Tummy Tuck Post-Operative Instructions
DAY #1 (Day of the Surgery)
• Take your medicines following the instructions on the label.
•You may take Extra Strength Tylenol in place of your prescription pain medication, or will you wait for your prescription to be filled?
• Eat or drink: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins. You can drink water, Apple juice, Gatorade, Ice cream, Gelatin, and Soup (any flavor). You can also take a soup.
• You should sleep with your back propped up with pillows and bent forward at approximately 30 degrees or sleep
in a recliner. This will aid in your comfort level. Normal sleeping positions can be resumed 6 weeks after surgery.
• Do not take a shower or bathtub and do not remove any bandage.
• There may be some bloody drainage on the dressings - this is normal. If you have excessive bleeding or the bandages are too tight, call the office immediately.
• Patient will be sleepy and dizzy after general anesthesia, walk only to use the restroom in the company of an adult.
• The drains need to be emptied every 1 or 2 hours or before if required.
•Drains are ready to be removed once you have 25cc or less in 24 hours on each drain for 2 consecutive days. The color of the drainage fluid may range from red to a yellowish, clear tint. Do not be alarmed by the color of the fluids. You may also leak fluid from around where the drain exits through the skin, which is normal as well.​​​
This is how you should be using the binder.
DAY #2
• You can resume your normal eating habits (try to eat a healthy and high-protein diet).
• Start walking 5-10 minutes every hour to prevent blood clots.
• After surgery, it is important to have a bowel movement within a day or two. If you do not, you may take over-the-counter laxatives to encourage your bowels to move.
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DAY #3
•Wash all incisions gently with any antibacterial soap and water. You may shower with the drains in place. Although the drains are sewn in place, take care to support them so they do not pull and hurt. Dry the area gently with a towel. Apply a thin layer of Bacitracin Ointment to the incisions, and then put the garment back on. You can use a cotton t-shirt under the garment to avoid this one to rub the skin. Continue doing the same for the first 7 days. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other topical treatments without first consulting with your doctor.
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2 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY​
•Drains are ready to be removed once you have 25cc or less on each drain in 24 hours for two consecutive days after these two weeks. After drain removal, you need to start using the compression garment.
•With the tummy tuck, in the first four weeks, you will use one foam in the front, one foam on each side, and one board in the back. Four weeks after surgery, you can use one board on the front, one board in the back, and one foam on each side for two more weeks (six weeks total after surgery with foams and boards). The garment needs to be used minimum of 3 months after surgery. As longer you use it, as better results you will have.
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Recommended Garment
Drain Removal Video
Foams and Boards Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I use the compression stockings?
4 weeks after the surgery date.
When can I start Lymphatic massages?
4 weeks after the surgery date.
How Long Should I Take Off Of Work After A Tummy Tuck?
The amount of time required to recover from the illness depends on the patient’s occupation, age, and overall health. In general, a tummy tuck requires approximately two weeks off work. Most patients can return to work at a computer after about four to five days, but it is recommended to wait two weeks to avoid unnecessary stress on the abdomen.
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​How Long Will I Walk Bent Over After A Tummy Tuck?
You should never force yourself into an upright position, even if your back starts to protest, as this can pull or stretch your incisions. It is recommended.
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When can I start driving after a tummy tuck?
Avoid driving while taking prescription pain medication, as it can impair your ability to react and operate a vehicle safely. Generally, you can expect to start driving 2-4 weeks after a tummy tuck.
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Are sutures dissolvable in the tummy tuck?
Yes, the majority of sutures used during a tummy tuck are dissolvable. These absorbable stitches are designed to be broken down and absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for removal. The skin and superficial tissue are closed with dissolvable sutures and typically dissolve within a few weeks to a couple of months. Sutures used for muscle repair are permanent.
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When can I start exercising after the tummy tuck?
Gentle walking is encouraged right after surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Wait 3 months for strenuous activities, including running, heavy lifting, and core-focused exercises like crunches and sit-ups.
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When can I go to the beach, pool, or take a bath after a tummy tuck?
You need to wait until your incisions are fully healed.
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When can I get direct contact with the sun after the tummy tuck?
Avoid direct sun exposure to the incision area for at least one year, or until the scar has fully matured. Sunlight can darken and thicken the scar, potentially hindering the healing process and affecting its final appearance.
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When can I have sex after a tummy tuck?
You should wait 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck before resuming sexual activity.
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How long do I need to sleep in the back after a tummy tuck?
You'll need to sleep on your back with your upper body elevated for at least 4-6 weeks, and potentially longer, depending on the extent of the surgery and your healing.
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How long should I use silicone tape after a tummy tuck?​
Silicone tape should be used consistently for at least 3 to 6 months.
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