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Tummy tuck

Classic and Mini Tummy Tuck in Arusha

Free consultation

Price at consultation

The price is fixed in the contract before surgery

Real case
Tummy tuck: a patient's abdomen before and after surgery before after
A flat tummy and a toned silhouette in one operation. Your individual surgical plan and the expected result are discussed at the consultation

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Results

Tummy tuck results
of our patients

All cases are real patients. Faces and identifying details are hidden.

Tummy tuck: a female patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
Tummy tuck: a male patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
Tummy tuck: a female patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
Tummy tuck: a male patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
Tummy tuck: a female patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
Tummy tuck: a female patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
Tummy tuck: a female patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
Tummy tuck: a female patient's abdomen before and after surgerybeforeafter
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Comparison

Tummy tuck techniques

A tummy tuck is done as a full (classic) or mini operation, or combined with liposuction as lipoabdominoplasty. Compare the scope of surgery, the indications and the expected results to choose the right technique together with your surgeon.

Tummy tuck

Removal of excess skin, abdominal muscle tightening

Tummy tuck diagram: the abdomen before surgery with the incision line, and the result
Main goal
Removal of excess skin, diastasis repair
When it is done
Excess skin after childbirth or weight loss
Anaesthesia and stay
General anaesthesia, up to 3 days in hospital

Lipoabdominoplasty

Tummy tuck with added liposuction

Lipoabdominoplasty diagram: the abdomen with fat on the flanks before surgery, and the result
Main goal
Tummy tightening and waist contouring
When it is done
For fat deposits on the flanks and waist
Anaesthesia and stay
General anaesthesia, up to 3 days in hospital

The benefits and recovery times shown are averaged for each technique and given for guidance: the scope of correction and rehabilitation depend on your anatomy and individual features, and the surgeon confirms them at the consultation.

At the consultation the surgeon draws up a plan for your case and explains how your tummy tuck will go.

Free, before surgery and with no obligation.

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Tummy tuck from the inside

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About the clinic

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient in a clinic ward

Contact us the way that suits you

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

A tummy tuck is not for everyone

If your case can be solved without surgery, the doctor will tell you so at the consultation — and you will not spend money for nothing.

Suitable

A surgeon shows a patient on a model and a monitor how the abdominal contour changes after a tummy tuck
  • Rectus abdominis diastasis
  • Skin folds after weight loss
  • Loose abdominal skin
  • Stretched skin after pregnancy
  • A distorted abdominal contour

Not suitable

A surgeon discusses the indications and contraindications for a tummy tuck with a patient
  • Acute infections
  • Severe heart, kidney or liver disease
  • Disorders of blood clotting
  • Age below 18
  • Decompensated diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Skin inflammation in the surgical area
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Not sure the surgery is right for you?

Message us — the coordinator will ask for your photos in the messenger, and the surgeon will tell you whether a tummy tuck suits you. No surgery booking needed.

Find out if it suits me
A surgeon goes through a tummy tuck diagram with a patient at the consultation

Prices

You know the price
before surgery

The price is set at the consultation and fixed in the contract.

Other services

  • First consultationFree
  • Liposuction of the abdomen and flanksfrom $1,700
Book a consultation

Find out your tummy tuck plan and price

The surgeon assesses your abdominal skin and muscles, listens to your wishes and chooses the right correction technique.
The price is set at the consultation and fixed in the contract.

A nurse talks to a patient in a clinic ward

Message our coordinator

Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

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A patient's abdomen before a tummy tuck in the operating room

all inclusive

What the price includes

From preparation for surgery
to post-op check-ups.

  • All scheduled dressings
  • Scheduled post-op check-ups
  • A personal coordinator on call
  • Compression garments fitted on the day of surgery
  • A stay in a comfortable
    hospital ward with meals
  • Individual recommendations
    for recovery
  • Remote progress monitoring
    by photos
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How it works

Three days at the clinic —
from preparation to discharge

An agreed correction plan, inpatient observation and post-op check-ups.

