Case #1701 · Santa Monica, CA
Tummy Tuck
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This 36-year-old patient from Santa Monica, CA had laxity in her abdominal area after giving birth to two children. Dr. Cassileth performed a tummy tuck and rectus diastasis 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
- Coordination
Post-pregnancy hormonal context reviewed for both medication selection and recovery pacing.
Post-pregnancy hormonal shifts influence healing and skin behavior.
- Skincare
Aggressive sun protection on incision lines through the first 12 months.
Younger skin pigments scars more reliably under sun exposure.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Post-pregnancy changes, tissue laxity, muscle separation, and skin behavior, were the central planning inputs. The technique was selected to address each, not just the cosmetic surface.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil discontinued 14 days pre-op to reduce bruising risk. Acetaminophen is allowed.
- 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.
- Stage essentials at hip height, phone charger, water, medications, snacks, to limit reaching and bending in the first week.
- Day-of transport and an overnight companion (24 hours minimum) are required for discharge.
- For nursing patients, surgery is scheduled after weaning. Iron and thyroid panels checked pre-op to support healing.
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.
