Abdominal Binders After Abdominal Surgery: Functions and Uses

Abdominal Binders

To start with, abdominal binders are the fitted elastic materials that will go around your abs. These, which come in various sizes and widths, are used to provide support to the muscles, keep bandages in place, and help incisions recover after the abdominal surgeries. Most abdominal binders will come with Velcro or hook-loop closures. In the following article, let’s see in detail about what these abdominal binders are good for. So, keep reading…

When will you be Prescribed to Wear an Abdominal Binder?

Basically, an abdominal binder is a broad compression belt that will encircle the abdomen region. Apart from the above-mentioned uses, some abdominal binders will offer secondary lumbar support as well. Some others will have straps to hold the surgical drainage tubes in position. In general, the abdominal binders are used to speed up the healing process after undergoing an abdominal surgery. The conditions for which the use of an abdominal binder will be prescribed are:[1]

• A C-section
• Bariatric surgery
• A hysterectomy
• Spinal surgery
• An exploratory laparotomy
• Tummy tuck

Functions and Uses of Abdominal Binders:

The abdominal binders serve several important functions. This is especially true in the early post-surgery stages of abdominal surgeries. Firstly, these abdominal binders will offer both compression, as well as support to the upper and lower abdominal regions. Secondly, they will help enhance blood circulation and oxygen levels at the site of operation, thereby; they decrease the risk of swelling and increase the chances of healing.[2]

With all the above functions, the abdominal binders will help patients get out of their beds faster and walk around with ease. Furthermore, as they improve blood circulation, they enhance respiration and promote healing and a speedy recovery.

Other Uses:

Apart from the uses that are indicated above, an abdominal binder may be prescribed in other surgical procedures or situations, such as:

• During pregnancy
• After the childbirth
• Aged people to provide support to the weak abdominal muscles
• Obesity
• Paralysis

What should you know about the Abdominal Binders?

Following are the important things to have in mind while using an abdominal binder:

Use as directed: Always use the abdominal binder as instructed by your healthcare provider. This applies to take off as well. Don’t take it off until the provider asks you to do so.

Care for skin and incisions: While using an abdominal binder, it’s important that you care for your skin and incisions under the binder. To do this, you must remove the binder to clean the skin and incision areas and change the bandages as instructed. While doing this, you must check those regions for the following signs:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Swelling
• Numbness

Care for the abdominal binder: In order to enjoy the maximum durability, you must care for your abdominal binder. Always follows the instructions on the label strictly to clean the binder. In most cases, you will be able to hand wash your binder in cold water.

When to contact your healthcare provider?

You must contact your healthcare provider when you find that the abdominal binder is not staying in place or coming apart very frequently. You must also approach the care provider if the skin under the binder is found to be red, raw, and/or blistered. You can also contact them regarding your questions on how to use the binder properly.[3]

The Bottom Line:

When used appropriately, the abdominal binders are excellent tools that will help with your healing process after an abdominal surgery. They would also support your core muscles and decrease the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI). However, you must ensure to follow your healthcare provider’s advice on how long to use the abdominal binder. As mentioned above, it’s critical that you contact your care provider when you notice undesirable symptoms. If you could follow these steps, you will for sure to enjoy the benefits of abdominal binders.[4]

References:

1..https://www.drugs.com/cg/abdominal-binder.html

2..https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-binder

3..https://www.livestrong.com/article/49252-abdominal-binder-used/

4..https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9410/b6b9548d2d811f24f2994c2a13ddbfcd39ad.pdf