Post-Surgery Care: Simple, Practical Steps to Recover Faster

Just had surgery? What you do in the first days after matters more than you might think. This page gives clear, practical steps you can follow at home to reduce pain, avoid infection, and get back to normal sooner. No fluff — only what works.

Wound and dressing care

Keep the incision clean and dry unless your surgeon tells you otherwise. Wash your hands before touching the dressing. If you have a waterproof dressing, you can shower; otherwise cover the area with plastic. Replace dressings only when your care team tells you to — changing them too often can irritate the wound.

Look at the incision once a day. Mild redness and a little clear drainage can be normal in the first 48 hours, but heavy bleeding, spreading redness, foul smell, or green/yellow drainage are warning signs. If you see any of those, call your surgeon.

Pain control, medications, and bowel care

Take pain meds exactly as prescribed. If you get opioids, use the lowest effective dose and only as long as needed. Ask about nausea and constipation — both are common side effects. Use a stool softener or fiber and drink more water to avoid constipation; being backed up adds pain and slows healing.

Keep a medicine list and know which drugs you should stop or avoid after surgery (like certain blood thinners or supplements). If you take regular meds for blood pressure, diabetes, or heart conditions, confirm with your team how to continue them. When in doubt, call the clinic before changing doses.

If you were given antibiotics, finish the course unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping early can allow bacteria to return stronger.

Move the right way. Gentle walking multiple times a day prevents blood clots and helps lungs recover. Avoid heavy lifting or sudden twisting until your surgeon clears you. Use pillows to support the incision when you cough, laugh, or get up — that reduces strain.

Watch for fever. A low-grade fever in the first 24–48 hours can happen, but a temperature over 38°C (100.4°F) or a fever that returns after a few days should be checked. Also watch for increasing pain, swelling, numbness, or color changes in a limb — these can signal complications.

Sleep and nutrition count. Eat protein-rich meals to help tissue repair, and aim for 7–8 hours of sleep. If you struggle to eat, ask about liquid supplements or simple high-protein snacks like yogurt, eggs, or nut butter.

Keep follow-up appointments and bring a list of questions. If you’re unsure about any symptom, call rather than wait. Small problems caught early are easy to fix. Recovering from surgery is a process — practical steps and clear checks keep you safe and speed things up.