Recovery after tummy tuck surgery
Tummy Tuck requires more than 2 weeks of recovery
I agree with the other surgeons that a tummy tuck requires more than two weeks of recovery for all of the reasons mentioned. I would advise 4 weeks recovery time at the absolute minimum. My patients are asked not to drive for three weeks. (Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Be certain to discuss your plans with your plastic surgeon and I suspect that he or she would prefer that you weight at least a month to travel and vacation after your Tummy Tuck. You will the early in the healing process at 2 weeks and there is always the potential that you’re and a G will not have returned and your incisions may require attention from your surgeon. I would exercise caution. (Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS, Boston Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery after abdominoplasty surgery
You should be able to go back to work (desk job) two weeks after a tummy tuck, but not a vacation. The risks that all of the other surgeons have reviewed are true and correct. You should also remember your goals: a vacation is supposed to be fun and enjoyable – not just tolerable!
Assuming everything goes perfectly with your surgery and there are no complications, after 2 weeks at best you would be going through the motions of a vacation – but I don’t think you would enjoy it. Plan your vacation at least 2 (preferably 3) months after your tummy tuck. (Michael A. Bogdan, MD, FACS, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
At two weeks, you will still be fairly sore and not moving as well as you would like to enjoy your cruise. You might even still have drains in place. If you have a problem, your cruise ship doctor might not be equipped to handle things. A cross country flight also carries a risk of blood clots.
Recovery after tummy tuck surgery image
You will have a much better and safer time if you allow about 6 weeks for recovery. I know that you want to show off your new figure on your cruise, so consider moving up your surgery or delaying your cruise. (Michael D. Yates, MD, Huntsville Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck post operative instructions
At two weeks you should be moving around reasonably well without drains. You should expect to have swelling and some intermittent discomfort. It may be a little early for a cruise, my recommendation would be to wait an additional week. If you have an issue on a cruise, my arms are not long enough to reach you. At three weeks there should be no issues and I would be comfortable letting you go and I feel you will also be able to do more and have more fun. (Roger J. Friedman, MD, Bethesda Plastic Surgeon)
Cruising two weeks after tummy tuck
Recovery after tummy tuck surgery photo
If you were my patient I would tell you not no, but hell no (excuse the French). Here is why. You will be uncomfortable still. You may have drains. You may have a complication forcing you to cancel, and perhaps lose $$$. If you develop a complication in a third world port, then what? Your ADL’s will be limited, and you will have reduced stamina. So be smart. Go on the cruise after you are well healed, or before the surgery. Don’t take an unnecessary risk. This is elective cosmetic surgery after all! (Scott E. Kasden, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Although surgical techniques such as progressive tension sutures can speed recovery after a tummy tuck, at 2 weeks you will not be far enough along to travel or to enjoy your cruise. Traveling, especially a long flight, increases the risk of the most serious complication, blot clots embolizing to the lungs (Fortunately this is rare under normal circumstances). I would recommend a minimum of 6 weeks. Perhaps your doctor can give you a medical release to reschedule the cruise. (Richard Baxter, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery after tummy tuck surgery photos
If you are going on a cruise to have a good time you will probably not be happy to be only 2 weeks after a tummy tuck. During this time you are still very tired, achy, have a lot of end of day swelling, and would not be able to do all the walking usually required at ports of call. You should really be at least 4, and preferably 6 weeks out if you want to have a good time on your cruise. (Robert B. Pollack, MD, La Jolla Plastic Surgeon)
From the medical side, if you have muscle repair done it will hurt longer and have lifting restrictions for 6 weeks. From a non-medical point of view, if you do not intend on doing much activity, mostly sitting on deck, by the pool then sounds like what you would be doing at home. You should be aware that you may have some minor “issues” after the surgery that may require more frequent visits to your Dr. So unless you are willing to risk missing the cruise or are taking your Dr. with you you might consider rescheduling one or the other. If you can’t reschedule the cruise then reschedule the tummy tuck. (John P. Stratis, MD, Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon)
Proper Recovery After a Tummy Tuck Surgery
The recovery after tummy tuck surgery
A mere two weeks after a Tummy Tuck is not enough, in my opinion, for a full recovery. You really should not be flying a few hours across country (the whole time creasing the tummy tuck flap) and increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation (DVT – Deep Venous Thrombosis). During this period, you may even still have a drain which could not be removed due to persistent elevated drainage. Finally, you will not have the stamina to really enjoy a cruise. I think you should re-schedule one or the other. (Peter A. Aldea, MD, Memphis Plastic Surgeon)
You should address this questino to your surgeon since there are different types of tummy tucks and relative risks that might be more or less of a concern for a specific patient. In general, while you might be able to fly, you have to account for potential complications that might prevent you from going on a pre-paid cruise, thus forcing you to cancel. Also, there is a risk of deep vein thrombosis after tummy tucks and a liong flight before or after the procedure might increase this risk. You also might not enjoy the cruise even if you are just hanging around the decks. I would give yourself 4-6 weeks. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
