What are the chances of infection from sweat if I do a tummy tuck in the summer?

Serious complications are extremely rare.  Have your TT performed by a board certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility, and follow the post-operative protocols regarding wound care, drains, and scar therapy.  My office supplies our lipo/TT patients with an adjustable compression garment manufactured by Clear Point.  The  patients like the support it provides to the back and to the abdomen.  The only complaint I have heard is related to the "itchiness" of the fabric which can be remedied by wearing a soft t-shirt under the garment.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

The risk of infection with a tummy tuck is relatively low.  Good sterile technique, healthy patients and patients following the pre and postoperative instructions minimize the risk of infection.  The season of surgery doesn’t appear to play a role and summertime tummy tucks are frequently preformed in NYC.

Hello and thank you for the great question. You should have no issues with a TT in May as long as you keep the incision line and the area around the drains clean and dry with soap and water. Take a hairdryer on cool setting and dry your steri strips until they fall off naturally. Follow all post op instructions and keep all appointments with your Board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck on your journey!

Thank you for your question. You can certainly have a tummy tuck during the summer months. Remember that your skin will be nice and tight and there will be no folds to collect the extra moisture. Also it is easy to keep the area clean with soap and water and protective dressings in the beginning. 

Lisa I appreciate your concern however there are several precautions and recovery tips that I can share. The first couple of days after your surgery, all of your wounds will be covered with bandages and protected from all elements, including sweat. The risk of getting an infection from sweating into the wound are low, especially when covered. Also surgical wounds are essentially sealed after 2 or 3 days. So after protective dressing is removed, sweat will not affect the wound. Your drains will most likely need to stay in place for around one week and your plastic surgeon will coach you regarding drain care. Also scar care is important and products like scar cream or gel sheeting are very effective. Scars should not see the sun for one year after surgery. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in our area to improve your chances of the best possible result. Good luck.

It is doubtful that you will experience complications related to sweating after your tummy tuck. You will likely be in the air conditioning for comfort while recovering from your surgery. Your surgeon will educate you about how to properly care for your incisions and drains to minimize risk of complications. Living in Houston I understand summer temperatures, but I don't foresee it being a major issue for you.

Hi Lisa and thank you for your question.  Many patients elect to have their tummy tucks (and other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures) performed in the summer because of work, school and/or family commitments that make other times of the year more difficult.  Assuming that you follow your surgeon's instructions for post surgical care and keep the area clean, infection as a result of sweat is highly unlikely.  Your incisions will likely be covered with a surgical dressing (such as steristrips) for the first week or two post-op and depending upon your surgeon's preference and your anatomy drains are not always necessary.  If you have not done so already, please consider scheduling an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.  I hope that my answer has been helpful and I wish you my very best!

I perform tummy tucks all year long. I have not seen an uptick in infections in the summer because it is hot outside. Best of luck!

Lisa,I have been performing abdominoplasty year round in NYC for the past 24+ years.  It is extremely rare to get an infection following this procedure.  Keeping the area clean and dry is important.  Sweat does not pose an increased infection threat.Best of luck with your May procedure.Dr t

Hi and welcome to our forum!The infection risk after abdominoplasty is quite low. You will be relatively inactive for the first 5-7 days after the procedure, hopefully in a climate controlled environment. Abdominoplasties are performed here in South Florida during the dog days of August without difficulty or increase in infection rate!Every plastic surgeon has his/ her regimen of drain care after the procedure. In our practice, we recommend cleansing the drain sites 3 x / day with a solution of 1/2 hydrogen peroxide (3%) and 1/2 saline on a gauze pad, followed by application of triple antibiotic ointment and gauze padding, held in place with your undergarment.Best wishes...