Firstly, correctly preparing for cosmetic surgery is essential
Taking the time to get mentally and physically ready can make a significant difference in ensuring a successful healing process. Tasks that are manageable before your procedure may become difficult during recovery. Before your surgery, it’s helpful to pack in advance, set up a comfortable space where you can rest, prepare meals, and arrange for a dependable caregiver who can also drive you home following your procedure.
Returning to work
As the initial recovery period takes at least six weeks, we advise that you take at least a week off work following cosmetic surgery. This can vary depending on the type of procedure you’ve had. For example, for a breast lift, it’s recommended that you take two weeks off work as the incisions tend to be larger than for a breast enlargement.
Taking at least a week off work will allow you to fully rest and recover while allowing your incisions to begin healing, preventing tearing.
For more information, take a look at our guide to returning to work following breast surgery.
Eating and drinking after surgery
When it comes to your diet, the less salt you eat, the better. Wash down any salt you do eat with plenty of water. Eating lots of Protein-rich food will help your body repair damaged tissue, and having lots of fruit and veg will ensure you get the nutrients to reduce inflammation and regenerate collagen.
Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2-4 weeks after the procedure, as this may affect the length of your recovery.
Medication
You may be given a course of antibiotics after surgery, which can be taken either orally, topically, or injected, but this will vary depending on the medication. It is essential that you complete the entire course of antibiotics even if you feel better, unless advised not to by a healthcare professional.
After surgery, you may experience some pain or discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. Your nursing team will provide you with the best option of painkillers for your symptoms. The hospital will provide you with up to 5 days’ worth of codeine, but you may benefit from some mild or moderate painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen when you return home (take paracetamol every 4 hours and ibuprofen every 6 hours). If you require any more strong painkillers, you will need to return to the clinic/hospital for a pain assessment or contact your local GP. However, if you do not feel any discomfort, then please do not take the pain relief medication; only take the antibiotics prescribed.
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Removing surgical drains
For some cosmetic procedures, you may have surgical drains placed in your incision area to prevent fluids from collecting in the wound after your procedure. These can be left in for up to 7 days if we feel this is required. The morning after surgery, we often ask patients to return to the hospital to have their drains checked. If it has drained less than 30mls, the drains can often be removed.
Wearing a surgical drain might feel uncomfortable, but it is a key part of the healing process for many body procedures. If a patient is sent home with the drains, the surgical team will instruct you on how best to care for your wound and drain. This involves cleaning the site, changing the dressing, and emptying the system drains when full. It is your surgical team’s responsibility to take out your drains, do not attempt to do this yourself at home.
Surgical garment care
Proper care of your post-operative garments is essential for protecting surgical sites, minimising complications, and achieving the best possible results. In the early stages of recovery, you’ll likely be wearing a combination of surgical dressings, bandages, and compression garments. Right after your procedure, your surgical team will apply sterile dressings and protective bandages to cover incisions and reduce the risk of infection.
Your surgeon may recommend switching to or adding a compression garment to aid with swelling and support. These garments are commonly used after procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, breast augmentations, and facelifts.
If you have been given a garment, it needs to be worn for up to 6 weeks (check with your surgeon, as instructions may be different). It is not to be removed without instruction or without you having your own (self-purchased) spare to replace it with.
Taking proper care of your surgical and compression garments supports your body’s natural healing and ensures the best cosmetic outcome. Be patient, follow your surgeon’s instructions closely, and treat this phase with the same attention as your procedure itself.
Surgery scarring and incisions
Scarring is unavoidable after cosmetic surgery, but looking after the incision after surgery is key in the healing process. For the first few weeks after surgery, you can gently wash the area around the scar with mild soap and water. To help your scars heal, you can also massage the scar twice daily using water-based cream to soften the scar tissue. It will take about 12 months for a scar to fade fully, but keeping the site clean will improve results and speed up your recovery.
Our experienced surgeons use techniques to minimise scarring as much as they can, but proper aftercare is essential in minimising their appearance. Read more about how you can reduce scarring after breast surgery.
Follow-up appointments after your cosmetic procedure
Attending your post-operative appointments is essential to ensure proper healing and achieve the best possible results from your surgery. These appointments are scheduled specifically for you and are important for wound care, suture removal, and monitoring your recovery.
Your surgeon will tailor the follow-up schedule based on the procedure performed. For example, rhinoplasty patients typically require a nurse appointment between day 4 and day 10, with further check-ups in the following months for continued care and advice.
You are usually seen for a face-to-face appointment around day 7. You may need to attend appointments at approximately days 30 and 90 post-surgery (3 to 6 months), or more frequently if required. Adhering to all post-operative instructions and attending scheduled visits helps prevent complications and supports the outcome you and your surgeon are aiming for. Missing appointments or failing to follow care guidelines may compromise your recovery and affect your aftercare.
