Anesthesia: General.

Location of operation: Hospital.

Length of surgery: 3-5 hours.

Length of stay: 1 night.

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

Swelling: Improves in 2-4 weeks.

Bandages: Removed in 2-4 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 7-10 days.

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

Presentable in a bathing suit: 2-4 weeks. Be certain to wear sunscreen (SPF 15-40) for at least one year on any scars that may be exposed to sun.

Work: You will be able to return to work in 2-3 weeks, if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication. If your job requires lifting, you should wait 6 weeks.

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

Exercise: May be resumed in 6 weeks.

Final result: Will be seen after scar maturation, approximately 1 year.