Finding The Right Abdominal Binder After Surgery

Kevin Cleary Article published Jun 16, 2023 Article updated Aug 04, 2023

An abdominal binder after surgery offers assistance in surgical recovery. An abdominal binder is a wide compression belt that goes around your abdomen and comes in many sizes and widths. It can support muscles after surgery, childbirth, and reduce pain or discomfort. Even though there are different styles, sizes, and types of abdominal binders, they all do the same thing - support your abdominal muscles while you recover.

An abdominal binder may be prescribed after surgeries such as:

Cesarean section
Bariatric surgery
Exploratory laparotomy
Hysterectomy
Tummy tuck
Spinal surgery

For those who suffer a spinal cord injury (SCI), a properly placed abdominal binder may help by supporting the abdomen, maintaining abdominal pressure, improving respiratory function, and providing trunk stability.

As a person with quadriplegia, my trunk stability is significantly less without my abdominal binder. Believe me, it's not fun flopping over without support. But how do you find an abdominal binder after surgery that suits your needs the best? Here is how.

What to Look for In an Abdominal Binder After Surgery

1. Support and Comfortability

An abdominal binder should feel comfortable even when worn for long periods. It should support your back and abdomen. The material must give your skin enough room to breathe and keep the skin healthy.

2. Size of the binder

Belly binders come in a variety of sizes. The one you choose should neither be too tight nor too loose. It should fit snugly around your abdomen. If the binder is too loose, it won’t offer support. Similarly, if an abdominal binder is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and leave marks on your skin, tampering with your breathing.

3. Material

Abdominal binders are made of elastic or fabric. Elastic binders are flexible and provide compression and support. However, they may not feel comfortable to wear for longer durations. Similarly, fabric binders may offer less support but are often more comfortable.

A good abdominal binder for post-surgical recovery must be adjustable and customizable. It must allow you to adjust the compression levels and support.

Benefits of Using Abdominal Binder Post Surgery

An abdominal binder post surgery -

1. Reduces pain

Abdominal belts offer pain relief by providing support and compression to the abdomen.

2. Expedites the healing

These binders can help speed up healing by supporting the operated area. They also prevent you from moving your abdomen muscles too much.

3. Improves posture

Although binders are generally used after surgeries, for pregnancy, or as hernia belts, they can also be used to correct posture. The adequate support they provide to the back and abdomen enhances the posture.

4. Relieves swelling

Compression helps with swelling. Abdominal wraps facilitate support and medical-grade compression to the abdomen.

How long to wear abdominal binder after surgery?

Depending on the surgery type, your doctor may prescribe wearing an abdominal binder after surgery for up to six weeks or till recovery.

5 Best Abdominal Binders

An abdominal support belt is a simple but effective medical aid with many options. In fact, it may seem complicated and confusing to find the right one. To make things a little easier for you, we have put together a list of five of the best post-op abdominal binders:

1. Advanced Orthopedics Abdominal Binder with Velcro Closure

This form-fitting yet comfortable compression aid is perfect for patients looking for abdominal support. The available options make this great for different shapes and sizes. This binder is FSA approved and uses a Velcro clasp, and is comprised of comfortable foam and strong elastic while being available in 3 or 4 panels for a custom fit every time.

2. Expand a Band Contouring White Abdominal Elastic Binder 3

Whether you have had abdominal surgery, a tummy tuck, a C-section, or weight loss surgery, this comfortable, supportive abdominal binder may be your best option. The two-point closure system ensures security while evenly distributing firm compression without discomfort. Customers love that it contours to the body for a custom fit and is discreet under clothing. Available in small, medium, and large and FSA-approved, making it economical as well!

3. Dale 4 Panel 12 Inches Wide Abdominal Binders

Made of a stretchable fabric to fit patients between 30" to 94". Using this latex free abdominal binder after surgery helps:

Encourages better pulmonary function
Allows earlier ambulation
Alleviates incision pain
Promotes muscle redevelopment
Facilitates deep breathing
Evenly distributes compression

This abdominal binder is made entirely of exclusive stretch material, allowing for a hook and loop closure at any point for a more tailored, comfortable fit.

4. AT Surgical Three Panel 9 Inches Wide Universal Abdominal Binder

Customers appreciate the moderate support and compression of abdominal muscles, this binder doesn't restrict breathing and allows muscle redevelopment. It's great for mild injuries to the abdominal region due to trauma, overuse, pregnancy, or surgeries such as C- sections or hysterectomies. Available in small (30"- 45") and large (45"- 60"). The soft, breathable elastic (nylon, polyester, and Lycra) ensures comfort, durability, and compression strength.

5. AT Surgical Four Panel 12 Inches Wide Universal Abdominal Binder

This 12-inch abdominal binder conforms to body contours for support and proper compression to expedite recovery by increasing circulation and reducing pain from movement or coughing. It has a soft and breathable elastic that firmly holds dressings in the appropriate position. It is ideal for abdominal hernia reduction and even simply flattening or slimming the abdomen (yes, please!).

Secure, comfortable compression during recovery from any abdominal injury can lead to a quicker, pain-free recovery time. Be sure to visit HPFY for all your post-operative needs and these great options. Work with your doctor or therapist to find the right abdominal binder after surgery that is the perfect fit for you!

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...