Tummy Tuck Binder Itching

Tummy Tuck Binder Itching

A soft cotton T-shirt is recommended to be placed between your skin and the binder to minimize this. If the itching is related to the incision, this may be related to an allergic reaction and the plastic surgeon should be consulted.

Tummy tuck procedures (otherwise known as abdominoplasties) are among the top 10 most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States.

Tummy Tuck Binder Itching

Given the popularity of tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Mark Deuber feels that it is important for prospective patients to fully understand not only what is involved in the actual procedure, but what they should expect during the recovery phase.

TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE

A tummy tuck procedure is designed to remove excess, loose skin and tissue, and tighten up underlying muscle following dramatic weight loss.

In a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Deuber will make a horizontal incision going from one hipbone across to the other. The skin and underlying tissue are then gently lifted up, tightened, and then re-draped over the new abdominal shape. Excess skin and tissue are removed, and the remainder is sutured back into place. Dr. Deuber will also tighten up the underlying abdominal muscles. In addition, he can make an incision around the navel, and reposition the belly button.

WHAT CAUSES BURNING OR ITCHING SENSATIONS AFTER A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?

Believe it or not, burning or itching sensations in the abdominal region following a tummy tuck procedure are perfectly normal. When any incision is made into the body, nerves that conduct sensation are severed. While the body is working to “rewire” these nerves, or create entirely new nerve pathways, pain sensations may go into hyper-overdrive. This rewiring will take the form of burning, raw, or itching sensations. Over time, generally by three to four months, most of these sensations will have faded.

REMEDIES FOR BURNING AND ITCHING

If patients can tolerate it, Dr. Deuber recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin or Advil, which are available over the counter. The prescription drug Neurontin may also help reduce inflammation. Ice and cold compresses applied to the abdominal region can also be helpful once the sutures have completely healed over. Dr. Deuber also recommends patients gently massage their abdominal region several times a day. Not only will this stimulate formation of new nerve pathways, but it will also reduce swelling and help prevent fluids from building up at the incision sites.

Skin Rash From Compression Garment

Using post-surgical compression garments helps to quicken the healing process and make it as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Compression garments are used to aid the healing process, reduce the risk of infection, scarring, and swelling.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about wearing compression garments after plastic surgery.

WHAT IS A COMPRESSION GARMENT?

Compression garments are tight elastic materials or clothing used to aid the healing process, reduce the risk of infection, scarring, and swelling, and allow smooth recovery after surgery.
It supports the part of your body that’s weakened due to surgery. Compression garments come in different types and shapes each of which is suitable for a particular part of the body.

WHY ARE COMPRESSION GARMENTS USED AFTER PLASTIC SURGERY?

Compression garments are used to reduce complications like swelling, blood clotting, and scarring after surgery; it helps the body heal quickly by compressing the body part the surgery was performed on; it also reduces the impact of damages that body movement can cause.
After a surgical procedure, some people feel pain with the slightest cough or movement. These movements can lead to the loosing of stitches, and tendons that have been altered during surgery.
Controlling this abrupt movement is crucial to having a successful recovery. Failure to use a garment properly can lead to a delay in healing and some cases cause long-term complications.

WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES THAT NEED COMPRESSION GARMENTS?

• Tummy tuck surgery: Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a major medical procedure that flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin. It helps tighten the weakened muscles, makes the abdomen flatten and firm. After this procedure, you will be advised to use a surgical compression garment by your doctor for a faster recovery.
• BBL: A Brazilian but lift is a surgical procedure used to transfer fat from the hips, abdomen, thighs, and lower back to the buttocks using liposuction. It’s advisable to use a compression garment after a BBL procedure to accelerate the healing process.
• Breast lift surgery: A breast lift which is also known as mastopexy is a medical operation used to lift, tighten, and reshape the breast by removing excess skin. It can also be used to change or reduce the size of the areolas (the circle around the nipples). Using a compression garment after a breast lift is crucial for a smooth recovery.
• Gynecomastia: Gynecomastia is a hormonal imbalance between androgen and estrogen that increases and enlarges the breast tissue in men. Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure that corrects this condition and reduces the size of male breasts. Wearing a compression garment after gynecomastia surgery is key to a fast recovery from the surgery.
• Liposuction: Wearing a compression garment after liposuction surgery decreases the post-op swelling and helps the body heal faster. The pressure that the garment puts on the skin also helps drain the accumulated fluid under the skin and prevent lumps and bumps after liposuction surgery.

 PROS AND CONS OF COMPRESSION GARMENTS?

Pros

There are lots of advantages to using compression garments, typically these garments have been shown to help increase blood circulation, and helps reduce muscle fatigue, and help one to have a smooth recovery after surgery. The benefits of compression garments include:

• It quickens the healing process after a surgical procedure
• It reduces the risk of getting an infection.
• It allows smooth recovery with little or no complications.
• It eliminates swelling and also supports weak body parts.
• It helps to keep implants in place
• It helps to reduce pain and psychological distress.
• It reduces scarring and bruises.
• It helps in reducing inflammation.

