Swelling, redness, and some pain after surgery are normal. Your body starts an inflammatory response right away to heal the tissue. That reaction helps repair damage, but it can also slow you down and make recovery uncomfortable. Know what’s normal, what isn’t, and simple steps you can take to speed healing without making things worse.
Normal signs: mild to moderate swelling that peaks in the first 48–72 hours, warmth around the incision, and dull pain that responds to your prescribed meds. These usually improve day by day. Concerning signs: rising fever above 100.4°F (38°C), spreading redness beyond the incision, increasing or sharp pain, foul drainage or pus, the wound opening, or new shortness of breath. If you notice any of those, contact your surgeon right away.
Also watch for blood clots after limb or pelvic surgery. Sudden calf swelling, severe calf pain, or unexplained shortness of breath can mean a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism — call emergency services if that happens.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions first. Beyond that, these simple actions make a real difference:
- Use ice for the first 48–72 hours to cut swelling. Apply 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours with a thin cloth between skin and ice.
- After 72 hours, gentle heat can help loosen stiffness and boost blood flow. Don’t use heat if the area is very red or draining.
- Elevate the operated area when possible. Gravity helps fluid drain away and reduces swelling fast.
- Stay moving. Short, frequent walks prevent stiffness and lower clot risk. Avoid strenuous lifting until your surgeon clears you.
- Take pain meds as directed. NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce inflammation and pain for most people. If your doctor advises avoiding NSAIDs (some surgeries or medical conditions require caution), use alternatives they recommend.
- Keep the incision clean and dry. Follow wound-care steps your team gave you and avoid baths, pools, or hot tubs until healed.
- Eat to heal: protein, vitamin C (fruits, peppers), and zinc (nuts, meat) support tissue repair. Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol — both slow healing and raise infection risk.
- Compression garments help with swelling for some procedures (abdominal, limb, breast surgeries). Use them only if prescribed and fit them correctly.
If inflammation stays high beyond a week, or if your recovery stalls, call your clinic. Small changes early often prevent bigger problems later. Recovery doesn’t have to be painful or confusing — clear steps and quick action get you back to normal faster.
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