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Is 2 Weeks After Tummy Tuck Safe Enough to Go on a Cruise?

I have scheduled a Full Tummy Tuck two weeks before a Caribbean Cruise. I am a 5'2" mom who had a 64-inch waist during my pregnancy of twins. I am a healthy, non-smoking, active 54-year-old woman who is now ready for a mom makeover. Would I be healed enough to go on a cruise 2 week post-op, and safe to fly across the country to Florida?

Asked 26 months ago by Bubbysmom in Portland

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Skip the vacation after Tummy Tuck

Typically, my restriction on postoperative flight is about 4-6 weeks. At the 2 week mark you'll still be somewhat sore. I've not allowed anyone to go out in these types of situations, it's not ideal and those patients that have gotten away with it before went at their own risk. Here's the risks that are at steak (they definitely aren't advisable and are against everything we've been taught). You won't be able to swim, you won't have a full level of energy and you could even have a wound... more

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Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Don't plan a major vacation two weeks after major surgery

I hope you can get a refund. I would not advise any patient to do this. I imagine you might want to go in the pool, get some sun, so some watersports, and peruse the gift shops in the ports. Being two weeks after a full tummy tuck, you will not be sufficiently healed or recovered to allow this without being constantly reminded. Furthermore, this is if all goes well and if you have a minor problem such as a seroma, I don' t think the ship's doctor will be comfortable managing this problem. IF... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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Cruise 2 weeks after a tummy tuck - NO WAY

You should be about 6 weeks after a TT before you consider a cruise. You will still be very tired and in some pain at the 2 week point. You might still have fluid issues and if ANYTHING happened to you, you would be far away from medical help. This is the longest recovery of any of the cosmetic surgeries we commonly perform and 6 weeks would be minimum in my opinion to cruise.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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Traveling two weeks after tummy tuck

Not recommended. You are at increased risk of Wound healing problems Clots in your legs and lungs (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) Fluid accumulation under your skin flaps Increased fatique and discomfort No access to your surgeon and doctors I'm sorry. You should call your surgeon and reschedule your surgery. Enjoy your cruise, come back rested and relaxed...

Emily Pollard, MD

Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon

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Recovery time after a tummy tuck

2 weeks post-op surgery for a tummy tuck procedure is far too soon for you to be going on a cruise. I advise my patients to stay hunched over for atleast 4 weeks to prevent any superficial openings and complications. At that time, you will not be fully recovered and will not be able to enjoy the cruise as much as you would like to. Recovery time could vary between patients, however, most patients are required to avoid any heavy-lifting or strenuous exercise for atleast 6-8 weeks. Tummy tuck... more

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Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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Recovery after Tummy Tuck

I would advise against going on a cruise two weeks after a full tummy tuck. First, there is no way to assume you will have a normal post-operative course. In some cases, there will be areas of the skin which may not heal properly and require daily dressing changes to heal. You do not want to have to change dressings while on a cruise! Second, you really are not going to have the energy and stamina to engage in a lot of activities. Your abdomen will be swollen and tight and you will... more

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD

Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Too early to go on a cruise 2 weeks after tummy tuck

Way to soon after the "large" tummy tuck you are having. More likely 6 weeks is the best time frame. This allows FULL healing and avoids any late complications. Regards.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Can I go on a Cruise 2 weeks after Tummy Tuck?

Hi there- I think a large part of the answer to your question is dependent on what it is you are hoping to do on the cruise... If you don't mind that you won't be able to participate fully (in in some cases at all) in the activities on ship, and will be limited by discomfort with significant walking and stair climbing, then you may be able to go on your cruise.... But the real question is not whether or not you are able, but whether or not it is in your best interests.... First of all, I would b more

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Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

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Traveling two weeks after Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck is a big surgery. I find no two patients are the same. At the first post op visit, I am amazed how some women are fully dressed, make up on and you would never know they had a huge surgery a few days before. Others come in dressed in pajamas, looking like they were hit by a semi truck. I can't predict who will be whom. It is not related to age, health, number of kids, or tough cookie-ness. At two weeks, you will likely be off your pain medication, and you will be able to walk... more

Lauren Greenberg, MD

Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Vacation vs. work after a tummy tuck

You should be able to go back to work (desk job) two weeks after a tummy tuck, but not a vacation. The risks that all of the other surgeons have reviewed are true and correct. You should also remember your goals: a vacation is supposed to be fun and enjoyable - not just tolerable! Assuming everything goes perfectly with your surgery and there are no complications, after 2 weeks at best you would be going through the motions of a vacation -- but I don't think you would enjoy it. Plan... more

Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Your cruise will be more comfortable and SAFER if you allow more recovery time

At two weeks, you will still be fairly sore and not moving as well as you would like to enjoy your cruise. You might even still have drains in place. If you have a problem, your cruise ship doctor might not be equipped to handle things. A cross country flight also carries a risk of blood clots. You will have a much better and safer time if you allow about 6 weeks for recovery. I know that you want to show off your new figure on your cruise, so consider moving up your surgery or delaying... more

Michael D. Yates, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon

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Tummy Tuck post operative instructions

At two weeks you should be moving around reasonably well without drains. You should expect to have swelling and some intermittent discomfort. It may be a little early for a cruise, my recommendation would be to wait an additional week. If you have an issue on a cruise, my arms are not long enough to reach you. At three weeks there should be no issues and I would be comfortable letting you go and I feel you will also be able to do more and have more fun.

Roger J. Friedman, MD

Bethesda Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS

Cruising two weeks after tummy tuck

If you were my patient I would tell you not no, but hell no (excuse the French). Here is why. You will be uncomfortable still. You may have drains. You may have a complication forcing you to cancel, and perhaps lose $$$. If you develop a complication in a third world port, then what? Your ADL's will be limited, and you will have reduced stamina. So be smart. Go on the cruise after you are well healed, or before the surgery. Don't take an unnecessary risk. This is elective cosmetic... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Cruise 2 weeks after tummy tuck is a bad idea

Although surgical techniques such as progressive tension sutures can speed recovery after a tummy tuck, at 2 weeks you will not be far enough along to travel or to enjoy your cruise. Traveling, especially a long flight, increases the risk of the most serious complication, blot clots embolizing to the lungs (Fortunately this is rare under normal circumstances). I would recommend a minimum of 6 weeks. Perhaps your doctor can give you a medical release to reschedule the cruise.

Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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Too early to go on cruise 2 weeks after tummy tuck

I think the other answers are correct. If you are going on a cruise to have a good time you will probably not be happy to be only 2 weeks after a tummy tuck. During this time you are still very tired, achy, have a lot of end of day swelling, and would not be able to do all the walking usually required at ports of call. You should really be at least 4, and preferably 6 weeks out if you want to have a good time on your cruise.

Robert B. Pollack, MD

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

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Proper Recovery After a Tummy Tuck

A mere two weeks after a Tummy Tuck is not enough, in my opinion, for a full recovery. You really should not be flying a few hours across country (the whole time creasing the tummy tuck flap) and increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation (DVT - Deep Venous Thrombosis). During this period, you may even still have a drain which could not be removed due to persistent elevated drainage. Finally, you will not have the stamina to really enjoy a cruise. I think you should re-schedule one or... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Tummy Tuck recovery of 2 weeks is not enough

A tummy tuck requires more recovery time than almost any other plastic surgery body procedure. This type of travel and activity is too much following a tummy tuck unless you just wanted to sit around and rest the whole time. It is possible that drains will still be in place after two weeks, although unlikely, it is not perfectly predictable. I tell my patients they should have at least a 6 week time period before traveling and doing this type of vacation. Best Wishes Dr. Peterson more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

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Cruising after tummy tuck

The answer depends more on non-medical information rather than medical information. From the medical side, if you have muscle repair done it will hurt longer and have lifting restrictions for 6 weeks. From a non-medical point of view, if you do not intend on doing much activity, mostly sitting on deck, by the pool then sounds like what you would be doing at home. You should be aware that you may have some minor "issues" after the surgery that may require more frequent visits to... more

John P. Stratis, MD

Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

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Tummy Tuck requires more than 2 weeks of recovery

I agree with the other surgeons that a tummy tuck requires more than two weeks of recovery for all of the reasons mentioned. I would advise 4 weeks recovery time at the absolute minimum. My patients are asked not to drive for three weeks. Ricardo L Rodriguez, MD see video

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Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Recovery after tummy tuck

You should address this questino to your surgeon since there are different types of tummy tucks and relative risks that might be more or less of a concern for a specific patient. In general, while you might be able to fly, you have to account for potential complications that might prevent you from going on a pre-paid cruise, thus forcing you to cancel. Also, there is a risk of deep vein thrombosis after tummy tucks and a liong flight before or after the procedure might increase this risk.... more