surgery.
  • Smoother outcome: Wearing a compression garment is also crucial for achieving a smoother, more even outcome and minimizing the possibility of bumps, lumps, dimples, keloid scarring, or other imperfections. Keep in mind that many medical compression garments are made specifically with the seams on the outside to avoid permanent skin indentations. Dr. Katzen and his knowledgeable team will help you understand and select the best tummy tuck compression garment for you.

HOW LONG DO YOU WEAR A COMPRESSION GARMENT AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?

Patients should plan to wear their compression garment for a minimum of 4 – 6 weeks after tummy tuck surgery to ensure the best possible results. For the first few weeks, compression garments should be worn at all times – day and night – except when showering. Once Dr. Katzen assesses your progress at a postoperative follow-up appointment, you may be able to reduce the number of hours you wear the compression garment each day. However, many patients choose to continue wearing the compression garment as much as possible for comfort and peace of mind.

SAY GOODBYE TO LOOSE SKIN AND STUBBORN FAT WITH A LIFE-CHANGING TUMMY TUCK IN BEVERLY HILLS, CA

Despite the recovery period and the need for compression garments, the vast majority of tummy tuck patients consider the surgery to be one of the best things they have ever done in their life! Whether you are ready to take the final step in your weight loss transformation, get your pre-baby body back, or fight the effects of aging, a tummy tuck surgery at J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills can help.

Call TODAY to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck. For your convenience, Dr. Katzen has offices in Beverly Hills, CA, Las Vegas, NV, and Dubai. Physical or virtual consultations can be arranged. Virtual consultation options include FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp. Call TODAY at (310) 859 – 7770 to schedule your FREE consultation to achieve the tummy of your dreams.

best stomach compression garments

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can transform your body and sculpt your tummy area. It eliminates excess fat and skin, and can give you a toned look. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is vital when it comes to getting the desired results. However, after the surgery is the recovery phase that requires special care and a bit of preparation. Recovery is as important as the surgery itself if you want to minimise complications and enjoy the look of your new tummy as soon as possible. One of the most important elements of recovery is a good quality compression garment after tummy tuck. It can also be called a binder. It is important to wear it as directed by Dr Hunt for an easy, smooth, and fast recovery. Post-surgery, one of the most common side effects is excessive swelling and fluid retention at the treatment site. The right compression garment can help tackle that and allow you to recover as quickly as possible.

Think of a tummy tuck compression garment as a heavily elasticated garment that stretches around your mid-section, almost like a girdle. It should be quite snug and will put pressure on the treatment site that will help minimise swelling and offer support. The garment generally covers the entire area, starting from your breasts, down to the hips.

UPDATE NEW 30175 MEDICARE ITEM NUMBER – The Australian Government has a NEW Medicare Item Number for a Tummy Tuck for some eligible post-pregnancy patients with 3cm+ Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new medical criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number – is effective from 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 Private Tummy tuck surgery is NOT FREE.

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with cosmetic clinics in Sydney and Wollongong NSW. He has performed hundreds of tummy tuck procedures in over 20 years of practice.

Benefits of Wearing a Compression Garment after Tummy Tuck

This is one of the most commonly asked questions we get. As the compression garment is quite snug, most patients find it quite uncomfortable to wear especially during the first few days after the surgery. You need to wear it as long as possible because it will essentially help you recover faster and offers the following benefits:

1. Reduced Risk of Seroma Formation

The collection of excess fluid underneath the skin is referred to as seroma. Seroma is considered to be the most common complication individuals experience post-abdominoplasty or any kind of surgery. A compression garment can reduce the risk considerably. It puts even pressure on the tissues that were treated during the surgery. Hence, the pockets of fluid can be minimised.

2. Improved Circulation

Better circulation is the key to healing faster after the surgery. The blood circulating inside your body is responsible for delivering essential nutrients to the treated areas and promoting healing. It also reduces swelling, bruising, and minimises the risk of blood clot formation which can be fatal. The garment is also helpful for blood circulation which can further minimise the risk.

3. Makes You Feel Comfortable & Supported

Although the compression garment can feel quite snug for the first few days, it can make you feel quite secure and comfortable during daily activities. The compression garment will offer a layer of protection to the damaged tissues and incision lines and prevent them from being pulled or strained. In fact, a lot of patients like to wear a compression garment even longer than advised as it makes them feel quite secure and reminds them to move more carefully.

4. Improved Contouring

There is always a slight chance that uneven contours will appear after this type of intervention. A lot of contour irregularities become permanent and aren’t corrected early on in your recovery. A compression garment can help flatten out the lumps and bumps.

