Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)

Postoperative Instructions for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Activity Guidelines

    1.    Walking:

    •    Walk every 2 hours for 2 minutes at a slow pace to improve circulation and prevent blood clots.

    •    Stay slightly bent at the waist (about a 30° angle) for the first 3–7 days to reduce tension on the incision.

    2.    Sleeping Position:

    •    Sleep at a 30° angle in a recliner or with pillows under your back and knees.

    •    Avoid lying flat until cleared by Dr. Farzaneh.

    3.    Getting Out of Bed:

    •    Avoid using abdominal muscles to get in and out of bed. Have a caregiver assist you as needed.

    4.    Stairs:

    •    Avoid stairs during the first week. Use a recliner to reduce strain when transitioning from lying to sitting.

Diet and Hydration

    1.    Hydration:

    •    Drink water slowly to stay hydrated and prevent nausea.

    •    Include electrolyte drinks like Gatorade to maintain hydration.

    2.    Diet:

    •    Start with low-residue foods (e.g., crackers, plain toast) until bowel movements resume.

    •    Gradually return to a regular diet, focusing on protein-rich foods to aid healing.

    3.    Stool Softeners:

    •    Use a stool softener like Colace if needed. For severe constipation, take Dulcolax (one pill per day) after consulting us.

Medications

    1.    Antibiotics:

    •    Keflex 500 mg: Take every 6 hours for one week (if no allergies).

    •    Clindamycin 300 mg: Take every 8 hours for 7–14 days if allergic to penicillin.

    •    If You Have Drains: Continue taking antibiotics until the drains are removed.

    2.    Pain Relief:

    •    Use over-the-counter Tylenol (do not exceed 2000 mg in 24 hours).

    •    Narcotics are rarely needed but are provided for severe pain.

    3.    Muscle Relaxants:

    •    Take Diazepam as prescribed for back or abdominal tension.

Dressing and Drain Care

    1.    Drain Management:

    •    Empty surgical drains when the bulb is half full.

    •    Measure output in the provided log and bring it to follow-up appointments.

    2.    Dressing Changes:

    •    Change dressings with sterile gloves and supplies as instructed.

    3.    Binder:

    •    Wear your abdominal binder tightly to support muscle closure. Transition to a second-stage garment after drains are removed.

Hygiene and Showering

    1.    Showering:

    •    Use antibacterial soap. Do not scrub the incision; let soapy water gently run over it.

    •    Dry the incision with sterile pads—do not use towels.

    2.    Clean Environment:

    •    Ensure fresh linens, clean clothing, and disinfected bathrooms. Avoid pets near the surgical site.

Activity Restrictions

    1.    Physical Activity:

    •    Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.

    •    No abdominal exercises for 3 months.

    •    Avoid prolonged sitting or positions that compress the abdomen.

    2.    Smoking:

    •    Refrain from smoking for 2 months before and 1 month after surgery to prevent complications like skin loss or prolonged healing.

Scar Management

    1.    Silicone Scar Treatment:

    •    Begin using silicone scar tape or gel (e.g., Silagen) once the incisions are fully healed and scabs are gone.

    2.    Advanced Scar Treatments:

    •    Consider options like microneedling or laser therapy for scar improvement after 6–12 months.

Signs of Complications

Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:

    •    Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

    •    Excessive bleeding or abnormal pain.

    •    Signs of infection (e.g., redness, warmth, or foul-smelling drainage).

    •    Diarrhea, which may indicate antibiotic-related colitis.

In emergencies, call 911 if you cannot reach Dr. Farzaneh directly.

Contact Information

    •    Dr. Babak Farzaneh

    •    Direct Communication: Call or text Dr. Farzaneh directly on his cell phone.

    •    Virtual Assistance: Utilize Dr. Farzaneh’s virtual clone on our website for immediate answers.

We’re Here for You

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns during your recovery. Thank you for choosing TrueCare Cosmetic Surgery & Med Spa.