Why Do I Need Compression After a Tummy Tuck? (Updated 2025)

Many patients scheduling a tummy tuck at my NYC practice ask about recovery, which always leads to a discussion about compression. During surgery, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall to remove excess tissue and tighten the muscles. This creates a temporary space where fluid can accumulate. Wearing a compression garment helps prevent that fluid buildup and improves healing—an essential part of achieving your desired result. 

What Compression Garments Do After a Tummy Tuck

Compression garments aren’t just for comfort; they play several important roles: 

• Reduce swelling: Constant gentle pressure helps minimize postoperative swelling by preventing fluid buildup and encouraging your body to reabsorb fluids. Less swelling means faster healing and a quicker return to normal activities.

• Decrease bruising: Compression keeps tiny blood vessels from leaking, limiting bruising around the surgical site.

• Improve scar appearance: By flattening the skin and keeping tissues aligned, pressure can soften and reduce the appearance of scars. Pair compression with a proven scar treatment regimen to further enhance fading. 

• Enhance comfort: Medical-grade fabrics (often nylon and elastic) support your tissues while protecting the incision area, making movement and daily activities easier during early recovery. 

• Support circulation and safety: Compression promotes healthy blood flow, which reduces the risk of blood clots and infection during periods of reduced mobility. 

Wearing your compression garment as directed helps your body heal more efficiently, keeps you more comfortable, and supports the best long-term results from your tummy tuck.

How Long Should You Wear Compression Garments?

For the first phase of recovery, I recommend wearing a compression garment 23 hours a day—removing it only to shower—for about three weeks. Many patients find it uncomfortable to go without the garment early on because swelling and soreness increase when the support is removed. In general: 

• Initial 1 to 3 weeks: Wear the garment continuously, day and night.

• Weeks 4 to 6: You may reduce wear to nightly use, but follow your surgeon’s advice. Some patients switch to a softer, store-bought compression garment during this period for comfort. 

• After 6 weeks: Most swelling has subsided, and you can gradually stop wearing the garment if your surgeon agrees. Some individuals choose to continue nighttime wear until they feel fully comfortable. 

Each patient is unique. Always follow your own doctor’s instructions. For more information about the tummy tuck procedure itself, including incision placement and muscle repair, visit our main tummy tuck procedure page. 

What Happens if You Don’t Use Compression?

Skipping compression can lead to delays in healing and less predictable results: 

• Seroma formation: Without compression, the space created during surgery can fill with fluid (a seroma). While not typically dangerous, seromas are inconvenient and may require drainage to resolve. 

• Increased swelling and discomfort: Unsupported tissues are more likely to swell and feel tender, prolonging the recovery period. 

• Poor scar outcomes: Excessive swelling can stretch the incision, leading to a wider or more visible scar. Consistent compression helps the scar stay flat and thin. For tips on placement and scar management, see our article on tummy tuck scar control. 

Drains are another preventive measure for fluid buildup. I typically leave drains in place for 4–5 days to remove excess fluid while compression garments help close the space. Once the drains are removed, continuing to wear compression becomes even more important. 

Embrace Compression for Better Results

A tummy tuck is an investment in your confidence and comfort. Compression garments are vital to protecting that investment: they minimize swelling, support internal healing, and help create the smooth, flat contour you’re seeking. By following your surgeon’s guidance on compression wear—and understanding why it matters—you’ll be well on your way to a smooth recovery and beautiful results. 

Visit our before and after photo gallery to view tummy tuck results from past patients and get a clearer idea of what your own transformation could look like. I invite you to request a consultation using the online form or call us at (212) 249-4020 to schedule an appointment.

This blog post was originally written in October 2017 and updated in April 2025.