Day 21: Standing taller.

Days 1 to 3

Bent-waist and drain care

You will walk hunched forward and move slowly from bed to chair to bathroom. One to two drains are usually in place. Pain is most noticeable in the abdomen and lower back, which is compensating for your posture. Our team handles drain emptying, output measurement, and binder adjustment on schedule.

Days 4 to 7

Drains out, confidence in

Many patients have their drains removed between day 5 and day 10. Walking becomes easier; you begin to straighten gradually under your surgeon's supervision. Bruising starts to fade into yellow-green tones. Lymphatic drainage can typically begin by day 5 to 7 once incisions are stable.

Weeks 4 to 6

Scar management begins

Compression continues. Incisions are typically sealed enough to start silicone-based scar therapy, usually between weeks 4 and 6. Numbness across the lower abdomen is normal and resolves slowly over many months. Core work remains off-limits.

Months 2 to 6

Core restoration

Surgeons usually clear a gradual return to core-engaging exercise between months 2 and 3. Swelling continues to resolve for up to 6 months, and scars mature over 12 to 18 months. Patients who stay consistent with scar therapy, hydration, and graduated movement see the tightest, flattest final result.