What is the correct way to wear an abdominal binder after breast reconstruction surgery?
After any surgery involving your abdominal area, such as DIEP flap breast reconstruction or fat grafting, you will need to wear an abdominal binder. The garment can look very overwhelming at first glance, but rest assured you can manage it!
The binder should be worn with the tag facing away from your body and the u-curve resting right above your buttocks. The wrap belts are coded with letters (A, B, C) to ensure proper match ups. The easiest way to remember where the wraps should be lined up and in which order they go is using the letters!
A=Abdomen (the middle wrap belt will go first, is marked with an “A,” and will lay over your mid-lower abdomen)
B=Below the abdomen (the wrap belt labeled with a “B” will follow and should connect just below your abdomen)
C-Chest (the last wrap belt to connect is marked with a “C” and will rest just below your chest)
For a more detailed demonstration of how to properly wear an abdominal binder after breast reconstruction surgery check out this instructional video featuring PRMA nurse Denise and patient Terri!
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd
After any surgery involving your abdominal area, such as DIEP flap breast reconstruction or fat grafting, you will need to wear an abdominal binder. The garment can look very overwhelming at first glance, but rest assured you can manage it!
Leave Comment
-
where can we buy that abdominal binder? thanks
July 20,2020
-
Great question Jem! These abdominal binders can be purchased at our office.
July 20,2020
-
-
I live in Kansas. Do you have the option of purchasing and shipping these binders? I have looked online at various binders, and this is the one I need. If not, can you please tell me what company makes or sells the binders so I can look up online.
Thank you for your time,
Melissa Martinez
July 20,2020
-
Thanks for reaching out Melissa! We do not sell the binders, but you can purchase them on your own. The binder shown here is the three panel binder from Frank Stubbs.
July 20,2020
-
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period December 02, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During our pre-operative appointment with patients, a topic that occasionally arises is menstrual cycles. It is completely normal for women to experience changes with their periods throughout breast cancer treatments. These can be temporary or permanent. Periods can be unpredictable following […]
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery November 17, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for breast reconstruction surgery, many patients want to know what types of bras and abdominal girdles they should plan to wear after surgery. Although every surgeon has slightly different preferences, we have put together […]
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities | A Guest Blog From Julie
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities October 28, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hi everyone, my name is Julie from It’s a Bosom Thing. I am so happy to be here as a guest blogger and have this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts about life after DIEP Flap Surgery. I was diagnosed […]
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yesterday we celebrated Breast Reconstruction Awareness day! Although we missed seeing everyone in person this year, we were still able to spread education and awareness on ALL reconstructive options through our virtual efforts. We were also able to share information on […]
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is typically comprised of at least two stages for the best outcomes. The second stage of surgery is commonly referred to as the “revision” stage and is usually performed about three months after the initial reconstruction. The purpose […]
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them?
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flap-based breast reconstruction procedures, like the DIEP flap, offer patients a safe, natural implant-alternative option to reconstruction after a mastectomy. Flap surgeries are permanent and are associated with fewer complications after radiation when […]
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction?
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is a “skin island”? The term “skin island” is used to describe the remaining visible skin from a transplanted “flap” of tissue. In the setting of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the skin island […]
Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction August 10, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin We have been receiving numerous inquiries about the “APEX flap” recently. Patients want to know what it is and how it differs from the DIEP flap. APEX is an acronym that stands for “Abdominal Perforator Exchange”. Many patients believe […]
Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery
Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Autologous flap (or tissue) breast reconstruction procedures represent today’s most advanced options for rebuilding a breast(s) following mastectomy. The most commonly performed method of flap-based reconstruction at PRMA is the DIEP flap. During this procedure, surgeons transplant skin […]
COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality
COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin There is still so much we do not know about COVID-19. Likewise, there is little known about how this disease impacts mortality for cancer patients. A study published in The Lancet evaluated and characterized the outcomes of patients with cancer […]
Immediate Breast Reconstruction Does Not Increase Hospital Readmission Rates VS Mastectomy Alone
Anti-Cancer Club DIEP Flap Chat Recap
Jem
where can we buy that abdominal binder? thanks
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Great question Jem! These abdominal binders can be purchased at our office.
Melissa Martinez
I live in Kansas. Do you have the option of purchasing and shipping these binders? I have looked online at various binders, and this is the one I need. If not, can you please tell me what company makes or sells the binders so I can look up online.
Thank you for your time,
Melissa Martinez
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Thanks for reaching out Melissa! We do not sell the binders, but you can purchase them on your own. The binder shown here is the three panel binder from Frank Stubbs.
Patty Rizzatto
I experienced significant reflux with severe chronic cough while wearing the binder. I tried wearing it a bit looser which helped at night and while standing. But I continued to be very uncomfortable anytime I sat for more that a few minutes. I even ate while standing. Also tried smaller, more frequent meals. I have a history of reflux and take Prilosec daily, but the binder did me in. As my stage 2 surgery approaches, what are my options?
PRMA Plastic Surgery
We are so sorry you had that experience Patty and recommend discussing these issues with your surgeon to see if there are alternative options for you.