Case #5001
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
69-year-old female who was bothered by her persistent lower abdominal bulge, despite how much she worked out. Dr. Azadgoli performed an abdominoplasty to repair her rectus diastasis and remove her excess skin.
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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.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
- Pre-op medical clearance from the patient's primary physician is required. Cardiology clearance added when indicated by history.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Short walks every couple of hours, no lifting over 5 lb, and full nights of rest. The worst of the swelling peaks around day 3.
- Week 2
Activity ramps up cautiously: longer walks, no lifting yet. Most patients return to desk work this week.
- Week 4
Mobility ramp slowed deliberately. Physical therapy consultation at the end of this week to plan the next four.
- Week 6
The "back to normal" week for most patients. Final compression schedule transitions to optional.
- Month 3
Shape is 80–90 percent of final. Scars are still pink and will continue to lighten through month 12.
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
- Aftercare
Activity progression coordinated with PT — formal check-in scheduled for week 4.
Older patients benefit from a guided return-to-activity plan.
