Abdominal Binder

An abdominal binder is a wide compression belt that encircles your abdomen. It comes in different sizes and widths, is made from elastic, and has Velcro or hook and loop closures. An abdominal binder may be used to speed up the recovery process after abdominal surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you wear an abdominal binder after the following:

• a cesarean section
• bariatric surgery
• an exploratory laparotomy
• a hysterectomy
• a tummy tuck
• spinal surgery

A carefully-positioned ab binder may be used in people with spinal cord injury to help:

• support the abdomen
• maintain abdominal pressure
• improve respiratory function

After surgery, an abdominal binder is thought to:

• support your surgical incision
• relieve pain
• get you moving more
• reduce swelling

Using a belly belt after a hysterectomy may help:

• hold your abdominal muscles together to relieve pain
• increase circulation at your surgical site to promote healing and decrease swelling
• make physical activity more comfortable
• strengthen abdominal muscles