Case #1693 · Newport Coast, CA
Tummy Tuck
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This 33-year-old patient from Newport Coast, CA had massive weight loss in preparation for his upcoming reunion. Dr. Cassileth performed a tummy tuck to remove his loose hanging skin. He loves his new body and has a newfound confidence.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Tummy Tuck.
- Abdominal binder continuously for 6 weeks
- Walking 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
- Body hydration protocol on the new abdominal contour
- Laser or microneedling along the abdominal scar after 3 months
- Indiba radiofrequency for skin tightening
- Lymphatic drainage starting week 2
- Skincare
Silicone-based scar protocol paired with topical tightening serums, daily through month 3.
Skin retraction after weight loss responds well to consistent topical support.
- MedSpa
Indiba RF sessions scheduled monthly through the first 90 days post-op.
Post-weight-loss patients typically benefit from active tissue tightening.
- Skincare
SPF 50+ on incisions daily for the first year; younger skin pigments scars more reliably under UV.
Younger skin pigments scars more reliably under sun exposure.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Major weight loss changes the surgical plan, incisions are placed to manage the specific redundancy patterns left behind, not a textbook ideal.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Discontinue blood thinners (NSAIDs, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) two weeks out. Acetaminophen remains safe; the full list is reviewed at pre-op.
- Full nicotine cessation 6 weeks pre- and post-op. This includes vapes and nicotine replacement products; the constriction effect is the same.
- Set up a recovery zone with easy access to water, medication, and comfortable seating. Avoid stairs when possible the first 72 hours.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
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
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
- Month 6
Tissue tightening completes. Any planned refinement (e.g. revision lipectomy) is timed for this window.
