Will It Hurt to Get a Herbal Body Wrap After Tummy Tuck?

Do not do this if there is any warmth involved.
This is a common area for hardening and fibrosis due to the compromised blood supply. Placing warm wraps over this area may further aggravate the hardness and firmnesse

Hello, and thank you for your question about getting a detox body wrap one month after your tummy tuck and liposuction. First, congratulations on getting through the initial stages of healing — it sounds like you were doing very well until you encountered a virus, which unfortunately can absolutely cause fluid retention and disrupt your recovery temporarily.

At just one month post-op, I would strongly advise against doing a herbal body wrap — or any type of compressive detox or heat-based treatment — while you’re still healing. Here's why:

Body wraps can trap heat and moisture, and heat can worsen swelling and inflammation in healing tissues.

Many wraps use herbs, minerals, or ingredients that could irritate your incisions or sensitive skin.

Even if your incisions are closed, your lymphatic system and circulation are still recalibrating after surgery and liposuction. You want to avoid anything that could disrupt that delicate process.

Excessive compression from tight wraps can also interfere with proper healing or cause fluid to pool elsewhere, especially since you’re still experiencing residual swelling.

You are doing the right things already: gentle movement, healthy diet choices, and self-massage (if cleared by your surgeon) are much safer options at this point. If your swelling persists, once your surgeon is back in town, you can ask about manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), which is a specialized type of massage done by trained therapists that’s designed to gently move swelling out of the tissues and promote healing without causing harm.

For now, keep focusing on hydration, low-salt eating, light activity like walking, and continuing to wear your compression garment as directed by your surgeon. Your body is still adjusting, and swelling this early is normal — especially after illness or medications like Benadryl, which can cause water retention.

I would recommend waiting at least 3 months post-op before even considering spa treatments like body wraps, and only if your surgeon clears you first.

Wishing you a smooth and continued recovery!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Always prioritize healing first. Before trying any new treatments during recovery, check with your plastic surgeon to make sure they are safe for your specific stage of healing. Your long-term results are worth protecting.

Before undergoing any type of body wrap I would clear it with your doctor. I know that you mentioned your doctor is out of town, but I am sure he is being covered by someone else.