What to Expect During Plastic Surgery Recovery
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If you’re thinking about plastic surgery, it’s completely natural to wonder how long it will take to recover — and what you can expect along the way. Whether you’re considering a facelift, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, recovery is a crucial part of your treatment journey.
Here at Antony Fitton Plastic Surgery Plymouth, our patients often ask:
- How long will I be off work?
- When will I look ‘normal’ again?
- How soon can I exercise or wear makeup?
- What should I do to heal faster?
This guide answers those key questions and gives you a clear idea of what recovery looks like – day-by-day, week-by-week.
Depending on the procedure, you may feel ready to move around gently within 24–48 hours.
🗓️ 1. What Happens Immediately After Surgery?
Most procedures are performed as day cases or involve one overnight stay. You’ll wake up in recovery feeling groggy and possibly a little sore. Your surgical site may be wrapped in a dressing or compression garment.
What to expect:
- You’ll be monitored for a few hours
- Pain will be managed with prescribed medication
- A responsible adult must escort you home
Depending on the procedure, you may feel ready to move around gently within 24–48 hours.
📅 2. The First Week: Rest, Swelling & Support
This is when swelling and bruising are at their peak. You’ll be advised to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity.
What to Expect:
- Swelling, tightness, or mild bruising
- Sleep may be propped upright (e.g. after facial surgery)
- Limited movement and no lifting (e.g. after tummy tuck or breast surgery)
Most patients say this week is manageable – discomfort is usually well-controlled with pain relief.
⇒ Get your step-by-step guide on ‘What to Expect During your Plastic Surgery Recovery’ [Download Your Free Guide]
🧍 3. Weeks 2–3: Starting to Feel More Like You Again
Bruising begins to fade, swelling starts to reduce, and energy levels improve.
You may:
- Return to light desk-based work (if cleared)
- Gently resume walking
- Feel more confident in public
Makeup can often be worn again after 10–14 days (check with Mr Fitton).
💼 4. Weeks 4–6: Return to Routine Activities
Most patients are back to work and normal routines by this point. Swelling continues to improve, and many start light gym activity (if approved). Scars may still be pink or firm but will continue to settle.
By now:
- You’ll start seeing early results
- You can drive, travel and socialise more freely
- Scar care (silicone gel or massage) may begin
⏳ 5. 3–6 Months: Final Results Take Shape
This is when things really come together.
- Swelling is mostly resolved
- Scars begin to fade
- Natural-looking results emerge
You may be invited for a follow-up appointment around the 3-month mark to review healing and satisfaction.
Top Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Follow your aftercare plan closely–This includes wound care, sleeping position, and activity limits
- Attend all follow-up appointments–Mr Fitton will check your healing and address any concerns
- Ask for help–Arrange support with childcare, transport and household tasks if needed
- Avoid smoking and alcohol–They can delay wound healing and increase risks
- Be patient with your body–Everyone heals differently–and your best results may take time
Why Recovery is Personal
Your recovery timeline depends on:
- The type and extent of your surgery
- Your age, health, and lifestyle
- Whether multiple procedures are done together
Mr Antony Fitton will provide a personalised recovery plan, including realistic timelines, activity advice, and support at every step.
⇒ Get your step-by-step guide on ‘What to Expect During your Plastic Surgery Recovery’ [Download Your Free Guide]
Thinking About Surgery?
We’re here to guide you — from consultation to convalescence. If you’re ready to explore your options, you can:
- Book a one-to-one consultation
- Ask us your recovery questions
- View before-and-after galleries during your appointment
Plastic surgery can be a life-changing decision, offering both cosmetic and functional benefits.
However, it is crucial to have accurate information and realistic expectations. Consulting with a certified and experienced plastic surgeon is the best course of action to ensure you receive personalised advice and clear answers to any queries.
– Educate Yourself: Research procedures thoroughly.
– Prepare for Recovery: Understand the time and effort needed for healing.
– Prioritise Your Safety: Choose reputable clinics and experienced professionals.
Ultimately, informed decision-making plays a vital role in achieving satisfactory results in any cosmetic procedure.
For a no-obligation quote
For a no-obligation quote, tailored specifically to you, please book in for your consultation with Mr Fitton. Your requirements will be discussed in full confidence in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Following your consultation, the price you are quoted includes everything and there are no extra or hidden costs. Advice, treatment and aftercare are all part of our package to ensure your experience is positive from beginning to end.
About your Plastic Surgeon: Mr Antony Fitton
MB, BS(hons)., MD., FRCS(eng)., FRCS(plast).
Mr Antony Fitton qualified at the Royal London Hospital in 1989 with distinction in Surgery. He holds an MB, BS(Hons)., MD., FRCS(eng). and FRCS(plast). (Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons).
He is a member of BAPRAS (British Association for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), BAAPS (British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), and BSSH (British Society for Surgery of the Hand).
Mr Fitton has received the Paton & Masser Award and the CM Matthews Award from the Royal College of Surgeons of England for his research in nerve injury.
Mr Fitton is licensed as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon by the GMC.
- 0% Finance Available
- Consultations and treatments are available at either the Nuffield Health Hospital, Plymouth or the Duchy Hospital, Truro
- Care Quality Commission Regulated
- GMC Specialist Registered Surgeon
- BAPRAS, BAAPS and BSSH member
- Registered MD
Plastic Surgery Treatments
Our appearance has an impact on how others perceive us. We are experts in creating an improved version of you. You can click on the procedure below for more information.
Body surgery (or contouring) can involve all or one of the following, with a prime focus on areas such as the buttocks, tummy, thighs, arms, and breasts. Click on the links below for more information.
There are several different types of hand surgery but all aim to restore functionality while making the hand look as normal as possible. Click on the links below for more information.
What to Expect During Plastic Surgery Recovery
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