A doctor shows a patient a tummy tuck diagram on a monitor1

Consultation
and the surgical plan

The surgeon assesses your abdominal skin and muscles and checks for diastasis, listens to your wishes and chooses the right correction technique.

Paying the deposit by card at the clinic reception2

Booking the date
of surgery

We reserve a surgery date for you: the deposit can be paid by card at the clinic or online by bank transfer. The terms are fixed in the contract for medical services

A blood sample tube for tests before a tummy tuck3

Check-up before
surgery

Before surgery you complete a full lab check-up: blood tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray and reports from the required specialists.

The surgical team during the operation4

Surgery

The surgeon performs the tummy tuck with the chosen technique, repairs diastasis if needed and shapes a firmer abdominal contour.

A hospital ward at the clinic5

Inpatient stay

After surgery the patient stays for 1–3 days in a comfortable hospital ward with meals, under medical supervision.

A surgeon and a patient in the ward during recovery6

Recovery

After surgery you get a recovery programme. Check-ups at 7 days, 3 and 6 months help track your recovery.

Book a free consultation — the surgeon will plan every step with you.

A doctor discusses the tummy tuck plan with a patient
Book a consultation
A doctor discusses the tummy tuck plan with a patient

How it really happens

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Recovery after abdominoplasty

Immediately after surgery the patient stays in hospital for 1–3 days, supervised by doctors. Drains are usually removed after two days, stitches after 7 days. For 1.5–2 months you wear a compression binder that supports the abdominal wall and forms a smooth contour. Most of the swelling goes within 30 days; office work is possible after 2–3 weeks. No sports, sauna or heavy lifting for 2–3 months, and in the beginning it is best to sleep on your back with knees bent. At 12 months the scar is fully mature, faded and barely noticeable.

Post-op check-ups

After 7 days, at 3 months and at 6 months. Until the end of the year, get a post-surgery consultation with your surgeon to review results and get more information, at the clinic's expense

Advantages

What makes patients choose City Medical Centre

A surgeon discusses the tummy tuck plan with a patient at the consultation

Just find out — you lose nothing

At the consultation we discuss your wishes and assess your abdominal skin and muscles. The surgeon explains what changes are possible, chooses the correction technique and answers your questions.

A surgeon on a video call with a patient after surgery

We stay with you after surgery

The surgeon follows your recovery and the changing abdominal contour at check-ups after 7 days, 3 and 6 months. Check-ups, dressings and aftercare advice are already included in the price of surgery.

A surgeon shows a patient a model and tummy tuck diagrams

A beautiful contour that fits your figure

We choose the correction technique based on your skin, muscles and figure. Our aim is a harmonious abdominal contour that keeps the natural proportions of your body.

A patient writes down a convenient visit time in her planner

Your schedule is our priority

We respect your time: we work 24/7, with easy booking and a personal approach — we adapt to your pace.

A surgeon shows a patient the fixed price of surgery with no extra charges

Fixed prices

After the consultation the surgeon defines the extent of correction, and you get a clear price for the surgery — no surprises on the way to the result you want.

A surgeon visits a patient in the hospital ward after surgery

Round-the-clock care after surgery

Recovery starts in a comfortable hospital ward under round-the-clock nursing care. The stay and meals are already included in the price.

FAQ

We answer what
people ask before booking

Other services of our clinic

Tummy tuck in Arusha step by step

Every tummy tuck leaves a scar; it is the unavoidable price of removing excess skin. In a classic procedure it runs across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, below the underwear or swimsuit line, and in a mini procedure it is much shorter. By 12 months the scar is mature, thin and barely noticeable. People in Arusha can discuss at the consultation how the incision line will be planned.

The result comes in stages. First changes show about two weeks after surgery, an interim result is visible at 1.5–2 months and the final contours form at 6–12 months. The scar keeps maturing for up to a year before it fades. Check-ups take place at 7 days, 3 months and 6 months, and until the end of the year a post-surgery consultation for patients from Arusha is at the clinic's expense.