Brands for a Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck

Here is the list of the best compression garment brands recommended by Dr Hunt’s team for use after tummy tuck surgery.

Which Compression Garment Is Right for You?

Finding the right compression garment involves more than reading a list. You need to feel comfortable while wearing it and ensure it is doing something for the healing.

The goal is to find something that offers the right support and pressure.

Compression garments are generally recommended for the second stage of recovery. During the first stage of recovery, Dr Hunt might ask you to wear an abdominal binder. You may be wearing your compression garment for weeks or months. Make sure to take your time in selecting the right one that fits. You can also ask Dr Hunt’s team to make recommendations. Make sure to try a few before the surgery so you can select the right one for yourself.

Having Trouble Breathing When Wearing a Compression Garment after Tummy Tuck?

Some patients have had trouble breathing while wearing a compression garment. While the garment has to be snug, your compression garment shouldn’t prevent you from breathing properly. Make sure it isn’t causing you any pain while you are wearing it. If it is causing you discomfort, it is important to let Dr Hunt know and get a different one. In certain cases, the trouble breathing is not caused by compression garments but by not breathing right.

Breathe the Right Way

As you breathe, three parts of the body are involved in the process: the intercostal muscles, diaphragm and abdominal muscles. When you are breathing in, the muscles contract upwards and outwards and allow your lungs to expand fully with air. During this time, the diaphragm will move downwards to create space for your lungs. If you are breathing properly, your chest will rise and widen along with the expansion of your stomach. And you will feel a lot more comfortable.

Belly Breathing

Over the years, the belly has become more common as we have become lazy with how we breathe. Instead of involving all three parts with every single breath, we use only our stomach to breathe. Look closely at how you breathe. If your stomach expands and contracts while breathing but your chest isn’t moving, you are belly breathing. If you are belly breathing, you will find it difficult to breathe while wearing a compression garment. You shouldn’t rely on your stomach to breathe in the air. Your stomach won’t expand because of the constant pressure on your compression garment.

If that’s true, you need to be conscious about how you breathe. Make sure you feel your rib cage expand with every single breath and along with the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.

Now that you know how to breathe properly and have the list of the best compression garments to use post-surgery, you will be able to get the maximum comfort and support while breathing properly.

Further Reading about Tummy Tuck Surgery

Medical References about Recovery after the Tummy Tuck

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon Sydney

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

spanx tummy control

One thing we all love to hate and hate to love? Shapewear. We love the way we look in it, but we definitely don’t love how uncomfortable it can be — and we absolutely hate when it’s in any way obvious that we’re wearing it! We want it to be our little sculpting secret.

If you’re looking for new tummy-control underwear and shapewear that becomes virtually invisible — even under tight clothing — then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve picked out 14 of our favorites below, featuring all different kinds of designs for all different occasions!

This underwear features comfort leg panels in addition to its shaping, tummy-smoothing elements. It also boasts no “VPL” AKA visible panty line!

Get the Miraclesuit Women’s Extra Firm Comfort Leg Waistline Brief starting at just $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 26, 2023, but are subject to change.

One of the best ways to avoid panty lines? Getting rid of them completely! This seamless shaping underwear has a thong back!

Get the Werena Thong Shapewear Body Shaper Panty for just $15 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 26, 2023, but are subject to change.

Best for Formal Occasions

If you’re attending a wedding, or even if you’re the bride herself, we have to recommend these high-cut, tummy-shaping briefs. They’re designed to be “wedgie-proof” so you won’t have to make your way through layers of tulle to make any adjustments!

Nude is a different color for everybody, and Kim Kardashian‘s shapewear line acknowledges that. These super high-rise briefs come in nine nude shades — and they can fit sizes XXS through 5X!

Want something easy but effective for wearing under casual pieces, like jean shorts or rompers? Stock up on these briefs!

Get the SPANX Everyday Shaping Briefs for just $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 26, 2023, but are subject to change.

If you want your tummy-control underwear to also offer thigh control, these 360° slimming shorts are an excellent choice. And no chafing!

Still want that thigh shaping — but the above shorts are too long for your mini skirt or dress? A pair of boyshorts is the way to go. This popular pick is on sale too!

Get the Shapermint High-Waisted Body Shaper Boyshorts (originally $53) for just $25 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 26, 2023, but are subject to change.

Whether you can’t stand shaping underwear/shorts or you own some outfits that only call for a little sculpting from the waist up, you might want to grab something like this cami. You can go bra-less in it, and the seamless level-two compression at the midsection will have you feeling fabulous!

This open-bust bodysuit aims to shape the tummy, hips and booty. Even though it’s more fabric than a pair of underwear, it’s seamless for invisible layering!

