Tummy tuck in Istanbul · Day 8 of 10
Day 8 after a tummy tuck in Istanbul
Walking longer distances is usually possible in the second week. Avoid crowds where someone could bump your tummy.
Short answer
On day 8 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: Topkapı Palace, Guided food tour with ferry ride, Hagia Sophia.
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
Topkapı Palace
Courtyards, the Harem and the treasury. Three hours of walking with long open-air stretches between buildings.
A few hours on foot with breaks, some open-air walking, about 3 hours
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
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
Basilica Cistern
The cool, dim underground cistern with the Medusa heads. Walkways get packed at midday; go at opening time.
Gentle walking, indoors, about 1 hour
Also fine today: Princes' Islands day trip · Balat and Fener streets · Bosphorus sightseeing cruise · Grand Bazaar · Eminönü street-snack walk · Bosphorus dinner cruise with show · Galata Tower · Nargile café in Tophane · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Dolmabahçe Palace · Istanbul Archaeology Museums · Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront · Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Whirling dervish ceremony · Spice Bazaar · Turkish cooking class · 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.
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
- 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