Immediately after surgery, the skin feels tight. For the first 2 to 3 days, you will be instructed to walk bending forward slightly, to avoid pulling on the incision, and to put pillows under your knees when you’re reclining. While the pain is manageable, you will feel bruised and tender after surgery, but it can be controlled by using the prescribed pain medication. This procedure, however, is far less painful than regular abdominal surgery (eg gall bladder) because it is external and does not get into the inner abdominal cavity.Plan to be off work for two weeks. Take it easy. Maybe a little easy walking, but nothing more. Do NOT strain, lift, or bend over. Strenuous physical activity, lifting weights, sit-ups etc are a complete no-no till 6 weeks after surgery. You will wear an abdominal support garment for 6 weeks – day in and out, right through the night for the first three weeks. During the next three weeks, you will wear it only during the day.
Drains are placed to remove any excess fluid under the skin, and will be removed within one week.
Stay in an air conditioned room as you will be permitted a shower only after your first post operative visit.
Be warned, initial scars will look red and raised. 3 – 6 months later, they lighten and flatten out.