Patient education: Using an abdominal binder (The Basics)

What is an abdominal binder? — An abdominal binder is a wide compression band that you wear around your belly. It supports your abdominal or belly muscles. Most abdominal binders are made of elastic. They are sometimes also called "belly binders."

You might wear a binder:

●If you have "orthostatic hypotension" – This is when your blood pressure drops after standing up. It can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. An abdominal binder puts pressure on the blood vessels in the belly. This can help keep your blood pressure from dropping.

●After some types of surgery in the belly area – A binder can be helpful after surgery that required a large incision or cut. Examples include a cesarean birth or hernia repair. The binder helps support your belly muscles as you heal. This might make your recovery faster.

●If you have trouble breathing after a spinal cord injury – With certain types of spinal cord injury, the abdominal muscles can stop working. An abdominal binder helps support these muscles to make breathing easier.

How do I use an abdominal binder? — It depends on why you are using it. Follow your doctor's instructions on when and how to wear the binder.

Some general tips for using an abdominal binder:

●Check the fit – The binder should be snug enough to be supportive, but not so tight that it is hard to breathe. It should fit under your ribs and above your hips. If the binder slides up or down, it might be too loose. It might be more comfortable to wear a thin shirt in between your skin and the binder.

●Keep the binder clean and dry – If the binder gets wet or dirty, it could irritate your skin and raise your chances of getting a skin infection. Follow the instructions that come with the binder about how to clean it.

●Take care of your skin – Wash and dry your skin every day before putting on the binder. If you had surgery, you might have an incision (cut) under the binder. Follow your doctor or nurse's instructions on how to care for it. Check your skin each day for any signs of irritation. You might need to use a mirror or ask for help to check the skin on your back.

●Use good posture when sitting – Try to sit straight up or lean slightly back. If you lean too far forward, it might put pressure on your chest.

Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about if you can stop using the binder, and when.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have trouble wearing the binder.

●It is hard to breathe when wearing the binder.

●You have signs of skin problems from the binder – These might include:

•A rash that doesn't go away within 20 minutes after taking off the binder

•Skin redness or other color changes

•Spots on the skin

•Bruises

More on this topic

Patient education: Orthostatic hypotension (The Basics)
Patient education: Abdominal wall hernias (The Basics)
Patient education: Abdominal wall hernia repair (The Basics)
Patient education: Groin hernias (The Basics)
Patient education: Groin (inguinal) hernias in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Groin hernia repair (The Basics)
Patient education: Cesarean birth (The Basics)

Patient education: C-section (cesarean delivery) (Beyond the Basics)