Dr Oliver Khoo

Recovering from surgery can feel like facing a new chapter—with excitement, relief, and, naturally, a few worries. Whether you’re returning home from knee replacement, hip revision, shoulder surgery, or another procedure, knowing what to expect and how best to care for yourself is empowering. In this post, Dr Oliver Khoo guides you through potential early complications, wound care, thromboembolism prevention, helpful warning signs, and when it’s time to get in touch with your surgeon.

1. Early Complications: What to Watch For

Soon after surgery, your body is working hard to heal. Most complications arise in the first few days:

  • Infection: Look for redness, warmth, increasing pain, or a fever above 38 °C.
  • Bleeding or Haematoma: Significant swelling and bruising around the incision may signal bleeding.
  • Pain out of proportion: If your pain feels far worse than expected despite medication, it may indicate a deeper issue.

Early recognition matters—it means quicker treatment and fewer curveballs. I often tell patients, “Trust your gut. Your body speaks—listen early.”

2. Wound Care: Simple Yet Essential

A clean wound is key to smooth recovery:

  • Keep it clean & dry: Follow instructions—whether that means sponge baths or water-resistant dressings.
  • Change dressings as guided: Usually daily or every few days. Wash your hands before and after, and use gentle antiseptic solutions if advised.
  • Avoid tight clothing or straps: Anything rubbing your scar can delay healing.
  • Watch for signs of infection: Drainage, redness, odour, or warmth should prompt a quick check-in with your care team.

Helpful tip: Keep a small calendar near your wound care kit. Mark each dressing change and any observations to track trends.

3. Thromboembolism Prevention: Lowering Blood Clot Risks

Blood clots occur when blood pools, especially after surgery or extended immobility. Here's how we address it:

  • Early movement: Getting up and gently walking as soon as it’s safe breaks up clots.
  • Compression stockings or pumps: Commonly used after procedures like hip or knee replacement.
  • Blood-thinning medications: These might be prescribed for days or weeks.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water—thicker blood means higher clot risk.
  • Know the signs: Be alert to unexplained calf pain, swelling, redness, or sudden shortness of breath.

Your surgeon will guide you—remember, reducing your clot risk is a partnership between you and your care team.

4. Recognising Red Flags

Not sure when to call your surgeon or head to emergency? Keep an eye out for these signs:

  • Fever of 38 °C or higher, especially if accompanied by wound redness, swelling, or discharge.
  • Uncontrolled bleeding, even with pressure applied—this may require immediate attention.
  • Sudden or severe pain that feels far worse than expected or doesn’t improve with medication.
  • Signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) such as calf swelling, tenderness, or redness.
  • Signs of pulmonary embolism (PE) including chest pain, breathlessness, or feeling faint—call emergency services right away.
  • Numbness, tingling, or limb discolouration (especially pale or bluish limbs) may indicate nerve or blood flow issues.
  • Persistent or worsening wound leakage, or any foul-smelling drainage.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate—better to call and be reassured than risk a delay in treatment.

5. When to Contact Your Surgeon

Not every question needs ER. Here’s when it’s best to ring your surgical team:

  • Temperature spikes (especially if recurrent)
  • Wound leakage or foul smell
  • Severe pain that medication can’t control
  • Concerns over mobility or stiffness beyond expectations
  • Post-op instructions confusion—diet, exercise, meds

Clear communication helps you stay safe and reassured.

FAQs

1. How soon should I shower after surgery?

Depends on your surgery and dressings. Waterproof dressings may allow gentle showers within 48 hours, while others require sponge baths until staples or sutures are removed. Follow your surgeon’s timing.

2. Is it normal for my limb to feel cold or numb?

Some numbness or mild tingling around the incision can be normal. However, if the limb becomes pale, bluish, very cold, or extremely numb, it could signal reduced blood flow or nerve issues—call your surgeon.

3. What’s the typical pain recovery timeline?

Pain is usually most intense in the first 2–3 days. After that, expect gradual improvement over weeks 1–6. If pain worsens or plateaus, let your surgeon know.

4. When can I drive again?

Waiting times vary: after hip or knee procedures it’s often 4–6 weeks, shoulder surgery 6–8 weeks. Always confirm with your surgeon, especially concerning safe braking ability.

5. When are staples or sutures removed?

Typically between 10–14 days post-op, depending on your healing progress and the area treated.

Is Surgery Really Necessary? Looking for a Second Opinion?

Depending on the severity of your condition and your lifestyle, surgery may be inevitable. But it’s your decision.
Let’s find out if it’s time or if other options are available, together.
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