The first week after a back lift: practical tips from the clinic

Days 1–2

You wake in the compression vest. Walk the same evening, short laps with support. Tightness across the back is the sensation; take analgesics on schedule rather than when it hurts. Sleep on your back with pillows under the knees or on your side. Drains, if present, are checked and emptied by the team.

Days 3–5

Daily clinic visits: wound check, garment adjustment, drain removal when output falls. Shower from 48 hours with the dressings covered; pat dry, no rubbing. Walk every hour you're awake. Eat protein-rich meals and drink water; constipation from analgesics is prevented, not treated. Front-opening tops only; someone else fastens the vest.

Days 6–7

Final check and fit-to-fly. Bruising may drift into the flanks — normal. The scar is pink and tight; itching begins as nerves stir. Pack with help, wheeled case, airport assistance booked.

The habits that protect the closure

Arms below shoulder height; no reaching behind (use a long-handled sponge and a front-fastening bra later); no lifting above 3–5 kg; no twisting to look at the back in a mirror — use a phone photo instead; heat off numb skin. The full timeline takes over from week two.

Message the same day if

A soft swelling that grows, spreading redness or heat, fever, a wound edge opening, calf pain or breathlessness. Everything else is the recovery working.