Tummy tuck in Istanbul · Day 10 of 10
Day 10 after a tummy tuck in Istanbul
The early recovery is mostly done. Lifting that makes you strain stays off for 6 weeks and strenuous exercise for 6 to 8.
Short answer
On day 10 after a tummy tuck in Istanbul:
- Not today Lifting and straining · Exercise · Showers, baths and pools
- With care Walking · Compression garment · Sleeping position · Flying home
Good options today: Guided food tour with ferry ride, Bosphorus dinner cruise with show, Princes' Islands day trip.
Today's rules
Walking
Walk every day, a little more than the day before. Walking helps blood flow and lowers the risk of clots and pneumonia. Between walks, move your feet and legs often.
Source: Kaiser Permanente · Acibadem International
Lifting and straining
For 6 weeks, avoid lifting anything that makes you strain, such as a suitcase, heavy shopping bags or a child. Let your companion carry the bags.
Source: Kaiser Permanente
Exercise
No abdominal exercises and nothing strenuous, such as cycling, jogging, weights or aerobics, for 6 to 8 weeks.
Source: Kaiser Permanente · NHS
Compression garment
Wear the compression garment all the time except in the shower. The NHS says it is usually worn for about 6 weeks; your surgeon sets the date.
Source: Kaiser Permanente · NHS
Showers, baths and pools
Showering usually starts 24 to 48 hours after surgery or once the drains are out, as your surgeon says. No bath for at least 2 weeks, and ask your surgeon before pools, the sea, hot tubs or the hammam.
Source: Kaiser Permanente · Acibadem International
Sleeping position
Rest with your upper body raised and pillows under your knees. Keeping your knees bent takes tension off the stitches.
Source: NHS · Acibadem International
Flying home
Fly only with your surgeon's clearance. Choose an aisle seat, ask for help with bags, walk about every hour and drink water.
Source: Acibadem International · U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · NHS
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
4 things you can do today
Guided food tour with ferry ride
Street food on both continents: kebab, pickles, baklava and more, with a lot of walking in between.
A few hours on foot with breaks, some open-air walking, about 4 hours
Bosphorus dinner cruise with show
An evening of seated dinner, folk dance and city lights from the water. Drinks are optional; you can ask for soft drinks only.
Seated, indoors, about 3 hours
Princes' Islands day trip
A 90-minute ferry to car-free islands, then walking or e-carts in the sun. A long day out.
A few hours on foot with breaks, mostly in full sun, about 7 hours
Hagia Sophia
The great dome is worth it, but queues stand in the sun and the inside is crowded. Women cover their hair and everyone removes shoes.
Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 1.5 hours
Also fine today: Topkapı Palace · Grand Bazaar · Galata Tower · Balat and Fener streets · Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront · Eminönü street-snack walk · Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Dolmabahçe Palace · Whirling dervish ceremony · Basilica Cistern · Bosphorus sightseeing cruise · Nargile café in Tophane · Spice Bazaar · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Turkish cooking class · Pera Museum · Istanbul Archaeology Museums
2 things to skip today
Turkish hammam
Why not: It means steam, hot water or sauna heat.
Not during the 10 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Black Sea beaches at Kilyos
Why not: It involves swimming or water contact.
Not during the 10 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Where to eat today
- Mantı in Kadıköy or Beşiktaş. Tiny dumplings under garlic yogurt and chilli butter. Ask for the butter on the side if you need it mild.
- Milk puddings at a muhallebici. Sütlaç, kazandibi and tavuk göğsü: soft, cool and very Istanbul.
- Turkish breakfast in Beşiktaş. A long, seated spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, honey and bread on the Çarşı breakfast street.
Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates