Case #1697 · Newport Beach, California
Tummy Tuck
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This patient had three children and was unhappy with overhanging skin of her abdomen, an uncomfortable rash, and C-section scar tethering. Dr. Cassileth performed a hernia repair, tummy tuck, and abdominal scar revision.
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
- Aftercare
Revision protocol pushes scar work out by 14 days vs. the primary-case schedule.
Revised tissue tolerates active treatment less well than primary cases.
- Skincare
Scar plan combines silicone sheeting plus topical tape for sustained pressure.
Revised scars respond best to sustained, layered pressure therapy.
- 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.
- Revision planning starts with the previous result. Existing scars, tissue thickness, and the original technique determine what can be improved and what is locked.
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.
- Nicotine in any form, cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum, paused six weeks before and six weeks after surgery. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and slows wound healing.
- Plan the first week so nothing needs to be lifted or reached. Most patients also pre-cook simple meals or arrange delivery.
- Day-of transport and an overnight companion (24 hours minimum) are required for discharge.
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
Activity ramps up cautiously: longer walks, no lifting yet. Most patients return to desk work this week.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
- Month 6
Slower maturation than primary cases, revision tissue keeps refining well past month 6.
