A structured guide for recovering at home after surgery, covering wound care, pain management, nutrition, mobility, and when to seek medical attention.
Follow your surgeon's specific wound care instructions
Instructions vary by procedure. Most surgical wounds should stay dry for 24-48 hours. Write down your surgeon's exact instructions at discharge; memory is unreliable after anesthesia.
Note how often to change dressings
Note when you can shower or bathe
Wash hands for 20 seconds before touching the wound area
Surgical site infections affect 2-4% of patients who undergo inpatient surgery. Hand washing with soap and water is more effective than hand sanitizer for preventing wound infections.
Monitor the incision daily for signs of infection
Check for increasing redness extending more than 1 inch from the incision, swelling, warmth, foul-smelling drainage, or fever above 101°F (38.3°C). Take a daily photo to track changes objectively.
Keep wound dressings clean and dry
Change dressings if they become wet, soiled, or loose. Most surgeons recommend changing dressings every 1-2 days. Use the exact dressing type your surgeon prescribed, not substitutes.
Protect the incision from sun exposure for 6-12 months
UV light causes surgical scars to darken permanently. Cover the scar with clothing or apply SPF 30+ sunscreen once the wound is fully closed. Scar maturation takes 12-18 months.
Pain Management
Take pain medication on schedule, not just when pain is severe
Staying ahead of pain is easier than catching up. Set alarms for medication times. Pain that is managed proactively requires 30-40% less total medication than reactive dosing.
Track your pain levels and medication doses in a log
Rate pain on a 0-10 scale every 4 hours. Record the time, medication name, and dose. This log helps your doctor adjust your plan. Aim to keep pain at 4 or below for functional recovery.
Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
Apply ice wrapped in a thin towel for 15-20 minutes, then remove for at least 20 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to skin or the surgical site. Most effective during the first 48-72 hours post-surgery.
Transition from prescription pain medication as directed
Your surgeon will outline a tapering plan, usually reducing opioid doses by 25-50% every 2-3 days. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relief within 5-10 days after common procedures.
Use positioning and pillows for comfort
Elevate the surgical area above heart level when possible to reduce swelling. After abdominal surgery, hug a pillow against your stomach when coughing or laughing to splint the incision.
Nutrition for Healing
Eat high-protein meals to support tissue repair
Your body needs 1.2-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily during recovery, up from the usual 0.8g/kg. For a 150-pound person, that is 80-100 grams of protein per day.
Stay hydrated with at least 64 ounces of water daily
Dehydration slows wound healing and worsens constipation (a common post-surgery side effect). Keep a 32-oz water bottle by your bed and finish it twice daily. Clear urine indicates good hydration.
Eat fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation
Opioid pain medications cause constipation in 40-90% of patients. Eat 25-30 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Ask your doctor about a stool softener starting on day 1.
Include foods rich in vitamin C and zinc
Vitamin C (75-90mg daily) supports collagen formation for wound closure. Zinc (8-11mg daily) supports immune function. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, nuts, and seeds cover both nutrients.
Mobility and Activity
Start moving within 24 hours of surgery as directed
Early movement reduces blood clot risk by up to 50%. Start with sitting up in bed, then standing, then short walks of 5-10 minutes. Increase walking distance by 5 minutes every 2-3 days.
Follow your specific activity restrictions
Most surgeries restrict lifting more than 5-10 pounds for 2-6 weeks. Do not drive until you can turn your body without pain and have been off opioid medications for 24 hours. Follow your surgeon's exact limits.
Do prescribed breathing exercises
Use an incentive spirometer 10 times every hour while awake for the first 3-5 days. Deep breathing prevents pneumonia, which affects up to 5% of surgical patients. Take 10 slow, deep breaths each session.
Wear compression stockings if prescribed
Compression stockings reduce deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk by 60%. Wear them during all waking hours for the duration your surgeon specifies, typically 2-6 weeks. Remove only for showering.
Follow-Up Care and Warning Signs
Schedule and attend all follow-up appointments
The first follow-up is typically 7-14 days after surgery for wound check and staple/suture removal. Missing follow-up appointments doubles the risk of complications going undetected.
Book the first follow-up before leaving the hospital
Prepare a list of questions for each visit
Know the warning signs that require immediate medical attention
Call 911 or go to the ER for: chest pain, difficulty breathing, calf swelling with pain (possible blood clot), fever above 101.5°F, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden severe pain at the surgical site.
Keep your surgeon's office and after-hours number accessible
Save the number in your phone and write it on paper near your bed. Most surgical offices have a 24-hour answering service. Call for non-emergency concerns during office hours, typically 8 AM to 5 PM.
Track your recovery milestones
Write down when you achieve each milestone: first unassisted walk, first full meal, first night sleeping through, return to driving, return to work. Share this log with your surgeon at follow-up visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fully recover after surgery?
Recovery timelines vary widely by procedure. Minor outpatient surgeries like arthroscopy may take 2-4 weeks, while major abdominal or joint replacement surgeries often require 6-12 weeks before returning to normal activities. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation, as factors like age, overall health, and complication risk all affect your timeline.
What are the warning signs of infection after surgery?
Watch for redness spreading beyond 2 inches from the incision, swelling that worsens after the first 48 hours, pus or foul-smelling drainage, fever above 101.3°F (38.5°C), or increasing pain at the surgical site. If you notice any of these signs, contact your surgeon immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled follow-up.
When can I shower or bathe after surgery?
Most surgeons allow showers 24-48 hours after surgery as long as you keep the incision dry with waterproof bandaging. Full baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs are typically off-limits for 2-4 weeks until the incision fully closes. Your surgeon will give you specific wound care instructions at discharge.
Should I stop taking blood thinners before or after surgery?
Never adjust blood thinners on your own. Your surgeon and prescribing doctor will coordinate a specific plan, usually stopping medications like warfarin 5 days before surgery and aspirin 7-10 days before. Restarting depends on your bleeding risk and typically happens 24-48 hours post-op. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation.
How do I manage pain at home without becoming dependent on opioids?
Use a multimodal approach: alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen on a schedule (not just when pain spikes), apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours during the first 3 days, and elevate the surgical area above heart level. Most patients can transition off prescription painkillers within 3-5 days. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation.