Aftercare

Pain Management After Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. Khalid Almutairi, Consultant Plastic Surgeon — updated 2026-08-11

Important Notice

These instructions provide general guidance and may be modified by Dr. Khalid Almutairi according to the procedure, the technique used, and the patient's medical condition. If this information differs from the direct instructions or discharge prescription given to the patient, the patient-specific medical instructions must be followed. Do not change a medication dose, stop medication prescribed for a chronic condition, or begin a new treatment without medical guidance.

This information does not replace medical assessment or postoperative follow-up.

Start pain relief early

Take the prescribed painkiller soon after leaving the operating room, before the local anaesthetic has fully worn off. Waiting until pain becomes severe makes it harder to control.

Take analgesia at the intervals written on your discharge prescription rather than only when pain becomes difficult. Regular dosing in the first days is usually more effective than occasional doses.

Follow the prescription

- Take painkillers, antibiotics and any other medication exactly as prescribed, for the full duration specified.

- Do not stop the antibiotic before completing the prescribed course unless directed by your doctor.

- Do not change a dose on your own.

- Doses are not the same for every patient. They depend on age, weight, kidney and liver function, stomach history and other medication, which is why the amounts on your own prescription take precedence over any general guidance.

Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication

Paracetamol may be used for pain when it is appropriate for your medical condition.

Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication should only be used if it has been prescribed for you and is suitable for your health. Do not use ibuprofen or similar anti-inflammatory medication without your doctor's approval if you have:

- a stomach ulcer

- kidney problems

- a known allergy to these medications

- current use of blood-thinning medication

After some procedures your doctor may ask you to avoid anti-inflammatory medication during the first days. Follow the instruction given for your case.

Blood thinners and supplements

- Do not take aspirin, blood-thinning medication or supplements that increase bleeding unless your doctor has approved them.

- After rhinoplasty this restriction commonly lasts around two weeks, and after other procedures for a period your doctor will specify.

- Never stop a blood thinner prescribed for a chronic medical condition on your own. Speak to the doctor who prescribed it.

- Take a blood thinner after surgery only if it has been specifically prescribed to you.

Measures that reduce pain without medication

- Elevation. Keep your head raised on two or more pillows, or at 30–45 degrees after facial surgery. This reduces swelling, and less swelling means less discomfort.

- Cold compresses. Light cold compresses may be used on the areas your doctor permits during the first 24–48 hours. Never place ice directly on the skin, and do not press firmly. Do not place compresses directly over a nasal splint. Do not use hot compresses.

- Positioning. Sleep on your back and avoid direct pressure on the operated area.

- Rest, then gentle movement. Rest matters in the first days, but light movement inside the home is encouraged according to your procedure. Avoid bending, straining and lifting heavy objects.

Driving

Do not drive while taking painkillers that may cause drowsiness or reduced concentration.

When pain means you should contact the clinic

Some discomfort is expected and should improve steadily. Contact the clinic or attend the emergency department if you experience:

- severe pain, or pain that increases rather than improves

- pain that does not respond to the prescribed painkillers

- sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, particularly on one side

- pressure or tightness that keeps building

- severe or spreading redness around the wound, or noticeable heat in the skin

- bleeding that continues or is heavy

- pus or discharge with an unusual smell

- a temperature above 38–38.5°C

- severe pain inside the eye, or any change in vision, after facial or eyelid surgery

- shortness of breath, or pain and swelling in one leg, after body contouring

Pain that worsens instead of settling is the symptom that most often signals a problem. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment to report it.