What to Expect
Some discomfort after surgery is normal, but significant unmanaged pain is not — please contact the clinic if your pain relief is not working. Specific advice is given for your procedure, and the approach below is combined to keep you comfortable through a multimodal strategy, using several complementary measures together rather than relying on one alone.
Oral Analgesia
Simple oral pain relief (such as paracetamol, combined where appropriate with an anti-inflammatory or a short course of a stronger analgesic) is usually sufficient. Take pain relief as instructed, even if discomfort feels manageable — staying ahead of pain supports better sleep, earlier gentle mobilisation, and can reduce swelling and the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis. Have a supply of your usual pain relief at home before surgery; the clinic can advise or provide a prescription if something stronger is needed.
Ice & Cold Therapy
Cold application in the first 24–48 hours after surgery helps limit swelling and can meaningfully reduce discomfort by dampening pain signalling in the treated area. Always use a cloth barrier between ice and skin, and follow the specific timing given for your procedure — some areas (such as around the eyes after blepharoplasty) need particularly gentle, brief application.
Long-Acting Local Anaesthetic
For many procedures — including those performed under general anaesthesia — long-acting local anaesthetic can be infiltrated at the surgical site. This extends the pain-free window after surgery, often by several hours, supporting earlier comfortable mobilisation.
Other Adjuncts
- Positioning — elevation (for example, of the head after facial surgery) reduces swelling and associated discomfort
- Rest and sleep — genuinely aids recovery and pain tolerance; over-medicating to "push through" activity is discouraged
- Anti-sickness medication — offered where needed, as nausea can otherwise limit your ability to take oral pain relief
When to Contact the Clinic
Pain that is severe, rapidly worsening, or not responding to your prescribed pain relief should always be reported promptly — this can occasionally be a sign of a complication requiring assessment. Contact details are provided at discharge, with a direct line for concerns in the days after surgery.