There is no single price for abdominoplasty, since a mini tummy tuck and a classic operation with diastasis repair differ in scope. What stays constant is the approach: the surgeon names the cost after an in-person examination, and it is fixed in the contract without surprises. Arusha residents can apply before the end of the year and get the consultation at the clinic's expense.

Arusha and the decision to have a tummy tuck

Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region and has a population of 617,631 people. It sits below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. It is a busy, multicultural city where Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu families live side by side. Many residents combine work in offices, education, trade and the diplomatic world with a family life that has a lot of gatherings and shared meals. Against this background, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is usually considered after pregnancies, after major weight loss, or when loose skin and a weakened abdominal wall no longer respond to exercise and diet.

City Medical Centre works with patients in Arusha through a free online consultation. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can write when it suits your schedule, whether that is after a school run, between lectures or late in the evening. The centre does not have an office in Arusha. The first conversation, the review of your photos and your questions all happen remotely, without you having to rearrange your week.

Residents of Arusha often tell us that they want to understand the whole process before committing: what the operation involves, how long the recovery lasts, what it means for work and family life, and what is asked of them before and after. This text is built around those questions and around the realities of life in a highland city under Mount Meru.

Climate of Arusha and what it means for recovery

Despite its closeness to the equator, Arusha lies at an elevation of 1,400 metres on the southern slopes of Mount Meru. That keeps temperatures relatively low and eases humidity. The temperature typically ranges between 10 and 30 °C, and the average annual high is around 25 °C. For a patient recovering from abdominal surgery, this is a comfortable background: you are rarely forced to choose between a compression garment and unbearable heat.

The city does have a warmer stretch. Days above 32 °C occur only between November and March, and the record high since 2000 is 39 °C. In those weeks a compression garment can feel warm, so plan breathable cotton layers underneath, loose clothing on top and a cool, shaded room at home. Heat increases sweating and can irritate the skin around dressings and scars, so keep the area clean and dry and follow the surgeon's instructions on skin care.

Cool mornings and evenings, especially in the dry months, are also worth thinking about. A garment that must be worn around the clock in the first weeks is easier to tolerate when the air is dry and fresh, but you should still keep warm enough that you do not tense your abdomen or hunch. A light shawl or jacket for cooler hours helps you stay upright and relaxed.

Rainy and dry seasons: choosing the time for surgery

Arusha has distinct wet and dry seasons. The long masika rains fall from March through May, the short vuli rains usually arrive in November and December, and the dry kiangazi season runs from June to October. Rainfall averages 1,180 millimetres a year, mostly in the long rainy season. These patterns can help you decide when to schedule the operation.

The dry months from June to October offer stable weather, less mud and fewer damp, slippery surfaces around the home. That matters in the first weeks, when you must avoid sudden movements and heavy lifting. Walking short distances on dry ground is easier and safer than navigating wet paths during the heavy rains. Dust can rise in dry weather, so keep dressings protected and the home tidy, and ask the surgeon how to care for the wound if the air is dusty.

The rainy months have their own advantage: the air is cooler and many people stay indoors, which suits quiet recovery. If you are planning for the long rains, arrange help with shopping and school transport in advance, because getting around the city may be slower. Coordinators can help you match the operation date to your calendar, taking into account work, school terms and family events, while the surgeon sets the final timing after the examination.

Work, study and the working week in Arusha

Arusha is a regional centre with an international side. The city is the capital of the East African Community and hosts the African Court of the African Union, so many people work in administration, law, conferences, hospitality and services connected with these institutions. It also has a large student community, with colleges and universities such as the National College of Tourism Arusha Campus, Arusha Technical College and the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology.

For office work the medical guidance is clear: you can return to work after 2–3 weeks. Three milestones mark recovery: after 2–3 weeks you can do office work, by 1.5–2 months swelling and tightness pass, and at 6–12 months, with the tissues fully adapted, the final result and scar are assessed. If your job involves long periods on your feet, carrying equipment, driving on rough roads or physical work in tourism, agriculture or trade, talk this through with the surgeon, because for the first 2–3 weeks you avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting and sudden movements.

