The first days after your abdominoplasty. Focus on rest, pain management, and gentle movement while your body begins to heal.
You've Made It Through Surgery
Congratulations on completing your surgery. The first few days will be the most challenging part of your recovery, but remember - this discomfort is temporary. Every day forward brings improvement.
Right now, your body is working hard to heal. Your job is to rest, follow instructions, and be patient with yourself.
What You're Experiencing
It's completely normal to experience the following in the first 48 hours:
Physical Sensations
Significant tightness across your abdomen - this is from the muscle repair and skin tightening. It will gradually ease.
Unable to stand upright - you'll need to walk bent forward at approximately 45 degrees. Don't force yourself to stand straight.
Soreness and discomfort - especially when moving. This is expected and manageable with pain medication.
Swelling - your abdomen will be swollen and may feel hard. This is normal inflammation.
Fatigue - anaesthesia and surgery are exhausting. Rest is essential.
Nausea - from anaesthesia. This usually passes within 24-48 hours.
Drains
You'll likely have 1-2 surgical drains in place to remove excess fluid. While they're annoying, they're crucial for preventing fluid accumulation and promoting healing.
Drains typically stay in for 7-14 days
They may feel pulling or tugging when you move - this is normal
Your surgical team will show you how to empty and measure the fluid
Keep them secured with safety pins to your clothing or a lanyard around your neck
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Contact your surgical team immediately if you experience:
Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
Excessive bleeding or sudden increase in drain output
Foul-smelling drainage
Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication
Redness, heat, or separation of incision
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Calf pain or swelling (could indicate blood clot)
Walking and Movement
Although it feels counterintuitive, gentle walking is one of the most important things you can do:
Why Walking Matters
Prevents blood clots (the most serious post-operative risk)
Reduces swelling
Prevents lung complications
Aids healing by promoting circulation
How to Walk Properly
Walk bent forward at approximately 45 degrees - do NOT try to stand straight
Take slow, shuffling steps - there's no rush
Walk every 2-3 hours during the day - even just to the bathroom or around the room
Use a walker or have support if feeling unsteady
Gradually increase distance - start with just a few steps
Pro Tip
When getting up from lying down, roll to your side first, then use your arms to push yourself up to sitting. Reverse the process when lying back down. NEVER use your abdominal muscles to sit up directly from lying flat.
Pain Management
Proper pain control is essential for healing and being able to move safely:
Take pain medication as prescribed - don't wait until pain becomes severe
Stay ahead of pain - it's easier to prevent pain than to treat severe pain
Set alarms for medication times, especially at night
Take medications with food to prevent nausea (unless directed otherwise)
Don't exceed prescribed doses - more is not better
Compression Garment
You'll be wearing your compression garment 24/7 (except when showering, once permitted):
It reduces swelling and supports healing tissues
It holds your drains in place
It should feel snug but not painfully tight
You may need help getting it on and off
You'll wear it for approximately 6 weeks
Sleeping Position
Sleep elevated at 45 degrees with knees bent
A recliner is ideal for the first 1-2 weeks
If using a bed, prop yourself up with multiple pillows behind your back and under your knees
Don't sleep flat - this increases swelling and pulls on incisions
Eating and Drinking
Start with light, easy-to-digest foods - soup, toast, crackers
Gradually return to normal diet as nausea subsides
Fiber is essential - pain medications cause constipation
Take stool softeners as recommended to prevent straining
Wound Care
Keep dressings dry and intact - don't remove them unless instructed
No showering until your surgeon gives permission (usually after drains are out)
Sponge bath only - keep surgical area dry
Watch for signs of infection - increased redness, warmth, pus, or foul smell
What NOT to Do
Don't try to stand up straight - this puts tension on your incision
Don't lift anything over 10 pounds - including children, pets, shopping bags
Don't drive - you're on pain medication and can't react quickly
Don't reach overhead - this stretches your abdomen
Don't shower until cleared by your surgeon
Don't remove your compression garment except as directed
Don't smoke - this severely impairs healing
Drain Management
Your caregiver should help with drain care:
Empty drains 2-3 times daily or when half full
Measure and record output - bring this log to your follow-up appointment
Fluid color - usually bloody initially, becoming pinkish-yellow. This is normal.
Keep drain sites clean and dry
Secure drains to prevent pulling or snagging
This is Temporary
Day 2-3 is often the most uncomfortable period. By day 4-5, many patients notice significant improvement. Stay positive, follow your care instructions, and remember that every day brings you closer to your final results.