Recovery is planned before your operation, not after it. This page sets out what to expect from the day of surgery to your 12-month review, what you can do and when, and the signs that mean you should call.
In short: Most patients are walking on the day of surgery. Wounds are closed with Prineo and Micropore dressings, which stay on for six weeks, and a compression garment is worn for six weeks. Desk-based work is usually possible from about two weeks after body contouring, most everyday activities return over the next four weeks, and most patients are cleared for full activity at 12 weeks. Dr Kumar and his nurses review you at 7 to 10 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months, and as often as you need in between, with no out-of-pocket fees for scheduled reviews in the first year, and their nurses provide ongoing contact and care throughout your recovery.
Recovery week by week
Every operation is different, and Dr Kumar will tailor this to your procedure. As a guide for body contouring:
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| In hospital | Day surgery, or one to four nights depending on the operation; abdominoplasty and body lift patients stay at least three nights. You are up and walking from the first day, with compression stockings and other measures to reduce the risk of clots. Your garment is fitted before you go home. |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Time off work. Tightness, swelling and bruising are expected. Short walks several times a day. Drains, where used, are removed by Dr Kumar’s nurses once the drainage has settled. First review at 7 to 10 days. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Most patients return to desk-based work from about two weeks, then gradually resume everyday activities over the next four weeks. No heavy lifting or straining. Drive only once you can do so comfortably and safely. |
| Week 6 | Prineo and Micropore dressings come off and the compression garment is no longer needed. Review with Dr Kumar and his nurses, and scar care begins. |
| Weeks 6 to 12 | Exercise and more physical work are built up progressively. Most patients are cleared for full activity at the 12-week review. |
| 3 to 12 months | Swelling settles and scars mature. Reviews at 6 months and 12 months. |
In hospital: pain relief, eating and preventing clots
Pain relief. Most patients manage with tablets. After larger operations you may also have pain relief through a drip, which you may control yourself, and this is weaned off so that you go home comfortable on tablets.
Antibiotics. For most procedures you are given antibiotics during your stay, and you may go home with a short course.
Eating. Most patients have a light meal after the operation and return to a normal diet the next day.
Preventing clots. Any operation carries a risk of blood clots in the legs, which can travel to the lungs. Compression devices are used during surgery, you wear compression stockings afterwards, and blood-thinning medicine is given where appropriate. The most important thing you can do yourself is to get up and walk early and often, from the day of your operation.
Dressings, drains and garments
- Dressings: wounds are closed with dissolving stitches and covered with Prineo and Micropore, which stay on for six weeks. You can shower after 48 hours. Pat the dressings dry afterwards, then use a hair dryer on a cool or low setting if needed so they are completely dry. The skin around the scars can be numb, so hold the dryer well away and use it carefully to avoid burns.
- Drains: used in most body contouring operations. Dr Kumar’s nurses remove them once the drainage has settled, and show you how to manage them at home in the meantime.
- Compression garment: worn for six weeks to control swelling and support healing. It is measured before surgery and fitted before you leave hospital.
- Sleeping: after surgery on the abdomen, sleep with your upper body raised and your knees bent for the first weeks.
Work, driving, lifting and exercise
| Activity | Body contouring after weight loss | Breast surgery and smaller body procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital stay | One to four nights; at least three after abdominoplasty or body lift | Usually day surgery or one night |
| Desk-based work | About two weeks; longer for physical roles | Usually one to two weeks; longer for physical roles |
| Driving | Once you can drive comfortably and safely, can turn and brake without pain, and are off strong pain relief | |
| Lifting | Nothing over 5 kg, and no reaching above shoulder height, for six weeks | |
| Compression garment | Six weeks | |
| Exercise | Walking from day one; gradual build-up from six weeks; full activity for most patients at 12 weeks | Walking from day one; gradual return from six weeks, guided at your 6-week review |
| Young children | No lifting them until cleared, particularly after abdominal surgery; arrange help at home for at least the first two to three weeks after larger operations | |
This is general guidance. Dr Kumar will tailor it to your operation and your circumstances.
