Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. As the body recuperates, the patient can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Medication can be prescribed to relieve any pain caused by the procedure. The stitches, in general, are dissolvable apart from those around the belly button which will be removed one week after the surgery.
Normal activities can generally be resumed within two weeks. A supportive abdominal garment is worn for several weeks after surgery.
It may take up to a year for the body to completely adapt to the new abdominal configuration. With proper diet and exercise, the striking results of the surgery will be long lasting.