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

Question

I'm about one month out from a full abdominoplasty w/ liposuction on my flanks and tummy. At first I healed extremely well and my swelling was going down progressively. Then I got a virus. I probably also ate too much salt as well and took meds like Benadryl. Then I swelled up ...even my eyelids....I was really retaining water.

	I've been able to get most of the swelling under some control, but I still have a thick swollen patch right above my incision. I'm doing some exercise and self massage. My doc is out of town for the next few weeks. I'm considering doing a detox body wrap. Is there any harm in this?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tucks are very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Patients undergoing this procedure should understand that there is a significant covert process afterwards. In our practice, we commonly provide the patient with two compression garments that they may use after surgery. If you receive a herbal body wrap one month after surgery and all your decisions are closed and healing without difficulty, each experience no untoward effects.

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John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
It sounds like you may be having some delayed healing in an area of your tummy tuck. I would not do anything without the advice of your surgeon. Hopefully he is still closely following your progress.

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Herbal body wrap and tummy tucks

Answer: Herbal body wrap and tummy tucks

Answer: Do nothing without your doctor's input

Answer: Do nothing without your doctor's input

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Herbal body wrap and tummy tucks

Answer: Herbal body wrap and tummy tucks

Answer: Do nothing without your doctor's input

Answer: Do nothing without your doctor's input

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.