Tummy tuck in Istanbul · Day 7 of 10
Day 7 after a tummy tuck in Istanbul
Around a week in, many clinics book the first wound check and remove drains if they have not come out yet. Ask about showering, the garment and flying.
Short answer
On day 7 after a tummy tuck in Istanbul:
- Not today Lifting and straining · Exercise · Showers, baths and pools · Flying home
- With care Walking · Compression garment · Sleeping position
Good options today: Bosphorus dinner cruise with show, Whirling dervish ceremony, Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront.
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
Not yet. Surgeons usually ask you to stay near the hospital for about one to two weeks before a long flight, and the CDC advises medical tourists to wait at least 10 days after abdominal surgery.
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
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
Whirling dervish ceremony
A one-hour seated sema ceremony in a historic hall in Sirkeci. Quiet, indoor and in the evening.
Seated, indoors, about 1 hour
Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront
Turkish modern art in a cool, airy building on the water, with a café looking at the old city.
Gentle walking, indoors, about 2 hours
Nargile café in Tophane
Tea, backgammon and water pipes. Atmospheric, and full of smoke.
Seated, shaded or covered, about 1.5 hours
Also fine today: Turkish cooking class · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Bosphorus sightseeing cruise · Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Istanbul Archaeology Museums · Pera Museum
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.
Hagia Sophia
Why not: Dense crowds where you could be knocked.
Usually fine from day 8.
Where to eat today
- 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.
- Meze and fish at a meyhane. Beyoğlu taverns serve dozens of small plates. Rakı is traditional; you can skip it.
Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates