Merchant City Medical Group offers surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, from our state of the art clinics throughout the UK & Europe.

Tummy Tuck aftercare

At Merchant City Medical Group, your recovery is an important part of your tummy tuck journey. The following aftercare guidance outlines what most patients can expect following surgery and how to support a smooth recovery. This advice is provided as a general guide, as healing times and experiences can vary between individuals. Your surgeon will give you personalised aftercare instructions based on your procedure, and these should always be followed to ensure the best possible outcome.

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION

Before you leave the hospital

MEDICATIONS

You will receive prescribed painkillers to take home, along with numbing gel for additional comfort.

CHANGE OF DRESSINGS

We recommend using simple pant liners over your wounds, which should be changed regularly to ensure proper hygiene and healing.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS FOR DRESSING CLINICS

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for a wound check with a nurse. This will allow us to monitor your healing progress and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Post surgery instructions

  • Have someone drive you home after surgery.
  • Rest and recover, but begin walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling and lower the risk of blood clots (DVT/PE). Wear compression stockings for 2-3 weeks.
  • Follow a balanced diet, and add more raw fruit and fiber to prevent constipation. Stay hydrated.
  • Take pain medication as prescribed; avoid aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
  • Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks to support healing and reduce complications.
  • Blood staining on the inside of your dressings is expected during the first few days.
  • Avoid alcohol while taking pain medication, and for up to 3 weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and fluid retention.

Returning to Work After Tummy Tuck Surgery

If you have an office-based, non-physical job, you may be able to return by week two. For more physical jobs, it's best to wait 2-3 weeks before resuming work.

Wound Care Instructions

  • Showering/Bathing: You can shower during the first week, but avoid soaking your dressings.
  • Antibiotic Ointment:If provided, apply a light layer of antibiotic ointment to your belly button.
  • Healing:Scarring is a gradual process, and your scars may stay slightly pink for up to 12 months.
  • Scar Treatment:Start alternating between taping and massaging your scars 1 month after surgery.
  • Sun Exposure:Avoid direct sun exposure to your scars for 3-4 months. If exposure is unavoidable, always use sunblock with SPF 30 or higher.

Activities After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Keep your dressings dry for the first week to promote proper healing.

Sleep on two or three pillows for comfort. Avoid sleeping on your tummy for at least three weeks.

No need for a compression garment; simply wear comfortable clothing.

We recommend avoiding driving for at least two weeks after your surgery.

Start slow for the first 2-3 weeks and avoid heavy lifting. Running and cycling can usually be resumed after six weeks. Swimming should be avoided for three months. If your abdominal muscles were tightened, avoid heavy exercise and sit-ups for six months.

Follow-up

  • Attend a specialist nurse clinic for dressing changes and suture removal around the belly button.

  • You will typically be seen at least twice during this period.

  • Nurses may provide silicone tapes to help your scars mature.

  • Arrange a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss your surgery's outcome and any concerns.

  • If needed, you can reach out before your six-month appointment, and we’re happy to address concerns via phone or email.

  • You can book an in-person appointment at no extra cost if you'd prefer to discuss any issues earlier.

Please Note: If you have concerns before your six-month follow-up, feel free to contact us. We can address them via phone or email, or schedule a free in-person appointment if needed.

When to Call

  • Increased Swelling or Bruising that doesn’t improve.
  • Swelling in one or both legs or feeling short of breath (possible blood clot).
  • Redness along the incision (may indicate infection).
  • Severe or increasing pain not relieved by medication.
  • Side effects from medications, like rash, nausea, headache, or vomiting.
  • Temperature over 38°C.
  • Yellow or green discharge from the incisions.
  • Bleeding from incisions that’s hard to control with light pressure.

Excellence Record

Merchant City Medical Group is proud to be one of the leading providers of Hair Transplant Surgeries and Medical Aesthetics within the UK and Europe. With our extensive team of expert surgeons, nurse practitioners and consultants, you will be met with the utmost dedication and compassion throughout your journey with us.
  • 30+ Years of combined experience
  • 10 + Experts
  • 1000 + Satisfied Patients

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Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire

It can be used as a screening questionnaire to tell whether you might have BDD.

1) How often do you do you deliberately check your feature(s)? Not accidentally catch sight of it. Please include looking at your feature in a mirror or other reflective surfaces like a shop window or looking at it directly or feeling it with your fingers.
2) To what extent do you feel your feature(s) are currently ugly, unattractive or ‘not right’?
3) To what extent does your feature(s) currently cause you a lot of distress?
4) How often does your feature(s) currently lead you to avoid situations or activities?
5) To what extent does your feature(s) currently preoccupy you? That is, you think about it a lot and it is hard to stop thinking about it?
6) If you have a partner, to what extent does your feature(s) currently have an effect on your relationship with an existing partner? (e.g. affectionate feelings, number of arguments, enjoying activities together). If you do not have a partner, to what extent does your feature(s) currently have an effect on dating or developing a relationship?
7) To what extent does your feature(s) currently interfere with your ability to work or study, or your role as a homemaker? (Please rate this even if you are not working or studying: we are interested in your ability to work or study.)
8) To what extent does your feature(s) currently interfere with your social life? (with other people, e.g. parties, pubs, clubs, outings, visits, home entertainment)
9) To what extent, do you feel your appearance is the most important aspect of who you are?

Do I have BDD?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

You have scored 0

When you score more than 40 points, this is an indication that you likely have Body Dysmorphic Disorder. However, this is not a formal diagnosis. This test can also be used after a treatment to see if symptoms have improved.

What now?

For more information on BDD and support, you can contact us.

If you are a UK resident, we suggest:

    • reaching out to your GP for more help
    • self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies.

When speaking to a health professional, you may present your clinic history or a printed form to clearly outline the symptoms you’ve experienced.