For a day or two, you can expect to feel tired, as though your body has been through a workout. Your legs will be stiff and sore, and you may experience some pain, a burning sensation, swelling, bleeding or temporary numbness. Sometimes a small drainage tube is inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid. Your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection at the incision sites.
Your stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days, unless they dissolve on their own. You will be fitted with a tight compression garment to be worn for up to six weeks after your surgery. This specially designed garment will help reduce pain and swelling and help your body settle into its new shape.
Most of the bruising and swelling should subside within three weeks. You should be able to return to work within a few days if your work is fairly sedentary. You should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks as your body heals, but within 6 weeks you should be able to resume all normal activities. It is important to continue wearing the compression garment (which should be easily hidden under your clothing) until your doctor tells you that it is no longer necessary.