Making good recovery.

Clothing: For the first 48 hours after surgery, you will wear double compression support hose both day and night: light, easily applied support pantyhose, with heavier compression pantyhose or compression stockings over top. You will be able to shower again from the second day onwards.

You should avoid having any warm baths in a sitting position for the first six weeks following surgery. After about 10-14 days, the stitches and dressings will be removed. From then on, you only have to wear compression stockings during the day.

Rest

For the first 10 days after surgery, you are advised to take a longer lunch break of about two hours.You should avoid long-haul flights for the first six weeks after the operation. There have been repeated reports in the media about the dangers of air travel-related deep vein thrombosis.

Sport

You should refrain from playing any sport for four weeks. Walk frequently, but sit or stand for short periods only.

Thrombosis protection

As a first line of defence, support and compression stockings offer first-rate protection. You will also be prescribed some blood-thinning medication.

Sun protection

The scars must be protected from UV rays (sun and solarium) for a six-month period.