Location of operation: Hospital or surgery center.

Length of surgery: 3-4 hours.

Length of stay: Overnight.

Discomfort: Moderate to severe. Anticipate 5-14 days of prescription pain medication.

Swelling and Bruising: Improves in 2 weeks.

Bandages: Removed in 1-7 days.

Stitches: Most plastic surgeons use absorbable stitches that are buried under the skin and never require removal. Nonabsorbable stitches will be visible outside the skin and will be removed in 5-7 days.

Drains: If drains are placed, they will be removed in 1-3 days.

Support: You will wear a sports bra or Ace wrap for 1-4 weeks. Avoid an underwire bra until your surgeon approves it.

Back to work: You may return to work in 3-7 days.

Driving: May be resumed in 2 weeks if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.

Exercise: May be resumed in 4-6 weeks.

Final result: Will be seen after the scars have matured, which will be about 6 months.