Kinesiology Tape For Tummy Tuck

The post-tummy tuck body is a thing of beauty. It’s sleek, it’s tight, and it has an enviable silhouette. But what if you could take your post-tummy tuck body to the next level?

Kinesiology tape can be used to help prevent scarring and adhesions after surgery, but it can also provide support for your incisions during recovery. In this post, we review the aspects of Kinesiology Tape For Tummy Tuck, tummy tape for pregnancy, How long do you have to keep the tape on after a tummy tuck, and Can I use kinesiology tape after liposuction?

By applying kinesiology tape to the abdomen immediately after surgery, you can help support your skin as it heals over time. This will reduce tension on healing incisions and prevent sagging or wrinkles from forming in those areas.

Right here on Cosmeticsurgerytips, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on tape method instead of tummy tuck, tape method after lipo before and after, tape method before and after, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.

What is Kinesiology Tape and what it does

tummy tape for pregnancy

You ever seen that brightly colored, flashy looking tape that athletes normally wear while playing sports? What if I were to tell you that this very tape can help relieve many of your pregnancy discomforts?

My husband’s physical therapist put this tape on his back one day during therapy and he came home all bandaged up. I asked him, “what the heck is that stuff?” He said “Kinesiology tape.”

It’s an elastic therapeutic tape (similar to your skin elasticity) use to treat, recover, and to prevent injuries. With the acrylic adhesive, it serves to lift the skin and promote better blood circulation. Its usually worn by sports athletes and nowadays it’s a universal used for example, the elderly, to treat normal home injuries, pregnant ladies and etc. Other than treating injuries, it can also educate the neuromuscular system for stabiliser and posture correction purpose.

The natural elasticity of the tape gently lifts the skin, helping to promote circulation and relieve pressue on pain receptors. When applied correctly, it begins working immediately and can continue to provide relief 24/7 for 3-5 days per application.

How does this help you to feel better exactly, though? This tape facilitates the body’s natural healing process and range of motion by providing support and stability to muscles and joints, improving blood flow, reducing pain and swelling and controlling inflammation.

Below are few general benefits of kinesio tape:

In case you are wondering, here’s a list of common conditions that kinesio tape may help improve.

As far as pregnancy goes, kinesiology tape is a safe and effective treatment option. Musculoskeletal pain is common in pregnancy, especially low back and pelvic girdle pain, as well as round ligament pain (that quick jabbing pain felt in the lower abdomen or groin area – ouch!).

Kinesiology tape is a drug-free, safe alternative, which can help relieve many pregnancy symptoms including back pain, swollen feet, sciatica, carpal tunnel, and other aches and pains. Because of this, it is an ideal option for expectant mothers seeking relief from the ailments associated with pregnancy.

By adding a few strategic strips of the colourful tape to either the back or abdomen, some of the common postural aches and pains that are associated with a growing baby bump are alleviated. It literally helps to distribute the weight of the extra pounds evenly with the tapes around. It can immensely reduce fatigue too.

But, what about a support belt or belly band? Those work well, too. In fact, this tape works in the same way. However, the belts & bands can sometimes cost fortune. The kinesio tapes are quite economical to say the least as I bought mine right here for CHEAP. A roll has been lasting me for a little over two months now!

For most pregnant women, the ability to get continuous relief for several days can be a godsend. Being uncomfortable or in pain while pregnant can make sleeping difficult, and because kinesiology tape can be worn while sleeping, it can help provide a much needed rest. And unlike pregnancy belts, which are restrictive, costly, and are worn to provide postural support, kinesiology tape can offer similar support, while still allowing full range of motion at a much more economical price. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes, too.

Here are a few techniques to applying this tape to your back and belly for maximum support. Using kinesio tape is very tricky at first and hard to apply. Please allow your physican, chiropractor, or PT to show you how to apply and use the take before attempting it yourself. For some of the techniques, you may have to cut the strips in half-it is very trial and error, but find what best works for you and your pregnant body. Make sure your skin is dry and clean before applying so that it lasts longer. To remove, use baby oil on the strips to gently loosen the adhesions.

