How long should I do a low sodium diet post tummy tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck with lipo on the 7th of December. And have been on a low sodium diet since then. For how long more do I need to be on a low sodium diet to avoid swelling etc? Your advice is apprecaited.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

I would recommend continuing a low sodium diet for up to 6 weeks if you can tolerate it to minimize swelling and speed up the recovery process. If you cheat one day it may slow the recovery a bit but it will not affect the long term result. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

From a theoretical standpoint, a low sodium diet may reduce swelling after tummy tuck.  I am not sure how much fluid this is causing to shift, but this is reasonable.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	There is no specific “recommended diet” for the post-tummy tuck patient. A well-balanced diet with high fiber and a good protein source would obviously be helpful. Adding a protein shake ( to each meal) if necessary may also be helpful especially if your appetite is curtailed ( which often happens during this period). Frequent hydration is also important. Unless your plastic surgery recommends otherwise, I do not think a low sodium diet is necessarily beneficial.

	Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

In terms of the surgical recuperation, you should follow your docor's postop protocol. A low sodium diet cannot but help to be beneficial to your health!

Maria Cristina Picon, MD · Answer

If you can, try a little more, because now is time of very big diet transgression and you need to care the results.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Unless by personal history your legs swell on a regular diet, there is no reason you can't resume your regular diet.

	Best wishes.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi

	This is a new one on me.  You don't need any particular diet after a tummy tuck.  There isn't very much swelling.

How long should I do a low sodium diet post tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

My Incision is Opening at 19 Days Post Operation with White Pus and Now White Cream Cheese Look Inside the Wound? (photo)

Does This Look Like a Bad Tummy Tuck? Will I Need Surgery Again? (photo)

My Ps Told Me to Take my Steri Strips off but They Are Stuck to my Skin. How Do I Get Them Off?

15 Days and Large Increase in Fluid Output of Tummy Tuck Drains?

Dressing Change After TT?

Cold symptoms 4 days before surgery, will I be able to have surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS