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After Surgery
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Surgery Rehabilitation

After Surgery

Understanding potential side effects and complications is essential for a smooth recovery following any surgical procedure.

After any operation, you'll have some side effects. There is usually some pain with surgery. There may also be swelling and soreness around the area that the surgeon cut. Your surgeon can tell you which side effects to expect.

Complications

There can also be complications. These are unplanned events linked to the operation. Some complications are infection, too much bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, or accidental injury. Some people have a greater risk of complications because of other medical conditions.

Recovery and Planning

Your surgeon can tell you how you might feel and what you will be able to do - or not do - the first few days, weeks, or months after surgery. Some other questions to ask are:

  • How long you will be in the hospital
  • What kind of supplies, equipment, and help you might need when you go home
  • When you can go back to work
  • When it is ok to start exercising again
  • Are there any other restrictions in your activities

Following your surgeon's advice can help you recover as soon as possible.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Frequently Asked Questions

Dietary recommendations vary greatly depending on the type of surgery you had. Generally, it's advised to start with bland, easily digestible foods and gradually reintroduce your normal diet as tolerated. Staying well-hydrated is important. Your doctor may recommend avoiding heavy, fatty, or spicy foods, and increasing fiber intake to prevent constipation, which can be a common side effect of pain medication. Always follow your surgeon's specific dietary instructions.
Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort. Take it as directed and do not wait for pain to become severe before taking it. You can also use non-pharmacological methods like applying ice packs (if advised by your doctor) to reduce swelling, resting in a comfortable position, and avoiding strenuous activities. Ensure you get adequate rest and follow all activity restrictions.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on when you can shower or bathe. Often, you may be able to shower within 24-48 hours, but you might need to keep the incision site dry or covered. Avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools until your incision is fully healed and your doctor gives approval. Keep the incision clean and dry, and watch for any signs of infection like increased redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience a fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C), increasing pain that isn't relieved by medication, excessive bleeding, redness, swelling, or pus at the incision site. Seek emergency care for severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden severe headache, or loss of consciousness. Always follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your surgical team.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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