When to call
Call Dr Kumar’s nurses on the number in your post-operative pack. They provide ongoing contact and care throughout your recovery, so call them if you notice:
- a temperature above 38°C, or feeling unwell with chills
- increasing pain, redness, heat or swelling around a wound
- bleeding that soaks through the dressing, or a wound that opens
- discharge that is cloudy or smells
- swelling that is much greater on one side, or a tense, fluid-filled area
- a sudden change in drain output, or blood-stained fluid that increases
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have chest pain, shortness of breath or you are coughing blood, or if you have pain, swelling or redness in one calf. These can be signs of a blood clot.
Scar care
Every operation leaves a scar. Dr Kumar places incisions where they are easiest to conceal, but how a scar settles also depends on your genetics, your skin and how the wound heals.
- From six weeks, once the dressings come off, Dr Kumar’s nurses show you how to start scar care, usually with silicone gel or sheets and massage.
- Sun protection matters for the whole first year: cover the scars or use SPF 50+, because sun exposure can darken them permanently.
- Scars mature over 12 months or longer, changing from pink and firm to paler and softer.
- If a scar thickens or becomes raised, as can happen with hypertrophic or keloid scarring, Dr Kumar will discuss further treatment, such as laser or other options, at your reviews.
Medicines, nicotine and nutrition after surgery
- Nicotine: none in any form, including vapes, patches and gum, for 8 weeks after body contouring after weight loss and 6 weeks after other procedures. Nicotine narrows the small blood vessels that keep the skin edges alive.
- Restarting medicines: blood thinners, diabetes and blood pressure medicines and supplements are restarted on a timed plan. Supplements usually restart from two weeks after surgery, checked at your first review. The details are in Your medicines before and after surgery (PDF).
- Nutrition: enough protein helps wounds heal, which is particularly important after bariatric surgery. Dr Kumar can refer you to an Accredited Practising Dietitian to support your recovery.
See preparing for your surgery for the weeks before your operation.
Your reviews, and support along the way
Scheduled reviews with Dr Kumar and his nurses are at 7 to 10 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months, and as often as you need in between. Scheduled reviews carry no out-of-pocket fees in the first year. Many patients are seen more often for dressings and drains. The nurses who prepare you for surgery are the same nurses who see you at every review, and you have a dedicated phone line to them for ongoing contact and care.
How you may feel
The build-up to surgery, the operation itself and finally having something done that you have thought about for a long time can bring mixed emotions. Feeling teary or low for a week or two afterwards is common, particularly while swelling and tightness hide the result, and it usually passes. If it lasts more than a few weeks, tell Dr Kumar or his nurses.
Common questions about recovery
When can I shower after surgery?
After 48 hours. Pat the Prineo and Micropore dressings dry afterwards, then use a hair dryer on a cool or low setting if needed so they are completely dry. The skin around the scars can be numb, so hold the dryer well away and use it carefully to avoid burns. Leave the dressings on until they are removed at six weeks.
How long do I wear the compression garment?
Six weeks. It is fitted before you leave hospital and controls swelling while you heal.
When can I go back to work?
After body contouring, most people return to desk-based work from about two weeks. Physical work takes longer, and Dr Kumar will advise you based on your role.
When can I drive?
Once you can drive comfortably and safely, turn and brake without pain, and are no longer taking strong pain relief. Check with your insurer, as some policies set their own conditions after surgery.
When can I exercise again?
Walking from the first day. Exercise is built up gradually from six weeks, and most patients are cleared for full activity at the 12-week review.
Are the follow-up appointments included?
Yes. Scheduled reviews for the first 12 months have no out-of-pocket fees. Extra dressing changes outside the schedule, or treatment beyond standard care, may attract a small fee.
Who do I call if I am worried after surgery?
Dr Kumar’s nurses, on the number in your post-operative pack. They provide ongoing contact and care for Dr Kumar’s patients. For chest pain, shortness of breath or a painful, swollen calf, call 000.
Is recovery quicker after breast surgery?
Usually. Most breast operations are day surgery or one night in hospital, and many people are back at a desk in one to two weeks. Lifting limits and the six-week garment still apply.
Is it normal to feel low after surgery?
Yes, for a week or two. If it lasts longer than a few weeks, tell Dr Kumar or his nurses.
Considering surgery?
Request a call from Dr Kumar’s team or call 1300 267 726. Before deciding on any operation, read the risks and considerations of surgery. Individual recovery varies.
About Dr Kumar
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) is an ANZBCPS Board Certified specialist plastic surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience. His main focus is body contouring after major weight loss, along with breast surgery and abdominoplasty. More about Dr Kumar.