At Enhance Medical, 12 months of fully comprehensive aftercare, including follow-up appointments, is included in your quoted cosmetic surgery price.
Returning to activities
Returning to physical activity after cosmetic surgery is a gradual process that will take time and patience. The type of procedure you’ve had (face or body) will determine how soon you can return to activity:
- Always follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions.
- Listen to your body—pain, swelling, or fatigue are signs to slow down.
- Wear any recommended support garments during activity.
- Avoid exercises that stretch or strain the surgical area prematurely.
- Prioritise rest and recovery as part of your overall healing.
If you’ve had facial surgery, whether that be a rhinoplasty, facelift, or a blepharoplasty, it is important to take extra care and precautions to protect the healing areas. Returning to exercise too soon can caused increased pain and swelling, disrupting your recovery. By weeks 6-12 of your recovery, you can begin gradually reintroducing normal exercise, but it’s essential to build up slowly and avoid any high-impact movements. Avoid sports and activities that may include facial contact for at least 8 weeks, for example, martial arts, football, and skiing, to prevent trauma to the healing area. You will be able to return to all normal activities up to a year after your procedure.
For body surgeries, rest and controlled movement is key in the early stages of recovery. Like facial surgery, it is recommended to avoid any sports or activities in the first few weeks after your procedure to prevent bleeding or disruption to the internal sutures/stitches. Light walking is highly recommended, during the first few weeks, 3,500 steps a day is a good threshold to try and achieve. Begin with short walks and gradually increase the duration and frequency when you feel able to. Around weeks 6-12, you can begin light cardio, depending on your surgeon’s advice. By week 12, most patients can safely return to their full pre-surgery workout routines.
Patience is essential during this period. Pushing yourself too hard or too soon can compromise your results and prolong recovery. A gradual return to movement will help protect the progress you’ve made. For more information, read our guide to exercising after breast surgery.
Common challenges during cosmetic surgery recovery
Recovering from cosmetic surgery takes time, no matter the type of procedure. Being aware of the potential challenges you may face can help you prepare both physically and mentally for the healing process. Common post-operative symptoms include:
- Physical discomfort
- Numbness
- Swelling and bruising
- Limited mobility
- Fatigue
- Constipation
These symptoms are usually temporary and part of the normal recovery process. However, if you experience severe pain or discomfort, or anything that concerns you, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
For general concerns or advice, our clinical team is here to help on 08000608628 – or you can call NHS 111 for any additional support.
Read Our In-Depth Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Guides
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Cosmetic Surgery Recovery FAQs
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How long does it take to recover from breast surgery?
After 6 weeks, swelling should have significantly reduced, and incisions began to heal. By 12 weeks, you should be completely healed and fully recovered. This can vary person to person. It can take up to 12 months to completely heal and see the final results.
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Is it normal to have pain/swelling/bruising after breast surgery?
Yes, patients should expect to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising around the chest area in the first week following breast surgery. Any pain should be manageable with prescription medication and should reduce after the first 2 weeks. By week 6, swelling and bruising should have significantly reduced.
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Can I go on holiday after surgery?
Patients must avoid all flights (including short haul & domestic) for 4 weeks after discharge due to an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may be doubled during this period. For long-haul flights, we recommend waiting until 6 weeks post op. This will vary depending on your type of surgery, but you may have to wait slightly longer. It is always worth checking with your clinical team beforehand if you are looking to fly. If you do travel, please use the TED stockings or compression flight socks, especially if your surgery was recent or if it is a flight longer than 3 hours.
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Is aftercare included in my payment package?
At Enhance Medical, fully comprehensive post-operative aftercare for 12 months is fully inclusive of your surgery price.
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What if I can’t make a post-op appointment?
It is important that you contact us immediately so that we can help reschedule your appointment or provide alternative options.
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When can I shower after my surgery?
Most patients can shower within 24 hours if their dressings do not get wet, but this will vary for procedure. Your surgeon and clinical team will advise you on this.
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What do I do if I have taken my dressings off?
You will be advised to not remove your own surgical dressings. If you accidently remove your dressings too early, then you will need to reapply a new dressing. Before touching the wound, wash your hands thorough with soap and water to avoid infections, then make sure the wound is clean and dry before you re-apply. If you have any concerns about the wound, contact your doctor or a hospital immediately.
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What should I do if I am concerned about my wound?
If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain or drainage then contact your doctor or the hospital immediately. If you want further advice on next steps, contact your GP or NHS 111.
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What if I am still feeling pain from the surgery after 2 weeks?
It is normal to feel pain straight after surgery, but this will subside over coming weeks. For body surgeries such as breast augmentation or liposuction, mild or moderate pain is normal during the initial recovery period. Sever or worsening pain during this time could indicate a complication such as infection or nerve damage, so it is important to seek medical advice if you are concerned.
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