Total Body Lift

What to expect after surgery

After your procedure, your doctor or nurse will place surgical drains to remove the fluids which accumulate within the incisions. The amount of fluid is measured daily and once it is low enough, the drains will be removed in an outpatient procedure, usually 2 to 3 weeks after the initial surgery. Any sutures may be removed at this time as well. The doctor will give you compression garments to wear, either at the time of surgery or later, in order to control swelling. It is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions. This helps to ensure proper healing, to reduce possibility of infection, and to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Typical short term side effects may include numbness or lack of sensation in the operated areas. Swelling may also occur, which the doctor will combat by giving you compression garments to wear. Once the drains are removed, seromas, which are collections of fluid (serum) under the skin, may occur which will require removal by your doctor.

You may be required to stay in the hospital setting for a night or two, in order to learn proper care of the surgical drains and to feel comfortable walking or moving. Walking is encouraged as soon as the day after surgery, and movements will become easier as your body heals and the drains are removed. However, excessive or forceful movement may hamper the healing process. Oral pain medications may be given to help control any post-operative discomfort. Usually you can assume normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take one to two years (or more) to see the full results from the body lift.

There will be scarring along incision lines. Your doctor will try to make these as small as possible. Some scars will always remain, but their appearance will diminish over time.