This technique is great for lifting the lower belly only-especially if you are having round ligament pain or dull pain “down there” due to too much pressure being put onto your pelvic flooring. You should start with one strip of tape and attach at the middle of your lower belly firmly. Then, you will pull both sides of the tape upward to lift your belly, attaching the ends securely. If you need to apply more strips, repeat with a second strip and see how that feels.

Technique #2: Front Sling

This is a great technique for the ladies who feel as if they’re abdominal halves are going to split apart and gives you great frontal support. All you need are two strips. Attaching the ends firmly at the bottom, you will pull each strip of tape upwards, securing under your breasts. Smaller ladies with smaller/shorter torsos may need to cut their strips in half.

For the ladies whose bellies are protruding outwards a good bit, you might like this technique. You will need two strips of tape. You are going to form an “X” at your belly button, starting at the bottom above your hip bones. While pulling the tape across your belly, you are going to make sure you pull firmly in order for the tape to hold your belly in place securely.

Technique #4: Maximum Support

This is for mamas who have full belly pain. If you are having lower back and belly pain, you can apply a strip across your lower back as well (see next technique).

You will use 4 strips for this fix. Start at one hip you will apply your tape and pull diagonally across your belly button up to the opposite ribcage. With a second strip, you will do the opposite side the same way. Next, you will take a strip and apply from bottom up on each side of your navel. Remember, you want to firmly attach at the bottom and pull upward to anchor at the top above your diaphram.

Technique #5: Lower Back & Belly Support

If you need both lower belly and back support, this one is good for you. You will need two strips.. Using one strip you will have someone attach one end to one side of your lower back and firmly stretch it across, anchoring on the other side. With your second strip, you will stretch only the middle by pulling at both ends, attaching the middle part of the tape first to your lower abdomen. Then, you will firmly pull each side upward to secure. It should feel as if you are “lifting” up your belly. The discomfort should go away immediately.

Technique #7: Frontal Belly Support

This fix is perfect for the ladies who feel like they’re about to “burst” open, only feeling discomfort in the front and lower abdominal regions.

You will use two strips. With your first strip, you will start at your pubic line and pull upward, attaching the end of the tape right under your diaphram. With the second strip, you will start at one end of your lower belly, above your pubic line, and stretch it across. With smaller ladies, you might need to cut your strips in half for this one.

Technique #8: Diaphram Support

This is perfect for when baby gets so big that they push up into your diaphram and you feel like you can hardly breath!

For this fix, you will use one strip (some of you smaller ladies might have to cut a strip in half) and firmly attach and hold at one end while pulling across to the other side, focusing on pulling downward. The point is to bring the top of your belly down to ease your diaphram.

Important: Please talk to your Chiropractor or healthcare provider to discuss if kinesiology taping is appropriate for you. Also, be sure to notify your practitioner if you have sensitive skin, or better yet, test it on a small patch of skin to ensure you aren’t reactive to the tape adhesive. Once your kinesiology tape has been applied, your practitioner will give you instructions on how to preserve the integrity of the tape while showering, bathing and dressing.

Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem. If you are not experienced with using kinesio tape, do not try this at home. Instead, allow a physical therapist, chiropractor, or medical doctor show you how to apply the tape for use at home.

How long do you have to keep the tape on after a tummy tuck

 1. Upon leaving the operating room, a support garment will be placed on you. This garment is to remain in place continuously for 24 hours after tummy tuck surgery, or as instructed by your doctor. After the first 24 hours, you may remove the garment to shower only. This garment is an essential factor in promoting a safe and comfortable post-operative period. The garment compresses the involved area to reduce swelling (edema) and help promote skin conformity. You are to wear this garment until instructed by your doctor. You must wear the garment continuously removing it for only short periods of time to shower. If you start to feel itchy due to the garment after several days, you may wear a cotton t-shirt and place the garment over it. This will help alleviate the itch.

• 2. During the first 24 hours after surgery, you will lay in bed with a couple of pillows propped up under your knees and head. After the first 24 hours you may gradually resume light and minimal activity. Walking straight is very important. Back pain will result due to walking bending down as it will also slow down your ability to recover quicker. Be as active and mobile as you possibly can. Lying in bed all day is not recommended.

