PostOpTrip

Tummy tuck in Tijuana · Day 3 of 10

Day 3 after a tummy tuck in Tijuana

Walk a little further than yesterday, slightly bent forward if that is more comfortable. One short, seated outing by taxi is plenty.

Short answer

On day 3 after a tummy tuck in Tijuana:

  • Not today Lifting and straining · Exercise · Showers, baths and pools · Flying home
  • With care Walking · Compression garment · Sleeping position

Good options today: CECUT cultural centre and dome cinema, Seafood tostada stands, Playas de Tijuana seafront and the border wall.

Today's rules

With care

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

Not today

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

Not today

Exercise

No abdominal exercises and nothing strenuous, such as cycling, jogging, weights or aerobics, for 6 to 8 weeks.

Source: Kaiser Permanente · NHS

With care

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

Not today

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

With care

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

Not today

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

  • CECUT cultural centre and dome cinema

    Tijuana's cultural centre, with the Museum of the Californias and a dome-screen cinema. Indoors and seated.

    Gentle walking, indoors, about 2 hours

    Open in Maps

  • Seafood tostada stands

    Ceviche, shrimp and octopus piled on crunchy tostadas at the city's mariscos stands.

    Gentle walking, shaded or covered, about 1 hour

    Open in Maps

  • Playas de Tijuana seafront and the border wall

    A flat seafront walk to where the border fence runs into the Pacific, covered in murals.

    Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 1.5 hours

    Open in Maps

  • Mercado Hidalgo

    The city's traditional market: fruit, chillies, candy and taco stalls.

    Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 1.5 hours

    Open in Maps

Also fine today: Telefónica Gastro Park · Puerto Nuevo lobster and Ensenada · Plaza Río mall · Pasaje Rodríguez art alley

2 things to skip today

  • Valle de Guadalupe wine tour

    Why not: About 1.5 hours each way is too long a ride for this stage.

    Usually fine from day 7.

  • Tijuana tacos and craft beer tour

    Why not: Too much walking and effort for this stage.

    Usually fine from day 8.

Where to eat today

  • Churros. Hot fried dough with sugar, from street carts. Crunchy.
  • Craft beer on Plaza Fiesta. A cluster of small breweries in Zona Río.
  • Caldo de res or caldo de pollo. Beef or chicken broth with soft vegetables, at any fonda. Let it cool after dental work.

Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates

Questions people ask