How tight should I keep my binder?

ImaKaren4U · September 19, 2008

Hello! I had a full TT and lift/augmemtation on Sept 8th. I still have my left and right drains in - the left producing less than 20 ccs a day and the right producing 80-90 a day still - bright/dark red. My question is, how tight should I have my binder? Is there a rule of thumb? Obviously not so tight that I can't breathe lol. Any advice is welcome.

kareyquilts · September 19, 2008

I'm not sure how to answer your questions, because I had a girdle like device and though it was tight (very tight), I actually felt better with it on than without it. All the stuff I have read says that you should wear the compression garment for at least 2 months to get the best results. Is you doc going to put you in a compression garment when the drains come out or will you just wear a binder? I guess, I think it should be as tight as you can stand it, but not so that it is making you raw or cutting into you anywhere. I hope that helps. By the way, congratulations on joing the flatlands!

Dr. Schulman · September 19, 2008

Hello! I had a full TT and lift/augmemtation on Sept 8th. I still have my left and right drains in - the left producing less than 20 ccs a day and the right producing 80-90 a day still - bright/dark red. My question is, how tight should I have my binder? Is there a rule of thumb? Obviously not so tight that I can't breathe lol. Any advice is welcome.

the binder should be snug, but no too tight- you want to feel the support of it, but not have it cut off circulation. You probably will need to readjust it constantly throughout the day because it may "ride up" or slip down.

One other thing, the "bright/dark red" drain output makes me raise an eyebrow. It is normal to have Fluid that looks red like fruit punch - light red, watery, thin. It is also common for it to be slightly yellow. Bright/dark red is a bit unusual for 10 days post op. Everyone is different, and this probably is not a problem, but you should at least run this by your surgeon.

ImaKaren4U · September 19, 2008

Thank you Dr for your support, I will have my surgeon take a closer look. Also - one more thing about the binder, right now it is situated down over my drains, which is uncomfortable, is it meant to be that low? or should I just wear it where ever it is comfortable but snug?

Dr. Schulman · September 19, 2008

Thank you Dr for your support, I will have my surgeon take a closer look. Also - one more thing about the binder, right now it is situated down over my drains, which is uncomfortable, is it meant to be that low? or should I just wear it where ever it is comfortable but snug?

It should be that low. Put a small stack of 4x4 gauze (maybe 4-5) under the drain so that the binder does not compress it against your skin. This should help.