Students and lecturers can plan around the same milestones. Choose a quiet period between exams or terms, tell your supervisor or employer only what you wish to share, and agree on a gradual return. A short, honest conversation at work about reduced lifting and the need to wear a garment under clothing is usually enough.

Sport, rugby, running and active life in the city

Arusha has a strong sporting culture. The city is home to the Tanzanian rugby national team and hosts international rugby matches, Arusha FC plays league football at Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium, and the city once hosted the Mount Meru Marathon. Many residents run, play team sports or train in the cool highland air, and they naturally ask when they can return to it.

The rule is the same for everyone. Sport is resumed gradually, with the surgeon's approval only. For the first 2–3 weeks you avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting and sudden movements. Sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol and smoking are out for at least a month. Compression garments are worn for another 4–8 weeks. Contact sports such as rugby and any training that strains the abdominal wall should only restart after the surgeon agrees, at the check-ups after 7 days, 3 and 6 months.

A sensible approach is to begin with easy walking at a comfortable pace, then move to light activity, and only later to running or team training. Do not judge readiness by how you feel on a good day. Tell the surgeon what sport you play, how often and at what intensity, so the plan is individual rather than generic. Teammates and coaches do not need details, but a clear pause in your schedule saves pressure.

Family life, celebrations and food culture

Life in Arusha is social. Weddings, religious holidays, christenings and Sunday family meals bring many people together, and the city's mix of African, Arab, Indian and European backgrounds means a wide range of dishes, from home cooking to restaurants and shops in the larger malls. Hosting and eating together matter, and recovery needs to be planned around them.

For a few weeks it is wise to say no to events that involve long standing, dancing, carrying children or heavy dishes. Alcohol and smoking are out for at least a month, which affects celebrations, so decide in advance what you will drink and how you will explain it. Meals in hospital are provided, and at home it helps to prepare light, familiar food, plenty of fluids and fibre, so that you avoid straining. Ask the surgeon about eating after surgery, because bloating is common in the early days and large heavy meals are uncomfortable under a compression garment.

If you have young children, line up help with lifting and bathing them during the first 2–3 weeks. A husband, wife, mother, sister or close friend can take over school runs and carrying. Planning the operation away from major family occasions such as weddings gives you a calmer recovery and better photos later, when the swelling has settled.

Who is a suitable candidate and who is not

You must be at least 18, with no contraindications. No upper limit exists; at our clinic each case is considered individually, after an examination and health assessment. A tummy tuck is typically considered by people with excess skin or a stretched abdominal wall, for example after childbirth or large weight changes. It is not a method of weight loss.

The World Health Organization describes overweight and obesity as an excessive accumulation of fat that can harm health, and this is relevant for planning: a stable weight and healthy habits make a result easier to maintain, and the surgeon will discuss your weight, your plans for pregnancy and your general health. Smoking, certain chronic illnesses, blood clotting problems and some medicines can make surgery unsuitable or require extra preparation. Be fully open about your medical history, previous operations and any medicines you take, including herbal remedies that are common in the region.

In Arusha, where people may have limited local access to some specialised assessments, remote consultation helps you collect information and questions in advance. The final decision on whether surgery is suitable is made by the surgeon after the examination and tests, never from photographs alone.

Preparation, tests and the hospital stay

Preparation is a must. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and taking medicines that affect blood clotting 7–10 days before a tummy tuck. The pre-surgery check-up covers blood tests, ECG, leg vein ultrasound and consultations with a GP and anaesthetist. Get it done in advance, not the day before. The full list is identical for all: blood and urine tests, coagulation panel, biochemistry, infection tests, ECG, chest X-ray, ultrasound of the leg veins and a GP's report. The exact list comes from the surgeon at the consultation, and tests usually stay valid for 10–14 days.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, with up to 3 days in hospital. A classic tummy tuck means 1–3 days under medical supervision; for a mini tummy tuck, one day is usually enough. After surgery the patient stays in a comfortable hospital ward with meals, under medical supervision. At home recovery continues, and the surgeon monitors it at scheduled check-ups.

