The procedure will affect a large, core area of your body. Because of this, the recommended at-home recovery period is one-to-two weeks, with three additional weeks of limited activity. Most patients start to feel better within ten days and are ready to return to work after two weeks. Some may need three weeks before returning to work, provided the job doesn’t require heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Regardless of when you return, you will be asked to keep to minimal activity for a total of four to six weeks. As for post-surgery expectations, you will wake up with a surgical dressing over your incisions, and there will be two drainage tubes placed in the lower abdomen. You will also be wearing a compression garment around your midsection. Wearing the compression garment for the required amount of time is essential for controlling swelling and minimizing the potential for seroma formation, which will ultimately help you achieve your desired results. Your abdomen may feel bruised, swollen or sore, and Dr. Cangello will prescribe pain medication to alleviate any discomfort as needed. You may also experience a temporary loss of sensation in the lower abdomen, but this numbness will resolve over time. You will be required to keep to minimal activity during the first few days following surgery. Although, you will be asked to walk around carefully and slowly to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. When you do walk, you should remain in a slightly hunched position to avoid putting stress on your sutures. At about day five post-op, you will meet with Dr. Cangello for a follow-up appointment. At this time, he will assess your healing progress. Sutures and drains are sometimes removed at this appointment. If they need to remain a bit longer, they will most likely be removed by week two or week three. During the initial six-week recovery period, you should avoid lifting anything higher than about two pounds, and you should also avoid any strenuous physical activity. Because of this, it is critical that you arrange to have help around the house if you care for small children or pets.