What should I expect during my body contouring recovery?

During your recovery from body contouring surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions following the procedure.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site(s).
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing.
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health.
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your body contouring surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
• Are stitched removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

Body contouring recovery at home

You may be instructed to avoid bending, straining or lifting for several days to weeks.

Where tightening of the abdomen or thighs is involved, your plastic surgeon may also instruct you to avoid standing fully upright and stressing any internal sutures as they heal, and to sleep with pillows elevating your knees.

To minimize the risk of DVT (blood clots in the legs) you will need to be up and walking as soon as possible, and drinking plenty of fluid.