The external sutures are normally removed in ten to fourteen days. Drains will be left beneath the skin for several days to collect fluids. There will be swelling and it may be months before all subsides. Also, the patient may feel numbness in the surgical area. This too will take some time to disappear, usually six to twelve months. Discomfort and soreness in the tummy can be controlled with medication and the patient should expect to remain inactive for at least the first week and not plan on returning to work for at least two weeks. The patient should not lift anything over five pounds until advised otherwise, or walk erect for two weeks to protect the abdominal sutures. A restrictive garment, like a special girdle, must be worn to give support to the abdomen while stiches heal and to help contract to its new contour. The scars may appear to worsen in the first six weeks following surgery but they will begin to lighten and become less conspicuous a year later. They will never disappear completely. However, Abdominoplasty remains a popular operation for both men and women.