Best Butt-Lifting Underwear

Cinch the waist and let that booty pop with this super breathable pair of underwear. The wrapped bands are perfect for complementing (or creating) an hourglass figure!

Get the Nebility Butt Lifter Shapewear (originally $30) for just $16 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 26, 2023, but are subject to change.

Adding on extra fabric in the hot weather can be an iffy idea, but these ultra-breathable, cooling briefs will help keep you comfortable even as the temperature rises!

If you’ve recently had a C-section, extra support isn’t just about looks. This compression underwear can help provide the support you need to stay comfy too!

Get the Hcaixing High-Waisted Cotton Tummy Control Briefs for just $20 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 26, 2023, but are subject to change.

You don’t necessarily want your shaping underwear to look like shaping underwear. We love the stripes on this pair because they have a nice appearance, but they actually contribute to the smoothing, lifting capabilities of this underwear too!

Get the Leonisa Lace Stripe High-Waist Compression Underwear for just $25 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the update of publication, January 26, 2023, but are subject to change.

This pair of shaping underwear is ultra-supportive for a compressive fit that will leave your core feeling strong and sculpted. We also love that it has a silicone waist grip band to prevent rolling!

Looking for other ways to elevate your closet? Check out more picks below:

Browse fashion, beauty and health products. Also, check out our gift guides.

This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women’s sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.

Is shapewear the same as a compression garment

Have you ever been told that you may have a pregnancy pooch, baby belly, or post-baby belly after you give birth? It takes time for your entire body, and especially your stomach, to fully recover from pregnancy. Right after delivery, you may still look and feel five or six months pregnant.

While your uterus takes approximately 2-3 weeks to shrink back to where it’s not visible (and a full 6 weeks to its original pre-pregnancy size), your abdominal muscles may take MUCH longer to heal and start to feel normal again. Imagine your uterus and abdominal muscles as a balloon that slowly inflates as your baby grows inside you. When you give birth, your balloon doesn’t pop, it just starts a very slow leak. For that reason, the decrease you see in your stomach area may be slow-going, but it will be steady!

Postpartum Recovery Garments

Once you understand how the body starts to heal, you may also wonder if there are ways to expedite the healing process. Many women hear conflicting opinions on “waist trainers” from friends and family, and may need additional insight in order to make the best decision for their personal recovery. A few common questions among new moms are:

Let’s set the record straight, waist trainers/corsets/SPANX and medical-grade postpartum compression garments are NOT the same! They are actually very different and provide very different benefits.

Often, terms like SPANX, Waist Trainers, Belly Wraps, Corsets and Shapewear are used interchangeably, making it difficult to make an educated purchase decision. Let’s go over a few of these common terms, and talk about the benefits of a medical-grade postpartum compression garment, which may be helpful for you after you have a baby!

SPANX:

SPANX are non-medical, lightweight garments that help to control trouble areas (such as your abdomen, thighs and/or bottom) and make your silhouette look slim. They can be worn at any time during your life, and don’t provide any medical benefits, purely cosmetic.

Waist Trainer:

A waist trainer is a high-compression, also non-medical, shaping garment that you can wear around your abdomen to contour your waistline instantly. Many women wear them for a few hours at a time daily to slowly “train their waists” to become smaller. These can also be worn during exercise as well, as most stimulate thermal activity. This makes you sweat more with less effort (aka, it makes you work harder during your workout).

Waist trainers can be dangerous, especially in the immediate postpartum period. These compression devices can be worn so tight that you may experience nausea, headaches, trouble breathing, and/or dizziness. It’s also unclear if these “waist trainers” actually work.

Corset:

Corsets are similar to waist trainers, but they simply have lacing in the back, that can be adjusted for tightening/loosening. Also non-medical, corsets may also be worn on the outside of clothing for stylish reasons. Corsets are not meant to be worn during exercise or in an attempt to slim your waist on a long-term basis.

Belly Band/Maternity Belt:

Belly Bands and/or Maternity Belts are worn DURING pregnancy to assist with shifting baby weight off the abdomen, hips and lower back to support the body’s core. They can also help with sciatica pain, and help relieve the pressure that causes pregnancy-related pain or discomfort. They are typically made with breathable fabric and provide a discreet fit. You may even qualify to receive these through insurance!

Medical-Grade Postpartum Compression Garments

Now, let’s talk about medical-grade postpartum compression garments and the benefits they can have for a speedy recovery after birth!

Postpartum Compression Garments are medical-grade compression garments that are made with breathable, lightweight fabric and provide a discreet fit. They provide the extra support needed to tighten the areas most affected by pregnancy, and require a prescription from your provider to obtain.

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