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Medical Author:

Gregory Caputy, MD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Recuperating from extensive surgical procedures can take time. Most people remain in the hospital for 24-48 hours after the surgery. Walking is important on the day of surgery. Sutures generally dissolve or are removed after a few days, and drains (if used) are usually removed after one to three weeks. Many surgeons advise using compression garments to improve long-term contour. Physical therapy may be necessary for help with return to full activities in this patient population after extensive procedures, especially those involving the arms.

After a high lateral tension abdominoplasty or inner thigh lift, it's usually a few days until the person can walk normally, a few weeks until the person is able to carry 10-15 pounds, and a few months before full or vigorous activity is possible. This is in contrast to liposuction, for which return to full activity is often measured in days.