In practice, ask the coordinator to give you the list of tests early, so you can complete them in Arusha at a time that suits you, and check that the validity of 10–14 days will still apply on the day of surgery. Arrange for someone to stay with you during the first days at home, prepare your bedroom with pillows that keep you in a comfortable position, and keep everything you need within easy reach.

Recovery, compression garment and check-ups

After surgery you get a recovery programme. Check-ups at 7 days, 3 and 6 months help track your recovery. The surgeon follows your recovery and the changing abdominal contour at these check-ups, and dressings and aftercare advice are already included with the surgery. Until the end of the year, you can get a post-surgery consultation with your surgeon to review results and get more information, at the clinic's expense.

The compression garment is a requirement: recovery is worse without it because it supports the tissues and reduces swelling. The first 3–4 weeks it stays on around the clock, then during the daytime for roughly a month more. Your operating surgeon will name the exact period. In Arusha's warm months choose clean spare garments and breathable underlayers so you can change comfortably.

The first changes appear 2 weeks after surgery as the main swelling subsides, followed by two checkpoints: the interim result at 1.5–2 months and the final contours at 6–12 months. Be patient with the process: swelling and tightness can make the abdomen look different from week to week. Coordinators remain reachable 24/7 on WhatsApp and Telegram, so if something worries you at night or at the weekend, you can write immediately and receive guidance on whether the question can wait for the next check-up.

Getting around Arusha during the first weeks of recovery

Arusha is a city of several busy areas spread below Mount Meru, and many residents move between home, work, school and the market several times a day. After a tummy tuck, this daily rhythm needs a plan. For the first 2–3 weeks you avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting and sudden movements, so it is sensible to reduce the number of errands, group them together and ask someone else to handle the heavier ones.

Short journeys by car are easier when someone else drives and you sit upright with a small cushion at your back. Jolting on uneven surfaces can be uncomfortable for the abdomen, so ask the surgeon how to position yourself and how long you may sit at a stretch. Do not carry shopping bags, water containers or school bags, and do not climb into high vehicles without support.

Across the Arusha Region, many families depend on relatives living nearby. Use that network. A sister who lives a few streets away, a neighbour who can collect children, or a colleague who covers a few tasks can make the first fortnight calm. Agree on the arrangements before the operation, not afterwards, and write the plan down so everyone knows what to do.

Skin, scars and the highland sun

Arusha sits at an elevation of 1,400 metres, and the sun at this height can be strong even when the air feels cool. The scar and the surrounding skin need protection while the tissues are adapting. Tanning beds are out for at least a month, and the same caution applies to long, direct sun on the abdomen. Keep the area covered by the garment and loose clothing, and ask the surgeon when sun protection on the scar is appropriate.

At 6–12 months, with the tissues fully adapted, the final result and scar are assessed. Until then the appearance of the scar changes, and it is normal for it to look different at the 3 and 6 month check-ups. Photograph the area under the same light at each stage, so that you and the surgeon can compare honestly rather than from memory.

Dry months can leave the skin tight and dusty, while rainy months bring damp clothing. Wear clean, soft cotton next to the skin, change it often and never apply creams, oils or traditional remedies to the wound unless the surgeon has approved them. If you notice redness, unusual discharge or growing pain, write to the coordinators straight away, at any hour, and they will guide you on what to do next.

Talking to family, colleagues and your community

Arusha is a multicultural city with Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities, and attitudes to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery differ from family to family. Some patients share their plans widely, others tell only a husband, wife or close relative. Both choices are reasonable. What matters is that at least one trusted adult knows the date and can help during the first days.

Think about what you will say to colleagues, fellow students and neighbours. A short, neutral sentence such as 'I am having planned surgery and will be away for a few weeks' is usually enough. You are not obliged to give details. If your work is in tourism or hospitality, where you meet many people, agree on a clear return date and a gradual workload with your manager.

