You will likely wake up from surgery with surgical dressings on. Sometimes compression garments or bandages are applied to reduce swelling. Depending on the incisions used during your surgery small plastic tubes might be placed around your incisions to drain away excess fluid to keep swelling to a minimum.
You will be sent home with post-op instructions including how to care for your incisions, and what to be aware of for optimal healing, and when to follow up with your surgeon. Usually, the sutures are removed within 2 weeks of your surgery. You will need to make lifestyle modifications as your body heals. Swelling, bruising and soreness are a normal part of the recovery for this procedure.
It is recommended that you wear compression garments during the first few weeks of your healing to help keep swelling to a minimum. Pain medication is usually prescribed for the first few days to help manage discomfort. After the first few days, pain is usually easily managed with an over the counter anti-inflammatory.
You will not be able to swim, use a bathtub, or a hot tub until you receive clearance from Dr. Larsen. Although you should be able to shower 48 hours after your surgery. Most patients are able to return to work after 7-10 days and can return to physical activity after 4-6 weeks. (with Dr. Larsen’s approval first of course)
While some scarring is unavoidable from this procedure every effort will be taken to keep them in the natural creases of the body and the ones that remain will fade over time.