Cons

Wearing compression garments can be uncomfortable at the beginning, it could cause rashes or other skin reactions. To help relieve this, use a compression garment that’s your size, not one meant for those with smaller body sizes. It’s strictly advisable to stick to the instructions of your doctor on what type of garment to wear. The downsides of compression garments are:

• It might make you feel uncomfortable
• You may develop rashes and other skin reactions
• It can cause itchiness
• It might find it difficult to breathe if it’s not worn properly.

HOW LONG SHOULD THE COMPRESSION GARMENTS BE WORN?

After surgery, your surgeon or specialist will tell you what kind of compression garment you’ll need to put on to speed up your recovery. Your compression garment will be chosen based on the kind of surgery you had. Typically, you’ll need to put on your compression garment for at least a month but make sure to ask your doctor as to how long you should wear a compression garment. It is advised to get at least two or more compression garments to have a spare to change because you’ll not be allowed to remove your compression garment even when you want to sleep, it should be worn all day except when you want to take a bath.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR COMPRESSION GARMENT?

Washing your compression garment daily helps to keep and retain its elasticity, and also removes dirt and sweat.

• Hand washing: Wash your compression garment in warm water; do not scrub too hard; use a mild detergent and dry under natural sunlight.
• Washing Machine: When using the washing machine to wash your compression garment make sure it’s washed under a delicate cycle. Don’t use any fabric softener because it will reduce the elasticity of the garment.
• Instructions: Read and follow the instructions on how to care for and wash your compression garment on the label written by the manufacturer.

TYPES OF COMPRESSION GARMENTS AND HOW TO WEAR THEM?

We have different types of compression garments, exceptionally made to help the recovery process after surgery. The kind of surgery you had will determine the type of compression garment you should use.

Below are different types of compression garments:

• Surgical bras: Surgical bras usually look like sports bras. They are used for breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, and breast reconstruction. Make sure that your surgical bra is worn properly; it should sit under your rib cage and it should be properly zipped, buckled, or hooked.
• Compression socks and stockings: Compression stockings or socks are made specially, they’re elastic and they’re comfy. It helps blood flow freely, it eases discomfort and swelling. Ensure you remove every piece of jewelry before putting on your compression socks so as not to snag or tear the material.
• Compression girdles: This garment covers the buttocks to the upper chest region. It is usually used after a liposuction or tummy tucks in the abdomen after the surgery. Put on the girdles properly and make sure it’s tight and it’s not twisted, then carefully hook or zip the girdles.

Anti Itch Medication After Surgery

One of the most common, yet frustrating, side effects of cosmetic surgery is an itching sensation. As the skin around the incision heals, patients often experience a burning or itching feeling. This is perfectly normal. However, there are some important things to remember to help reduce itching after plastic surgery and ease you through the healing period.

This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching). Hydrocortisone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a mild corticosteroid.

How to use Anti-Itch (Hydrocortisone) 1 % Topical Cream

There are many hydrocortisone products available. Many can be purchased without a prescription. Some products require a prescription. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the choice of the product that is best for you.

Use this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor. Some products are meant to be used on the scalp for various conditions. To correctly use these products, follow the directions on the product package.

Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. If you are using the lotion or foam, shake it well just before using. If you are using the spray, check the product package to see if it needs to be shaken before each use. Apply a small amount of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually up to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor or the product package. Dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of condition being treated. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in or near the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

• Don’t scratch: This is perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind, although it may be the most frustrating. If you scratch the incision site, you run the risk of infection, tearing sutures, and possibly increasing scarring as the incision heals. You may find some relief by gently rubbing the areas around the incision, but not actually touching the incision site itself. You may also find wearing soft cotton gloves will help reduce any potential damage from scratching.
• Rule out infection or allergic reactions: To check for the possibility of infection, first wash your hands. Gently peel away the incision dressing. Do not actually touch the incision site. Look to see if there is any increased redness, puffiness, or fluid seeping through the sutures. Some patients may also react to the medical tape or adhesive itself. If you see any of these signs, contact Dr. Paul Pin’s office immediately.
• Take oral anti-histamines: During the normal healing process, the body is producing a large amount of histamines. In many cases, oral, over-the-counter anti-histamines such as Zyrtec or Bendadryl can help reduce that itchy sensation by reducing the effect of histamines. Of course, always check with our office be make certain we know which over-the-counter medications you are taking.
• Cool it: A cold compress may also provide relief from the itchy sensation. Try using an ice compress just above the bandage over the incision site. Do not put the compress directly on top of the bandage. Not only may it get the bandage wet (which can contaminate the incision site), but pressure on the incision may cause it to split open.
• Hold off on anti-itch creams: Don’t apply any anti-itch creams until your incisions have completely closed over, as you don’t want to cause infection by getting the cream into the open wound. Until that time, only use anti-bacterial soap. Again, check with our office to get the go-ahead to start using any anti-itch cream.
• Keep yourself hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps hydrate your entire body, from the inside out. Staying properly hydrated will help reduce dry skin, which is often the cause for excessive flakiness and itching following surgery.