Tummy Tuck

Preparation for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Proper preparation is key to ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery after tummy tuck surgery.

Before Surgery:

• Inform your surgeon about any allergies, serious medical conditions, and all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• Stop taking aspirin at least 2 days before surgery.
• Stop using vitamin E oil 1 day before surgery.
• Stop smoking at least 2 days before surgery and continue to avoid for 1 month after surgery.
• Plan to fast (no food or water) from midnight before surgery.
• Wear a shirt with front buttons on the day of surgery for comfort during recovery.
• The surgeon will explain the procedure details, surgical technique, location of operation, and realistic outcomes.
• Plan to stay in Thailand for at least 14 days after surgery.

Prepare comfortable clothing to wear after hospital discharge. A medical gown will be provided before entering the operating theater.

Things should prepare while recovery at Preecha Aesthetic Institute.

• For woman long sleeve button down, sleepshirts or kimono dressing gown
• For man long sleeve button, kimono dressing gown
• Loose sports pants
• Shirts large size
• Girdle, if want specific brand. (Girdle can also measure and purchase at PAI)

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgical Timeline

For International & Upcountry Patients

🛬 Day 0 - Arrival

• Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand
• Check in at your hotel
• Rest and prepare for your consultation

🩺 Day 1 - Consultation & Pre-Operative Tests

• Direct consultation at Preecha Aesthetic Institute
• Medical evaluation and laboratory testing
• Surgical plan confirmed by your surgeon

🏥 Day 2 - Surgery Day

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery under general anesthesia
• Transfer to a private ward in a JCI-accredited hospital

🛏️ Day 2–4 – Hospital Recovery

• Two-night hospital stay
• Pain management and wound monitoring
• Assistance with early mobilization

🚕 Day 4 – Hospital Discharge

• Discharge from hospital
• Return to hotel to continue recovery

🏨 Day 4-12 - Hotel Recovery & Follow-Ups

• Stay at hotel for recovery period
• Scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor at PAI's clinic
• Gradual return to light daily activities

✂️ Day 12 - Stitches Removal

• Sutures removed at the clinic
• Healing progress assessed by your surgeon

✈️ Day 14 - Final Check & Safe to Fly

• Final post-operative examination
• Cleared by your doctor
• Hotel check-out and safe return home

Tummy Tuck Surgical Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision made in the area between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The length and shape of the incision depend on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed.

Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened or separated abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened. Excess skin is then removed, and the remaining skin is carefully repositioned and sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created to maintain a natural appearance.

The belly button is brought through the skin and secured in its new position. The incisions are closed using sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tapes, depending on the surgical technique.

A tummy tuck will leave a horizontal scar along the lower abdomen. While the scar will fade gradually over time, it may remain visible for several years. Surgeons take great care to place the incision so that the scar is well concealed under clothing, underwear, or swimwear.

After recovery, a tummy tuck can result in a flatter, firmer, and more contoured abdomen, creating a body shape that is better proportioned to your weight and body type.

Post-Operative Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery

After tummy tuck surgery, it is normal to experience soreness and mild discomfort, which can be effectively managed with prescribed pain medication.

Dressings or bandages will be applied to the incision areas. You may also be required to wear an elastic bandage or compression garment to help minimize swelling, support the abdomen, and promote proper healing.

Swelling and skin discoloration around the incision sites are common and typically improve within a few weeks. Sutures are usually removed within 7–10 days after surgery, depending on your healing progress.

Scars are usually more visible during the first year following surgery and gradually fade over time. Because the incisions are placed low on the abdomen, the scars are generally well concealed under underwear, clothing, and even low-cut swimwear.

Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.

Recovery Tips for Best Results

• Walk gently from the first few days to improve circulation
• Wear your compression garment as instructed
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least 4–6 weeks
• Maintain a stable weight to protect long-term results
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Follow all post-operative care instructions carefully

Most patients can return to light activities within 1–2 weeks, with continued improvement over several months.

Do & Don’ts After Tummy Tuck Surgery

✅ Do

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully at all times
• Wear your compression garment as advised to reduce swelling and support healing
• Walk gently starting a few days after surgery to improve blood circulation
• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed
• Keep incision areas clean and dry
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Sleep in a slightly bent position (using pillows) to reduce tension on incisions
• Maintain a stable body weight for long-lasting results
• Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods to support healing

❌ Don’ts

• Do not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activities for at least 4–6 weeks
• Do not smoke or vape, as this can delay healing and increase complications
• Do not consume alcohol during the early recovery period
• Do not soak in bathtubs, pools, or the ocean until approved by your surgeon
• Do not apply creams, ointments, or herbal products to incisions unless instructed
• Do not expose scars to direct sunlight
• Do not rush back to exercise or work without medical clearance
• Do not ignore signs of infection, such as increasing redness, pain, or fever

When to Contact Your Doctor

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:

• Excessive swelling or bleeding
• Fever or signs of infection

Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe recovery and achieve the best possible tummy tuck results.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline

• Day 7-10: Sutures are typically removed, depending on individual healing progress.
• Day 10: Most patients can return to normal desk work and light daily activities.
• Weeks 2-4: Avoid vigorous activities including jogging or any exercise that significantly increases blood pressure.
• Weeks 12-16: Heavy exercise and strenuous workouts can usually be resumed with your surgeon’s approval.
• Scarring: Incision scars are generally well concealed and will gradually fade over time, although some visibility is normal during the first year.

Recovery times may vary from person to person. Always follow your surgeon’s advice to ensure a safe recovery and the best possible results.

Tips to Speed Up Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Proper healing begins with adequate rest, especially during the first few weeks after surgery.

To help minimize recovery time and achieve the best results:

• Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal properly
• Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water to support healing and reduce swelling
• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 8 weeks or as advised by surgeon
• Wear your post-operative compression garment exactly as instructed by doctor
• Take all prescribed medications regularly and as directed
• Attend all post-operative follow-up appointments
• Do not smoke or vape for at least 3 weeks as this can delay healing
• Avoid sleeping on your side for the first 2 weeks to reduce tension on incisions
• Apply scar gel or scar treatment only after stitches are removed and with your doctor’s approval
• Avoid direct sun exposure on incision areas for several weeks to prevent scar darkening

Following these tips can help promote smoother healing, reduce complications and improve the final outcome of your tummy tuck surgery.

Recovery Guidelines for Local & Overseas Patients

For Local Patients

You may be able to return to work within a week after surgery, depending on your comfort level and job type. However, you must avoid heavy lifting, overhead movements and sudden or fast movements for 4 to 6 weeks following the surgery.

Stitches are usually removed between Day 7 and Day 10 after the procedure.

For Overseas Patients

Overseas patients are advised to remain in Bangkok for at least 12 days after surgery. Stitch removal is typically performed between Day 7 and Day 10 post-surgery.

You may return to work after stitches are removed, provided your job does not involve heavy lifting or strenuous activity. As with local patients, heavy lifting, overhead movements and rapid movements should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Swelling & Bruising

Any bruising and swelling following abdominoplasty surgery will gradually subside and typically improve within 2 to 3 months, although individual recovery times may vary.