Body Contouring Surgery Recovery

Mon 24th Mar 2025

Body Contouring Surgery after massive weight loss refers to a number of surgical procedures designed to effectively reconstruct an individual’s body and address the often-significant excess skin and its associated problems. When researching the recovery time for Body Contouring Surgery, it is essential to be aware that Body Contouring Surgery is tailored to the individual’s needs and the different procedures necessary have there own unique recovery course and timeline.

To learn more about individual recovery periods associated with each procedure

Whilst this article can be used as a guide for what timeline to expect to return to normal activities after Body Contouring Surgery, actors such as the patient’s age, genetics, diet & weight can affect the recovery timeline. During your initial consultation, Dr Dona will discuss the recovery timeline associated with the various procedures performed.

PROMOTING HEALING AFTER BODY CONTOURING SURGERY

Here are a few tips to promote healing during the initial recovery after your surgery.

Rest & Take Time Off Work

Give yourself ample time to recover by taking a few weeks off from work and daily responsibilities. Rest is crucial for healing, allowing your body to focus on tissue repair and reducing the risk of complications.

Arrange for Assistance

Ensure you have a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver available to drive you home after surgery and assist with daily tasks for at least the first few days, or ideally weeks. Simple activities like cooking, cleaning, and personal care may be challenging, so having extra help can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery.

Maintain a Nutritious Diet & Stay Hydrated
Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients supports tissue repair and speeds up the healing process. Avoid processed foods high in sodium, as they can contribute to swelling. Additionally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Avoid Blood Thinners

Avoid medications or supplements that can thin the blood (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal remedies) unless approved by your doctor. Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding complications and bruising.

THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER BODY CONTOURING SURGERY

When you wake up from surgery, depending on the surgery you’ve had, this is what you can expect:

You will wake up from surgery in a hospital bed with the head of the bed elevated and one or two pillows under your knees all designed to keep your hips in a flexed position. This is to ensure you have minimal tension on your surgical wounds and should be continued at home for the first 2 weeks – this is typical for all types of abdominoplasty surgery.
Two plastic tubes or drains are usually placed and exit just below your wounds on your left and right side – typical for many body contouring surgical procedures.
You will have a catheter in your bladder, so you don’t have to worry about getting up and trying to go to the toilet.
You have at least one drip in place to give you intravenous fluids and pain control medication and antibiotics.
You will also have nasal prongs or oxygen mask designed to give you supplemental oxygen.
You will be wearing compression garment (tight bodysuit). This will help control the swelling and reduce discomfort.

THE FIRST WEEK AFTER SURGERY

It is important to know that everyone has a different experience after surgery from negligible pain to significant discomfort.
The nurse or physiotherapist will help you out of bed the day after surgery.
Usually at your second day post-op we will remove all your drains, drips, and catheter.
After everything has been removed, you will be able to have a shower with assistance.
Gentle mobilisation at this stage is important to help prevent any post-operative complications. However, do not expect too much of yourself.
As you leave the hospital you will be provided with pain relief and prophylactic antibiotics – please continue to take as prescribed.
It is recommended that you have someone with you at home for at least the first week for general day-to-day care.

WHAT TO AVOID DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF RECOVERY

Avoid Strenuous Exercise – Refrain from engaging in intense physical activities, including running, weightlifting, and high-impact workouts, until you are fully healed. Overexertion can increase swelling, delay healing, and potentially lead to complications.

Limit Heavy Lifting & Bending Over – Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects, as these movements can put strain on your body and hinder the healing process. Give yourself ample time to recover before resuming such activities.

Refrain from Smoking & Alcohol Consumption – It is best to avoid smoking or consuming alcohol for at least a few weeks following the treatment. Smoking can impair blood circulation and slow down the healing process, while alcohol may contribute to swelling, dehydration, and potential interactions with prescribed medications.

Avoid Water Immersion – Steer clear of baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas during the initial healing period. Exposure to water can increase the risk of infection and interfere with the recovery process. Instead, opt for gentle showers while ensuring the treated area remains clean and dry.

postoperative, all of your surgical wounds should have healed up, which means that you can shower and bathe without concern for getting the incision site wet.

SLEEPING – when you are home it is best to be sleeping on your back and using pillows under your knees and/or upper body to maintain a gentle flexion of the hips. Ultimately, you will sleep in whatever position is comfortable with the least tension on your wounds. You may need assistance getting up and down for the first few days.

DRIVING – You should not consider driving for the first 2 weeks after surgery. After this time, you should only drive if you feel safe doing so.

