How will I look and feel right after surgery?

When surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area. In many cases, small drainage tubes will have been placed beneath the skin to help prevent fluids from accumulating. Any discomfort you may feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Barnthouse. Dressings may be applied to your abdomen and covered with tape or an elastic bandage.

Although you may not be able to stand perfectly straight at first, you will be encouraged to get out of bed soon after surgery to promote blood circulation. In this early phase of healing, straining, bending and lifting should be avoided. Dr. Barnthouse may instruct you to sleep on your back with your knees up.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:

Within the first week

• surgical drainage tubes will be removed
• sutures will be removed (may take 10 days)
• bruising and swelling will reach its peak.