Post surgery
Recovery is different for every patient and every procedure. This page sets out general guidance for the period after surgery — Dr. Anavekar will give you specific instructions for your procedure before you leave hospital.
The first few days
Rest, pain control and protecting the surgical site are the priority early on. Discomfort is usually most noticeable in this period and is managed with the medication provided. Swelling and bruising are normal and often peak a few days after surgery rather than immediately.
Wound care
Follow the dressing and wound care instructions you are given exactly, including when dressings can be removed or changed. Keep the area clean and dry unless told otherwise, and avoid submerging healing wounds (baths, swimming) until cleared.
Activity and returning to daily life
Activity is increased gradually. Specific restrictions — lifting, exercise, driving — depend on your procedure, and Dr. Anavekar will give you guidance tailored to your surgery. These limits exist to protect your result and reduce the risk of complications.
When to contact us
Contact us if you experience:
- Increasing pain, rather than pain that is gradually improving
- Fever
- Spreading redness around a wound
- Unusual discharge or odour from a wound
- Significant swelling on one side only
- Anything that simply feels wrong to you
We would rather review something that turns out to be nothing than have you wait at home concerned. In your surgery paperwork there are instructions on what to do if you need to contact Dr. Anavekar after hours.
In the case of serious concerns about your wound or general health, you should always attend your nearest Emergency Department.
The longer recovery
Swelling can take weeks or months to fully settle, and this varies by procedure. Scars typically continue to mature and soften for twelve to eighteen months. Judging your result too early is a common source of unnecessary worry.
Recovery is rarely a straight line. It is common to have days that feel like a step backwards, and some patients feel low at some point during recovery — this is common and usually passes. If it persists, please raise it with us or your GP.
Follow-up appointments
Standard post-operative reviews are included as part of your care. Attending these as scheduled allows any concerns to be picked up early.
This page is general information only and does not replace instructions given to you directly by Dr. Anavekar or the clinical team.
Questions about your recovery?
Our team can help you understand what to expect and when to reach out.