Modesty and privacy can matter during recovery, particularly if you share a home with extended family. Arrange a private room, a lockable bathroom and a routine for changing the garment. Let the people around you know that you need rest, light meals and quiet, and that you cannot take part in cooking, lifting or long standing for now.

How the remote consultation works for patients in Arusha

The consultation is free and online. You write to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, describe your goals and medical history and send photos as instructed. A surgeon reviews the information and explains what kind of operation may suit you, what preparation is needed and what the recovery will look like. We respect your time: we work 24/7, with easy booking and a personal approach, and we adapt to your pace.

Prepare your questions before you start. Useful ones include: Is a classic or a mini tummy tuck more appropriate for me? How long will I stay in hospital? Which tests do I need and how long are they valid? How should I plan the compression garment in warm weeks? When can I return to office work, to running or to rugby? What will the scar look like at 6–12 months? Who answers my messages after the operation?

Take notes, compare answers calmly and do not feel pressured to decide on the first day. Arusha is a city where people value careful, personal conversations, and a good consultation should feel the same: unhurried, clear and honest about both the possibilities and the limits of surgery.

Can I have a tummy tuck consultation if I live in Arusha?

Yes. The consultation is free and online. You contact the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, available around the clock (24/7), send your photos and questions, and a surgeon reviews your case remotely.

When can I go back to work after a tummy tuck?

Medical guidance says back to work after 2–3 weeks for office work. If your job involves lifting, long hours on your feet or physical effort, the surgeon will set a longer or gradual return.

What anaesthesia is used and how long is the hospital stay?

General anaesthesia is used, with up to 3 days in hospital. A classic tummy tuck means 1–3 days under medical supervision; for a mini tummy tuck, one day is usually enough.

Is the hot season in Arusha a problem for recovery?

Arusha is relatively cool because of its elevation of 1,400 metres, and days above 32 °C occur only between November and March. In those weeks use breathable layers under the garment, loose clothing and a cool room, and follow the surgeon's skin care advice.

How long must I wear the compression garment?

It is a requirement. The first 3–4 weeks it stays on around the clock, then during the daytime for roughly a month more. Your operating surgeon will name the exact period.

When can I return to sport, such as running or rugby?

For the first 2–3 weeks you avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting and sudden movements. Sauna, steam bath, pool, tanning beds, alcohol and smoking are out for at least a month. Sport is resumed gradually, with the surgeon's approval only.

What preparation and tests are needed?

Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and taking medicines that affect blood clotting 7–10 days before the operation. Tests include blood and urine tests, coagulation panel, biochemistry, infection tests, ECG, chest X-ray, leg vein ultrasound and a GP's report. They usually stay valid for 10–14 days.

Who can have a tummy tuck?

You must be at least 18, with no contraindications. No upper limit exists; at our clinic each case is considered individually, after an examination and health assessment.

When will I see the result?

The first changes appear 2 weeks after surgery as the main swelling subsides. The interim result is seen at 1.5–2 months and the final contours at 6–12 months.

What follow-up is there after surgery?

You get a recovery programme with check-ups at 7 days, 3 and 6 months. Check-ups, dressings and aftercare advice are already included, and until the end of the year you can get a post-surgery consultation with your surgeon at the clinic's expense.

Can I drive in Arusha after a tummy tuck?

Ask the surgeon at the consultation. For the first 2–3 weeks you avoid physical exertion and sudden movements, so most patients arrange for someone else to drive and return to the wheel only when the surgeon agrees.

Is it safe to sit in the sun in Arusha after surgery?

Tanning beds are out for at least a month, and long direct sun on the abdomen should be avoided while the scar is adapting. Keep the area covered and ask the surgeon when sun protection on the scar is appropriate.

Who should be with me at home after the operation?

Arrange for a spouse, relative or close friend to stay during the first days. They can help with meals, children, shopping and carrying, because you avoid heavy lifting and sudden movements for the first 2–3 weeks.