Your first 2 weeks after surgery will be spent resting, with short, frequent periods of gentle movement to keep blood circulating and prevent blood clots. After surgery, you will have drains placed under your skin, either in the incision or near the ends of the incision. These drains prevent fluid buildup called a seroma and are removed after 7 to 10 days. Most patients return to nonstrenuous work after 2 to 3 weeks, but vigorous activity or exercise should wait until at least 6 weeks after surgery.