• 3. Do not engage in any strenuous activities for first week after surgery. Exertion that elevates blood pressure can cause bleeding.

• 4. If you experience pain, please take your prescribed medications as directed. Remember to take it with food. Avoid Aspirin or any Aspirin related medications (Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, etc.) for at least 2 weeks after surgery. REFER TO YOUR LIST OF MEDICATIONS NOT TO TAKE. These can cause bleeding. You may take Extra Strength Tylenol in place of your prescription pain medication. Keep in mind that pain medication may cause nausea.

• 5. You will also be sent home with drains which exit through the skin. These drains will be removed in the office when the amount of drainage is diminished. These drains may stay in for as long as seven days after your surgery. You will keep track of the amounts of fluids discarded from each drain separately so that prior their removal, the nurse and doctor have an idea the amount of drainage coming out. The color of the drainage fluid may range from a red to yellowish clear tint. Do not be alarmed by the color of the fluids. You may also leak fluid from around where the drain exits through the skin that is normal as well.

• 6. Drink plenty of fluids. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery.

• 7. If you are discharged with an oral antibiotic, take through its full cycle as directed.

• 8.Call your doctors office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: Temperature above 101.8°F, shakes and chills, excessive bleeding from incision site/s, severe or sudden pain with a reddened swollen area which feels hard like a baseball and warm to the touch.

• 9. You may shower 24 hours after your surgery. Wash the incision sites with a mild soap and pat dry. You will notice Steri-Strips (surgical tape) over the incisions. These can get wet and will not fall off. They are placed to provide additional support. These will eventually fall off by themselves or be removed by the doctor on one of your post-op visits. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other topical treatments without first consulting with your doctor.

• 10. After having your Steri Strips (surgical tapes) removed, you may also notice one or a few blisters around your scar. This is also normal and may result from the Steri strips (surgical tape). We may apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment. The blisters will heal up shortly after a couple of days. During the healing phase, scars may also appear to be slightly raised and red. This is a normal appearance with any scar. After your second follow up visit, your doctor will give you the OK to start using Scarguard. This product is available in our office to speed up and improve the appearance of your scars. For more information regarding this product please feel free to ask our staff.

• 11. Swelling and or bruising throughout your abdominal area is normal and should begin to subside four to six weeks after surgery. Keep in mind that everyone heals differently and some patients may heal quicker or slower than the other, so please have patience during your recovery phase.

• 12. Avoid direct sun exposure to your scars for several months after surgery.

• 13. Please be aware that smoking or the use of unauthorized medications can lead to complications and jeopardize the results of your surgery.

Can I use kinesiology tape after liposuction

The research proved that the Kinesio Taping method is highly effective in treating patients after abdominal surgery. The daily decrease of 2.5 percentage points in the abdomen circumference helped to relieve pain and reduce doses of painkillers.

It is a scientifically based method that has as main objectives, in the areas of plastic surgery, to minimize edema (swelling) avoid bruising, and reduced or prevent the formation of fibrosis (scar tissue). It also improves function and reduces the tension of tissue near the scars, helping to prevent dehiscence (opening of stitches on the scar).

Taping decompresses tissues that have suffered damage in a surgical procedure. The skin is elevated and thus anchoring filaments (which open lymphatic vessels) are pulled, allowing the greater drainage of the liquid that was previously congested in the interstice (space between the tissue below the skin) favoring its absorption. 

Open wounds: If you have an open wound or surgical incision that is not fully healed, do not use kinesiology tape. The tape could produce a situation where bacteria is introduced into the wound.

Can you feel it? Most people who wear kinesiology tape can’t feel it after the initial application. The tape is elastic, so it moves with your body. In that sense, it feels much different than athletic tape, which often has the sensation of pulling your body in a certain way.

If you are noticing swelling and bruising that is not going away, consult with your doctor or post-op therapist about the Kinesio tape technique to see if this treatment is appropriate to help alleviate symptoms that may be limiting recovery progress.