Case #1694 · Los Angeles, CA
Tummy Tuck
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This 46-year-old patient from Los Angeles, CA had previous abdominal surgery and suffered from excessive remaining loose skin and a ventral hernia. Dr. Cassileth performed a tummy tuck and rectus diasastis repair.
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
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.
- 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.
- Confirm a driver for surgery day and a companion who can stay through the first night.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Light activity, hydration, and elevation. Expect peak swelling between days 3 and 5, then a gradual easing through the end of the week.
- Week 2
Patients off prescription pain medication, walking 1–2 miles daily, and back to most light household activity.
- Week 4
Most patients back to gym cardio at 50 percent intensity. Scar massage protocol begins. Driving restored if not already.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Tissue softens, scars begin to fade, and overall shape settles toward final. Scar maturation continues for another 6 months.
