Recovering after your operation can be tough. It takes time, it’s exhausting, and it can get really uncomfortable – and on top of all that, you have to find the right compression garment while you heal.
Most patients are instructed by their doctor to wear a compression garment for around 4 – 6 weeks while they are recovering. That’s a long time, so you might be a little stressed about finding something that will be comfortable and easy for you to wear for that long.
If you find yourself shopping for something you’ve never thought you would need to buy and don’t know what to look for, don’t panic. We’re here to help.
This buyer’s guide is meant to help you pick out the best compression garment for recovery from your tummy tuck. We’ve picked out a diverse selection, and will give you a few pointers on what to look for. Take a look, and make shopping for the right garment a little easier on yourself.
How to Choose the Best Compression Garment
Your doctor probably told you that you needed to wear a compression garment while you recover, but chances are, they did not give you much advice on picking one out.
Here are three key factors you are going to want to consider while you are shopping. The main takeaway here is that the best garment will be comfortable, effective and make you feel good about yourself.
Discretion and Comfort
Just because you have to wear a compression garment does not mean that everybody needs to know you are wearing a compression garment. Some garments out there are a little more discrete than others. Look for a garment with thin or wide-fitting straps and a low back, allowing you to wear whatever tops you would normally wear without showing off your compression garment.
You do not need a compression garment that goes down to your knees for tummy tuck recovery. If you want to be able to wear shorts and skirts – or just to be more comfortable in your jeans, you can look for a garment that won’t cover your legs.
That said, remember that this is about your recovery, and comfort matters too. A garment that covers your legs might be more comfortable, by putting less stress on your tummy. You will get the best balance between comfort and discretion with a thin, breathable material, adjustable shoulder straps and easy to remove hooks or zippers. And don’t forget about when nature calls – a garment with an open crotch will make your life a whole lot easier.
Compression Garment vs. Abdominal Binder
Contrary to what a lot of people might think, a compression garment and a binder are not the same thing. You should not try to use an abdominal binder if your doctor tells you to wear a compression garment.
An abdominal binder is a single piece of stretchy fabric that wraps around your middle and attaches with Velcro. You may be asked to wear one of these right after your procedure.
For the second stage of recovery, though, a compression garment is better. Compression garments will cover a larger surface of your body and usually have hooks or zippers, not Velcro. Compression garments will be more comfortable for all-day wear.
Shapewear versus Compression Garments
There’s no reason you can’t feel good about yourself while you recover! A lot of compression garments double as shapewear, with padded breasts or butt lifts to help you look and feel great.
There is no harm in getting a compression garment with a booty lift (why not, right?), just make sure that what you are buying really is a compression garment for tummy tuck recovery. A shapewear garment alone is not going to help your recovery.
Don’t buy a shapewear garment or tummy trainer as a replacement for a compression garment – it may end up being uncomfortable, and making your recovery harder than it needs to be. If you choose a shapewear garment, make sure it is also labeled as a compression or recovery garment
Top Compression Garments of 2021
Now that you know what to look for, let’s run through some of your options. These are some of the best compression garments you can buy right now for maximum comfort and support.
1. Annette Tummy Tuck Compression Garment
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This product from Annette is made specifically for women recovering from a tummy tuck, so you know it will provide the support you need. This is one of the more discrete options on our list – it fits a lot like a one-piece swimsuit, and the straps can be removed if you want. There is a full-length zipper, so it is easy to take off.
Remember, this one only covers your tummy and bum, so it isn’t the right garment for someone who has had a procedure on other parts of their body.
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2. Contour MD Post-Surgical Compression Garment
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Summary
Not quite as discrete, but super comfortable – this garment covers your whole body, with straps over the shoulders and leggings that hit just above the knee. The full coverage will provide the right compression without putting too much stress on one part of your body. The fabric is super soft, but not quite as breathable as others. Molded lace cups and give you even more comfort.
What we really love about this one is that the straps have an adjustable hook and eye closure, but there is a full-length zipper down the front of the garment, so it is really easy to get in and out of. There is also an open crotch, so you won’t have to worry about taking it off that often.PROS
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3. Fajate Post-Surgery Compression Garment
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Summary
Correct your posture, lift your booty, and stay secure – honestly, what more do you need? This is a garment you’re going to feel good about wearing through the length of your recovery. It covers your legs to the mid-thigh, but the straps are thin and it has a low chest and back. It’s great for postpartum recovery, too.
The one downside here is that this is not the easiest garment to get on and off. There are no zippers, just a hook and eye closure down the center.
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4. Salome Fajas Reductoras
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This is another full body garment that will compress your tummy, boost your booty and keep you comfortable through your recovery. It has wide shoulder straps and a low chest and back for minimal visibility. The material is light and moves well, and the zipper down the front makes it fairly easy to get in and out of.
Fair warning – there is no open crotch on this garment. Be prepared to take it on and off pretty frequently throughout the day.
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5. Paz Wean Belly Band
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Summary
Full disclosure: this one is not a compression garment, but an abdomen binder. It wraps around your belly and attaches with Velcro, kind of like a big bandage. It’s light, breathable and adjustable, and will help your recovery right after the tummy tuck.
Again, if your doctor told you specifically to get a compression garment, this belly binder shouldn’t be your choice. If you are cleared to use an abdominal binder, though, this is a great one.
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6. Marena Recovery Knee-Length Compression Garment
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This isn’t the most discrete compression garment on our list, but it is one of the most comfortable. It has a high back and goes down to the knees. Hook and eye closure on the straps makes it adjustable. It also has a hook and eye center, so it is a little harder to get off, but there is an open crotch and the material is soft and comfortable – so you won’t have to take it off too often throughout the day.
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7. MARIAE 9334 Tummy Control
Highlights & Specs
Summary
This is the last compression garment on our list, but it might actually be the most fun. This garment is designed for shapewear first, recovery second. It has a butt lift and tight tummy control, and it is discrete enough to wear with shorts and a tank top. There isn’t an open crotch, but there is a removable thong – it can be converted, in other words.
You’ll look great in this garment, but it will help your recovery too. It gives just enough compression on the tummy to keep you comfortable and help you recover faster. The hook and eye straps are adjustable to make it even more comfortable.
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Which Compression Garment is Best for You?
Finding the right compression garment after your tummy tuck is all about what you are going to be the most comfortable in. Find something that is going to feel great, make you look great, and support your body on the road to recovery.
Remember that compression garments are generally for second stage recovery. Right after your operation, you might want an abdomen binder for better support.
You’re going to be wearing your compression garments for weeks, so make sure you choose the one that will support you in every way.