After the surgery you will be expected to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Your chest may be swollen and hurt for 6 weeks. Your doctor will probably take out your stitches 1-2 weeks after surgery. You should avoid strenuous activity until the doctor says it’s fine. Although, you should try to start walking a bit to get back into regular life.

Do not smoke or allow other people to smoke around you.

 In some cases, you will need to take your spirometer with you to help expand your lungs.

You may have to go through pulmonary rehabilitation to help you breathe easily.

Typically, patients can drive 3-6 weeks post-surgery. Some insurance policies have specific requirements over when to resume driving.