Post-Operative Instructions and Timeline - Abdominoplasty
Week 0–1
Always BEND forward at the waist 24/7 — standing and lying down (keep pillows under knees). No twisting.
Start walking on post-op day 1 to reduce the risk of blood clots. Start at 15 minutes 2x/day and work your way up to 20–30 minutes 3x/day.
Wear compression stockings at all times the first week to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Deep breathing exercises: Inhale deeply, hold your breath a few seconds, exhale. Repeat hourly when awake.
Wear your garment for 48 hours before removing it to shower.
Keep the steri-strips (white/tan tape) on incisions for 2 weeks.
Remove all outer dressings just before your first shower at 48 hours.
Expect drainage from back lipo sites — you may wear Depends over your faja to help catch drainage.
JP drain care: use the LANYARD when showering or during massages.
Eat high-protein, small meals — low salt, low-inflammation foods.
No alcohol or nicotine, including secondhand smoke/vape, for at least 2 months.
You should be urinating the same or more than normal — stay hydrated.
Take your meds and finish your antibiotics. Take probiotics, and take a stool softener with narcotics.
Signs to call (Dr. Yang's cell (714) 723-2756, or office (425) 286-8078):
Severe or worsening pain
Persistent fever above 101°F
Signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage)
Sudden or worsening shortness of breath
Excessive bleeding or unusual discharge from incisions
Weeks 1–2
Continue frequent walking and movement to help with circulation and swelling.
Continue compression stockings as needed.
You may slowly start to straighten your body around 10 days — go slow! Stay bent if you feel tight.
No heavy lifting (over 10–15 lbs).
Record your JP drain output amount per 24 hours during the second week.
Continue wearing your faja compression garment with foam.
For extra swelling, you can begin using Diurex — start slow with 1 dose the first 2 days.
Do not drive until you are off pain medications (i.e., gabapentin, oxycodone) and can move comfortably.
Week 2
JP drains are normally removed if under 30cc/24hrs — yay! (Sometimes this can take 3 weeks — hang in there!)
You can stand and lie down straight if this feels right.
Steri-strips (white/tan tape) can be removed from incisions.
Moist wounds heal the best — apply manuka honey/shea butter/ointment to all incisions.
Week 3
If incisions are completely healed (no scabs or open areas), start using scar gel or silicone tape on your incisions to help them fade, for about 3 months.
You may start to incorporate a firm abdominal board around 3–4 weeks if needed.
Weeks 6–8
Graduation from wearing your faja compression garment! (If you’d like.)
This is not your final result, but you are starting to see your result as swelling continues to improve.
General Timeline for Resuming Ab Workouts
0–6 Weeks
Focus on light activities like gentle walking to improve circulation.
Avoid engaging the abdominal muscles or putting strain on the core.
6–8 Weeks
At your follow-up visit, your surgeon may clear you for light stretching or low-impact activities, depending on how you are healing.
Avoid direct abdominal exercises like crunches or leg lifts until you get specific clearance; planks are okay if it feels right.
8–12 Weeks
Most patients can start gentle core strengthening exercises at this stage, beginning with low-intensity movements.
Start slowly with exercises like pelvic tilts or modified planks.
3+ Months
A gradual return to full ab workouts may be possible, but progression should be slow and pain-free.
Avoid high-intensity or advanced core exercises until you feel fully comfortable and your surgeon approves.
Tips for Resuming Core Workouts
Always consult your surgeon before starting any ab exercises.
Start with light, low-impact exercises and listen to your body.
Stop immediately if you feel pain, pulling, or unusual discomfort in the abdominal area.
