The patient will usually be allowed to shower after the drains have been removed but soaking in a bathtub is to be avoided for two weeks. Wounds are generally closed with buried sutures and the incisions are covered with surgical tapes which are to stay in place for the first two weeks. These tapes will not fall off with gentle showering as long as you refrain from rubbing them with face clothes or towels. Your first post-operative visit will generally be scheduled four to seven days after surgery at which time the drainage tube will be removed. You will require someone to drive you to the office for this visit.
Most patients find that they can gradually increase their activity levels thereafter.
You may drive a car with caution, wearing a safety belt, beginning 48 hours after your last pain pill or sedative. Lifting or any other activity that increases discomfort should be limited for six weeks to allow the muscle repair to heal properly. Strenuous activity should be avoided during the initial six to eight weeks. Basically, most patients find that they can return to normal activity as the discomfort of the operation fades away. Serious complications after an abdominoplasty are relatively uncommon.