Case #5002
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
58-year-old mother of three who after many years of considering a tummy tuck to remove her excess abdominal skin, decided to undergo the procedure after her children reached adulthood. She is now happier than ever and her confidence in her figure has been restored.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Pregnancy-related anatomy informs the plan: rectus separation, skin laxity, and breast tissue volume change all factor in.
- Liposuction performed in the same session to capture the planned aesthetic outcome in one recovery rather than two.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- Set up a recovery zone with easy access to water, medication, and comfortable seating. Avoid stairs when possible the first 72 hours.
- Confirm a driver for surgery day and a companion who can stay through the first night.
- Hormone status confirmed stable; if nursing, scheduling waits until cessation. Sleep, nutrition, and iron levels reviewed pre-op.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Rest, hydration, and short ambulation. Most patients are off prescription pain medication by day 4.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Most patients consider this the "final result emerges" milestone. The remaining 10 percent of refinement plays out through month 6.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).
- Abdominal binder continuously for 6 weeks
- Walk bent forward at the waist for the first week to protect the muscle repair
- Drains typically removed at days 5–10
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy when recommended — improves perfusion at the closure
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting along the hip-to-hip incision
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on the scar for 18 months
- Fractional laser along the abdominal scar after 3 months
- Indiba radiofrequency for skin tightening
- Lymphatic drainage starting week 2
- Coordination
Hormone status reviewed during recovery; nursing-compatible protocols if relevant.
Post-pregnancy hormonal shifts influence healing and skin behavior.
