What can I expect afterward?

For a day or two, you can expect to feel tired, as though your body has been through a workout and it has! Your hips and legs will be stiff and store, and you may experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding or temporary numbness. Your doctor can prescribe medication to relieve this initial discomfort.

Sometimes a small drainage tube is inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid. Your doctor 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.