An Abdominal Binder for Everyone
An abdominal binder is a wide compression belt that encircles your abdomen. They come in many sizes and widths. Most are made from elastic with hook and loop closures. Some abdominal binders even offer secondary lumbar support.
Our abdominal binders have long been a favorite for those recovering from hernia surgery or after giving birth, for example. In addition to being convenient for those who prefer to order online, our men's and women's binders come in a variety of different sizes, from standard to plus sizes. Explore our range of options!
What Is an Abdominal Binder Used For?
Abdominal compression wraps are made to support the stomach area, but can also be used for other purposes.
Abdominal Binder After Surgery
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:
- Hysterectomy
- Tummy tuck
- Laparoscopy
- Bariatric surgery
- Exploratory laparotomy
- Spinal surgery
- Hernia repair surgery
After abdominal surgery, a stomach binder is thought to help:
- Support your surgical incision
- Relieve pain
- Get you moving more
- Reduce swelling
- Decrease postoperative pain and distress
- Promote deep breathing
Always be sure to check with your doctor before the use of an abdominal binder after surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Abdominal Binder
Abdominal Binder After Pregnancy
Having trouble getting your core muscles back together after childbirth?
Using a postpartum abdominal binder after a C-section or vaginal birth 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
- Help shrink the uterus
Not sure if you have ab muscle separation? Try our 30-second, at-home test for diastasis recti!
Abdominal Binder for Exercise
The abdominal muscles are impacted by gravity. If you are carrying extra weight around your belly, it can pull on the abdominals and make it difficult to engage your deep core muscles during exercise. By bringing those muscles together, an abdominal binder can enhance the brain-body connection and give some biofeedback to the system. This can make muscle engagement more successful during exercise.
Abdominal Binder for Hernia Treatment
The compression of an abdominal belt is ideal for hernia support.
If hernia surgery is the route you take, an abdominal support will also protect you after the hernia is repaired. Wrapped around your abdomen, a binder will compress your stomach to increase blood flow and oxygen, ultimately speeding up recovery and healing after surgery.
Plus Size Abdominal Binder paired with our Hernia Pad
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Put On an Abdominal Binder?
Wrap the abdominal binder around your abdomen, under, or over your clothes, depending on your preference. Make sure the closure is in the front. The binder should fit snug, but not so tight that you are unable to breathe comfortably.
Can I Wear a Binder While Sleeping?
If your doctor prescribes it, you can safely wear your abdominal binder to bed.
What Kind of Precautions Should You Take When Using a Binder?
Wearing an abdominal binder is typically well-tolerated. On rare occasions, compression supports may cause an allergic reaction, itching, rash, and other skin irritations. Call your physician if you notice any redness, warmth, or abnormal swelling on or around your surgical incision.
How Should I Clean and Take Care of My Abdominal Binder?
Try to keep your binder clean and dry. If it gets wet or dirty, it may irritate your skin or increase your risk of infection after abdominal surgery. Most of our abdominal binders can be hand washed with mild detergent, rinsed thoroughly, and air-dried. Each binder comes with an instruction sheet that details the specific cleaning directions for that product.
How to Measure for an Abdominal Binder?
When choosing an abdominal binder, it’s important to get the right size. To determine your size, refer to each product’s sizing chart. Most often, you’ll need to measure the widest part of your body where the binder will cover. For women, the widest circumference is usually around the hips. For men, it is most often the waist.
How Long Should I Wear an Abdominal Binder After Surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery you have, an abdominal binder may be worn for up to six weeks or for the full duration of your recovery. As you heal, your doctor may let you wear the binderless. Always follow your doctor’s guidelines on how long to wear the binder.