RETURNING TO WORK – You will be able to return to a light office or desk work environment at the 3-week post-op. Light hospitality work may be possible at 4 weeks post-op. Any employment that involves heavy lifting or straining must be avoided for 6 weeks.

RETURNING TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES – At 6 weeks post-surgery you can gradually return to normal training and physical activities.

Consider the first 6 weeks after surgery as RECOVERY, and after 6 weeks consider all activities as REHABILITATION. Undertake any physical activities that you wish to do and be guided by your comfort and strength which will slowly improve.

WHEN WILL YOU FEEL BACK TO NORMAL – It will take at least 6 months before you are feeling “normal” and able to do all the things you could before surgery.

GARMENT – You will need to wear your garment for a minimum of six weeks. However, many patients will find benefit in wearing the garment and/or binder for several months to help control the swelling which will take many months to settle.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY – You can return to sexual activity at any stage with the following understanding:

You should avoid any activities that increase your heart rate and blood pressure during the first couple of weeks as this can increase the risk of swelling or bleeding problems.
Your wounds and abdominal region should not be firmly handled or vigorously manipulated for the first six weeks.
If you engage in sexual activity during the first six weeks, you need to take on a very passive role.
Remember that you should not undertake any physical activities where you need to strain, exert, or activate your core muscles for the first six weeks.

CLINIC APPOINTMENTS – You will be required to be seen for regular post op checks for at least the first 6 months after surgery. Follow-up appointments will be shared between the practice nurses and Dr Eddy Dona.

SCARS FROM BODY CONTOURING SURGERY

As with all surgical procedures, there will be scars where incisions are made during surgery. As part of your post-operative care, we incorporate advanced light-based therapy to enhance and accelerate your wound healing process.

Light therapy promotes the healing cells responsible for tissue repair and collagen production, helping your surgical scars mature at a much faster rate. This treatment reduces inflammation, minimises discomfort, and improves overall scar appearance. The result is a smoother, more refined scar formation with less discoloration and improved texture.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF BODY CONTOURING SURGERY

Whilst the potential risks and complications associated with Body Contouring Surgery will vary based on which procedures are performed in your surgery, a list of general risks has been included below. During your consultation, Dr Dona will discuss the various risks and complications associated with your surgery.

One of the key reasons why you need to attend all your post-operative appointments, and be fully compliant with all your pre and post-operative instructions, is so that you do not cause any complications and give yourself the best chance of a smooth recovery.

General Surgery Risks

Anaesthetic issues – Potential effects on heart, lungs, or brain, including allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and blood pressure problems.
Blood clots (DVT & PE) – Risk of deep vein thrombosis, which can spread to the lungs and be life-threatening.
Infection – Redness, swelling, pain, pus formation, and wound breakdown requiring treatment.
Wound healing problems – Includes wound dehiscence (wound reopening) and tissue necrosis (death of skin, fat, or muscle).
Bleeding & hematoma – Blood accumulation under the skin, sometimes requiring surgical drainage or blood transfusions

Post-Surgical Complications

Pain – Varies in intensity and duration; may indicate complications if severe or increasing.
Bruising & swelling – Common post-surgery; excessive swelling may indicate issues.
Seroma formation – Fluid accumulation under the skin, often requiring drainage.
Scarring – Potential for excessive, hypertrophic, or keloid scarring.
Nerve damage – Temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, heightened sensitivity, or rare muscle weakness.

Aesthetic & Functional Risks

Asymmetry & contour irregularities – Uneven results requiring revision surgery.
Undesirable aesthetic outcome – Results may not meet expectations due to surgical limitations or anatomical factors.
Need for further surgery – Additional procedures may be required for correction or enhancement.

Severe Risks (Rare but Possible)

Severe allergic reactions – Can be life-threatening.
Organ complications – Heart, lung, or brain issues due to surgery or anaesthesia.
Death – Extremely rare but possible with any anaesthetic.

Dr Eddy Dona

Dr Eddy Dona (FRACS) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Sydney, and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Following his medical degree at the University of Sydney in 1996, Dr Dona then began a further 11 years of intensive training to become a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Since starting private practice in 2007, Dr Dona has had patients from all over Australia seeking his expertise and specialist management. Dr Dona’s practice has grown and become heavily focused on breast and body reconstructive procedures, especially after massive weight loss including post-pregnancy. Despite running a busy private practice, Dr Dona spent the first 15 years of his specialist practice dedicating part of his time to one of Sydney’s largest teaching public hospitals, including training future plastic surgeons. This was where Dr Dona was often required to reconstruct the bodies of those affected by trauma and cancer.