So you've taken the plunge. You've made that investment to make yourself look and feel better. You've taken the risk to get it fixed ( that thing you know longer want to live with, get ground down by) and you're already thinking about unveiling yourself, the new clothes you are going to wear, the new confidence that you will have. Identifying signs that something is wrong early often leads to an easy fix or simple reassurance. Ignoring the warning signs however can lead to bigger problems, readmission or even further surgery. These are some of the most common signs that something is wrong after a surgical procedure. By knowing what to look for, you’ll be able to get the help you need and face the recovery process feeling secure and empowered. Pain Some discomfort is common after surgery, but it will usually fade after a day or so. When pain sharpens or gets worse despite ample rest and the use of pain relievers, this is typically the sign of something wrong. Contact us. Swelling This inevitable after surgery and usually goes down after about two weeks. If you notice excessive swelling of any kind, this requires professional attention. Contact us. Bruising Bruising is another reality of surgery, and usually lasts for about two to three weeks. If you notice the spread of discoloration or the darkening of the existing bruise, this is usually the sign that something is wrong. Contact us. Bleeding Very minor bleeding is common after surgery, and typically only in the early days after the surgical procedure is performed. Excessive bleeding is usually a sign of something wrong. Contact us. Discharge Some fluid can seep out from incisions or be removed from the body with drains. Usually this fluid is pinkish, generally clear, and watery. Fluid of a different color/consistency or an accumulation of pus is often a sign of an infection or another complication. Contact us. Bad smells The nose knows, right. When the surgical site smells odd, this is generally a bad sign. You wouldn’t notice a strong smell around that part of your body if the healing process is going fine. Contact us. Heat around the incision Redness and a sensation of heat around incision sites or the surgical area is never a good sign. By comparison, some mild warmth that subsides is normal. This excessive heat is often an early symptom of an infection. Contact us. Fever While healing, temperature changes need to be monitored. Developing a fever during the healing process is most often a sure sign that an infection has occurred. Immediate treatment is essential. Contact us. Fatigue If you’re a bit slow after plastic surgery for a day or so, that’s a normal part of recovery. However, if your fatigue continues and is accompanied by the symptoms above, that’s generally a sign that something is wrong. Contact us. What to do If you notice any of the above warning signs or have pressing concerns as you’re recovering from surgery, it’s important that you contact us as soon as possible. Getting any issues immediately addressed will help bring matters under control and allay your fears. Never hesitate to reach out to us. To learn more about staying healthy after undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure, be sure to contact us. We look forward to discussing these matters with you in much greater detail in person.
