What to Expect Before, During and After Plastic Surgery

Your Initial Consultation

Whether you are considering procedures such as eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, the initial consultation helps determine the most appropriate approach for your individual needs.

During your appointment, your surgeon may discuss:

• Your medical history, previous surgeries and current medications
• The concerns you would like to address
• Your desired outcome and whether it is realistically achievable
• The available surgical options and why one may be more suitable than another
• The expected benefits, limitations and potential risks
• Recovery time, possible complications and long-term maintenance

Photographs may also be taken for assessment and surgical planning. These images help your surgeon evaluate your anatomy and allow comparison during follow-up appointments.

Preparing for Surgery

Once surgery has been planned, you will receive detailed instructions to help reduce risks and support recovery. Preparation commonly includes the following.

Medical Assessment

Depending on your age, medical history and the planned procedure, blood tests, imaging or other investigations may be required to confirm you are fit for surgery.

Medication Adjustments

Certain medications and supplements may increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with healing. Your surgeon will advise whether any prescription medicines, herbal supplements or over-the-counter medications should be temporarily stopped before surgery.

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking reduces blood supply to healing tissues and increases the risk of complications. Patients are generally advised to stop smoking several weeks before and after surgery. Alcohol consumption may also need to be limited during the recovery period.

Planning Your Recovery

Arranging transport home, preparing meals in advance and ensuring someone is available to assist during the first few days can make the recovery period more comfortable. Depending on the procedure, you may also need to take time away from work and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.

What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

On the day of your procedure, you will first meet your surgical team to review the treatment plan and answer any remaining questions. Your surgeon may make markings on the treatment area while you are standing to guide the procedure accurately. You will also meet the anaesthetist if general anaesthesia or sedation is planned.

The exact steps vary depending on the operation, although most procedures follow a similar sequence:

• Admission and preoperative preparation
• Administration of anaesthesia
• The surgical procedure
• Initial recovery in the recovery room
• Monitoring before discharge or hospital admission, depending on the procedure performed

Some procedures allow patients to return home on the same day, while more extensive operations may require an overnight stay.

Understanding the Recovery Process

Recovery is gradual, and each person's experience differs according to the type of surgery performed, their general health and how closely postoperative instructions are followed.

The First Few Days

Swelling, bruising, tightness and mild discomfort are common during the early stages of recovery. Pain is usually managed with prescribed medication.

Rest is encouraged, although light walking is often recommended to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Follow-Up Appointments

Regular follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor healing, remove dressings or sutures where necessary and address any concerns that arise during recovery. Attending these appointments is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome.

Returning to Daily Activities

Most patients gradually resume normal daily activities over the following weeks. However, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and certain movements may need to be avoided until healing is sufficiently advanced.

Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to return to work, exercise and other activities based on your recovery progress.

Recognising When to Contact Your Surgeon

Most patients recover without significant problems. However, it is important to recognise symptoms that may require prompt medical attention.

Contact your surgeon if you experience:

• Increasing pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication
• Excessive swelling or bleeding
• Fever or signs of infection
• Persistent redness or discharge from the wound
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain

Early assessment allows potential complications to be identified and managed promptly.

Taking the Next Step with SW1 Plastic Surgery

Understanding what to expect before, during and after plastic surgery allows you to approach treatment with realistic expectations and greater peace of mind. Careful preparation, close communication with your surgeon and following postoperative advice also contribute to a safer recovery and optimal results.

At SW1 Plastic Surgery in Singapore, Dr Tan Ying Chien and Dr Wu Yijun provide personalised care across a range of aesthetic procedures and reconstructive surgery, supporting patients from consultation through recovery and follow-up. If you are considering plastic surgery or would like to better understand your options, schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and receive a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.