How to Choose the Right Compression Garment After a Tummy Tuck

Choosing the right compression garment after a tummy tuck can significantly impact your recovery experience. From managing swelling to supporting scar healing, knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

Why Compression Matters After a Tummy Tuck

Compression garments are an essential part of tummy tuck recovery. They help to:

• Minimise post-operative swelling
• Support the abdominal area as tissues heal
• Reduce post-operative bruising
• Encourage smoother scar formation
• Reduce pain and discomfort

The gentle, consistent pressure helps create optimal conditions for healing and can reduce the risk of complications such as fluid build-up (seroma) or uneven scarring. But for this support to be effective, it’s important to choose the right garment — and the right fit.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Recovery

No two recoveries are exactly alike. That’s why compression garments come in different designs to accommodate different bodies, procedures, and recovery needs.

For example:

• Zippered garments, like the VH Comfort or VH special Comfort with double-lined abdomen and foam brace for extra support., are often preferred in the early days after surgery when movement is limited, as they’re easier to put on and take off.
• Hook-and-eye styles, such as the VH Variant, offer adjustability with three rows of fastenings - ideal as swelling naturally decreases. This can help the garment remain supportive throughout different stages of recovery without needing to size down immediately.
• In the later stages, some patients may switch to an abdominal binder for extra support during activities or as a lighter option once full-body garments are no longer necessary.

Always follow the recommendation of your surgical team, as they’ll advise what suits your individual healing process best.

VH special Comfort, VH Variant, Kpress abdominal binder & Kpad foam insertion

Compression Garment(s), Your New Best Friend(s)

Generally it is recommend to wear tummy tuck compression garments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for as long as 6–8 weeks — that’s over 1,300 hours of continuous wear. During this time, you should only remove the garment for brief periods, such as showering or washing.

Because of this extended wear time, most patients find it necessary to have at least two garments. This allows one to be worn while the other is being laundered, helping you maintain both hygiene and continuous support - two factors that are key to a successful recovery.

For more details, read: How long do I need to wear a compression garment after a tummy tuck?

Supporting Your Healing – Inside and Out

Compression garments don’t just help manage swelling — they also support scar formation. The gentle pressure applied to the healing tissues may:

    •   Help flatten and smooth the scar

    •   Promote more organised collagen alignment

    •   Reduce the risk of hypertrophic or keloid scarring in some patients

Once your incisions are fully healed and closed (always check with your surgeon first), you may wish to introduce a scar treatment products, such as silicone scar gel or adhesive scar sheets. These work best when used consistently and in combination with compression.

Consider Internal Support Too

In the later stages of recovery, collagen supplementation may support skin elasticity and overall tissue repair — especially valuable after surgery that stretches and reshapes the skin. While not a replacement for proper aftercare, many patients find it a helpful addition to their healing routine.

Final Thoughts – Speak to Your Surgeon First

The type of garment, how long to wear it, and when to start using additional support should always be guided by your surgical team. What works for one patient may not be right for another — and your comfort, safety, and results should come first.

Planning ahead, having the right garments, and following a personalised recovery plan can make a significant difference in how you heal - and how you feel.

Ready to find the right garment for you?

Explore Tummy Tuck Compression Garments

Resources

For more information on tummy tuck recovery and surgical guidance in the UK, we recommend:

NHS – Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/

NICE Guidelines – Surgical Site Infections: Prevention and Treatment
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng125

BAAPS – British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
https://baaps.org.uk