Week 6 Post-Op

Freedom and Progress

Week 6 marks a transformative point in your recovery. The compression garment that's been your constant companion can finally come off (with your surgeon's approval). You can stand fully upright without discomfort. Exercise can gradually resume. For many patients, this is when recovery truly feels like it's behind them.

While swelling and final results still have months to go, you're now able to live a largely normal life.

Stopping Compression Garment

After approximately 6 weeks of continuous wear, you can typically stop wearing your compression garment:

Transition Process

• Get surgeon's approval first - timing varies by individual healing
• Wean off gradually - some patients prefer to wear it at night for another week or two
• Your first day without it will feel strange - you may feel "unsupported"
• Swelling may temporarily increase when you first stop - this is normal
• Some patients choose to wear during exercise for extra support
• High-waisted shapewear can be worn for comfort if desired (not medical compression)

What to Expect

• Clothing will fit differently without compression
• You'll notice swelling fluctuations more without the garment
• Skin may feel sensitive to fabric initially
• More freedom in clothing choices

Posture and Movement

By 6 weeks, you should be able to:

• Stand fully upright - the hunched posture is finally over
• Walk normally - full stride, no shuffling
• Get in/out of bed easily - can use core muscles without discomfort
• Bend at the waist - though deep bending may still feel tight
• Reach overhead - without pulling sensation
• Sleep in any position - side, back, even stomach (though many find back most comfortable)

Resuming Exercise

Exercise can gradually resume, but proper progression is crucial to avoid complications:

Weeks 6-8: Low-Impact Cardio

• Walking - increase to 30-45 minutes at brisk pace
• Stationary cycling - low resistance, upright position
• Elliptical machine - low intensity
• Swimming - gentle strokes (if incision is fully healed and approved)
• Yoga - gentle, restorative classes (avoid poses that engage core heavily)

What to Avoid Until 12 Weeks

• No core exercises - planks, crunches, sit-ups, leg raises
• No heavy lifting - weights over 20 pounds
• No high-impact activities - running, jumping, HIIT
• No twisting motions - golf, tennis serve

Exercise Guidelines

• Start slowly - 20-30% of your pre-surgery intensity
• Progressive overload - gradually increase duration and intensity
• Listen to your body - pain, pulling, or swelling means you're doing too much
• Stay hydrated - even more important during healing
• Wear supportive clothing - high-waisted leggings or compression can feel good

Return to Full Activities

You can now resume most normal activities:

Work

• Full return to office work
• Can work full-time hours
• Physical jobs may require another few weeks (consult surgeon)

Daily Life

• All household chores (vacuuming, laundry, cooking)
• Driving without restrictions
• Lifting children (within reason - no repeated heavy lifting)
• Shopping, errands, social activities
• Sexual activity (with surgeon approval)

Travel

• Air travel is generally safe
• Wear compression socks for flights to prevent blood clots
• Walk around cabin every hour
• Stay hydrated

Swelling Patterns

Understanding swelling helps manage expectations:

• Significant swelling remains - you're only seeing about 60-70% of final results
• Daily fluctuations normal - flatter in morning, swollen by evening
• Hormonal changes affect swelling - worse during menstrual cycle
• Salt intake matters - high sodium increases fluid retention
• Exercise temporarily increases swelling - this is normal inflammation
• Takes 6-12 months to fully resolve - patience is essential

Scar Care

At 6 weeks, you can begin active scar management:

Scar Massage

• Wait for surgeon's approval - incision must be fully closed
• Use silicone gel or vitamin E oil
• Massage 2-3 times daily for 5-10 minutes
• Firm pressure in circular motions along and across scar
• Helps flatten and soften scar tissue

Silicone Scar Sheets

• Medical-grade silicone sheets or gel
• Wear 12-24 hours daily
• Clinically proven to improve scar appearance
• Continue for 3-6 months

Sun Protection

• Critical for first 12-18 months
• SPF 50+ sunscreen over scar if exposed
• Cover with clothing when possible
• UV exposure permanently darkens scars

Incision Appearance

At 6 weeks, your scar will still be quite visible:

• Red or pink in color
• Raised and firm
• May be slightly wider in some areas
• Could be itchy (sign of healing)

This is completely normal. Scars take 12-18 months to fully mature and fade. What you see now is not the final result.

Numbness and Sensation

• Widespread numbness is normal - across lower abdomen and possibly upper thighs
• Sensation returns gradually - can take 6-12 months, sometimes longer
• Tingling or "pins and needles" - indicates nerve regeneration
• Some permanent numbness possible - especially near incision line
• Hypersensitivity in some areas - fabric may feel uncomfortable

6-Week Follow-Up Appointment

You'll likely have a follow-up around this time:

• Assessment of healing progress
• Clearance to stop compression garment
• Exercise restrictions reviewed
• Scar care instructions provided
• Questions answered
• Photos taken for records

Looking Ahead

From here to final results:

• 3 months: Can begin core exercises and more intense activity
• 6 months: Most swelling resolved, contour clearly visible
• 12 months: Final results, scar fading significantly
• 18 months: Scar maturation complete