Tummy tuck in Istanbul · Day 9 of 10
Day 9 after a tummy tuck in Istanbul
If your surgeon clears you, plan the flight: aisle seat, small bag only, someone to lift your case, a walk every hour.
Short answer
On day 9 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: Bosphorus sightseeing cruise, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus dinner cruise with show.
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
Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
Two hours on the water past palaces, mansions and both bridges. Pick a seat in the covered cabin or the shaded side of the deck.
Seated, shaded or covered, about 2 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
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
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: Dolmabahçe Palace · Topkapı Palace · Balat and Fener streets · Guided food tour with ferry ride · Galata Tower · Eminönü street-snack walk · Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront · Grand Bazaar · Spice Bazaar · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Princes' Islands day trip · Nargile café in Tophane · Pera Museum · Istanbul Archaeology Museums · Whirling dervish ceremony · Turkish cooking class
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