Tummy Tuck Preparation & Aftercare: Dos and Don'ts in Turkey

Jan 26, 2026
4 min read
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Bora Yücel

What to do before tummy tuck?

As tummy tuck is a major surgery, preparing both mentally and physically is important for the success of the surgery and achieving the desired results afterwards. Following the tips below will help make the abdominoplasty and recovery process easier and safer.

Tummy Tuck Preparation & Aftercare: Dos and Don'ts

First and foremost, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in tummy tucks is just as important as the surgery itself. Reading reviews from previous patients, researching the surgeon's references, and reviewing any complaints, if available, will be effective in choosing a good surgeon.
Make an appointment with your chosen plastic surgeon and ask them everything you are curious about and have on your mind. Express your concerns clearly. Explain your medical history in detail. Specify the results you want to achieve. Ask all your questions about the surgery during this appointment so that you have no doubts afterwards.
You must be in good physical condition before the surgery. To achieve this physical fitness, your surgeon may advise you to quit smoking, reduce your alcohol consumption, or lose weight before the surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery is a serious operation that can take a long time to recover from. It would be beneficial to adjust your work situation accordingly and, if necessary, find people who can help with household chores and childcare in advance.
Before the surgery, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on which medications to avoid and when to stop eating and drinking. It is very important to follow these instructions and recommendations exactly for a safe and successful surgery.

What to avoid before tummy tuck surgery?

To eliminate or reduce the risk of complications and achieve the desired results, it is very important for the success of the surgery to strictly adhere to certain rules and avoid certain behaviours before abdominoplasty. Behaviours to avoid before abdominoplasty:

If you smoke, continuing to do so may delay healing and increase the risk of problems. You must stop smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery.
Certain medications and supplements can adversely affect anaesthesia and increase the risk of bleeding. You should avoid taking blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E before surgery. Be sure to obtain detailed instructions from your surgeon regarding medications and supplements to avoid.
Alcohol, like smoking, can slow down healing and increase the likelihood of complications. You should stop drinking alcohol for several weeks before surgery.
Rapid weight loss or strict dieting before surgery can slow down healing. It is very important to maintain a healthy and stable weight before surgery.
Stress is another important factor that delays healing. Reducing stress before surgery through relaxation techniques or other stress reduction methods will contribute to the success of the surgery.
Going without food or water for long periods before surgery can affect your blood sugar levels. Your surgeon will explain in detail when you should stop eating and drinking before surgery.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia in an operating room and takes approximately 2-3 hours. It is performed through a longer incision than the one made after a caesarean section. The rectus muscles, which are separated in the anterior abdominal wall and give the abdomen its bulge, are sutured together, creating an internal corset effect. The navel is repositioned after the lift. Excess sagging skin and fat tissue are removed, and the abdominal skin is tightened. The suture scars fade over time and can be concealed under bikini and underwear. Liposuction can be performed on the flanks and other areas as needed to achieve a flatter abdomen and a slimmer waist.

In this patient, tummy tuck and liposuction surgery were performed.

Op. Dr Bora Yücel

What to do after tummy tuck?

To achieve the best results by ensuring a quick and complete recovery after abdominoplasty, you should carefully follow your surgeon's post-operative recommendations. General recommendations regarding what to do after abdominoplasty are listed below. By adhering to these recommendations and your surgeon's instructions, you can contribute to a successful recovery process after abdominoplasty.

You should rest adequately for a quick recovery. Take care to avoid strenuous activities for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
Keep your pain levels under control. You will likely experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe painkillers to help relieve your discomfort.
Your surgeon will provide you with a garment/corset to wear around your abdomen for several weeks after surgery. This speeds up healing and helps reduce swelling.

Why is a garment/corset used after surgery?

The garment is worn after tummy tuck surgery:

Minimises the possibility of bruising.
Supports abdominal muscles.
Accelerates the healing process of the suture areas.
It helps to recover loose skin.
It gives a smoother contour to the application area.
It protects the abdominal region against possible risks.
It makes the postoperative result appear faster.
It ensures that the flatness provided in the abdominal region is permanent.
It reduces the concentrated oedema, especially in the incision area.
It offers extra support for the patient to move and gives confidence to the patient.
It allows the separated skin layers to adhere and unite more quickly.

You must take care of your surgical incisions to prevent infection and speed up healing. Your surgeon will explain how to clean and care for your incision sites.
Eating a balanced and healthy diet speeds up the recovery process. Eat plenty of fresh produce, lean protein and healthy grains, and avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.
Your doctor will schedule a series of follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure you are doing well.
Full recovery from a tummy tuck takes time. Allow your body time to heal, be patient, and carefully follow your surgeon's recommendations to achieve the best results.

Things to avoid after a tummy tuck surgery

To support a healthy and rapid recovery and reduce the likelihood of complications, there are certain habits and activities you should avoid after abdominoplasty. You must pay close attention to these.

Avoid movements that could place excessive strain on your abdominal muscles, such as heavy lifting, bending, and twisting. You should not begin any strenuous activity until at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.
Not smoking after surgery will contribute to the healing process.
Alcohol can slow healing and increase the risk of complications. Avoid alcohol for several weeks after surgery.
Certain medications, such as blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can increase bleeding and slow down healing. Follow your surgeon's advice on which medications to avoid.

Your surgeon will schedule a series of follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure you are healing well. Be sure to attend these appointments.

What should I avoid eating after a tummy tuck?

Following a healthy and nutritious diet after a tummy tuck will speed up your recovery. After tummy tuck surgery, avoid or limit the following foods:

Processed and high-fat foods: These foods can increase inflammation and fluid retention, which can slow down the healing process. They also contain a lot of sodium. It is beneficial to avoid these foods and consume natural foods that are high in nutritional value.
Sugary foods and drinks: Consuming sugary foods and drinks can hinder recovery by raising blood sugar levels and inflammation markers. It is better to avoid these foods and drinks or consume them in moderation.
Alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate inflammation, cause dehydration, and hinder wound healing. After a tummy tuck, it is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least a few weeks.
Caffeine: Caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate and hinder the healing process. Ideally, caffeine should be avoided for the first few days after surgery and then slowly reintroduced without overdoing it.
Spicy or acidic foods: These can irritate the digestive system and cause discomfort or nausea. It is recommended that you avoid these types of foods until your digestive system has fully recovered.
Raw vegetables: Raw vegetables can be difficult to digest and cause bloating. It is recommended that you avoid raw vegetables for the first few weeks after surgery and then gradually and moderately start consuming them again.

Please contact us for more information.