After a surgery you might notice the area looking red, feeling hot or getting sore. That’s postoperative inflammation – your body’s natural reaction to the cut and stitches. Most of the time it’s harmless and fades with proper care, but if it gets out of control it can slow healing or cause extra pain.
Look for these clues in the first few days after you go home:
If any of these show up, call your surgeon right away. Early treatment can prevent an infection from taking hold.
The good news is you have several easy tools at home:
Avoid tight bandages that feel uncomfortable – they can trap fluid and make the swelling worse. If you need compression, ask your nurse how tight it should be.
Nutrition also matters. Protein‑rich foods like lean meat, beans or Greek yogurt give tissue the building blocks to heal. A few servings of berries or oranges add vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation.
Watch your wound for any sudden changes. Even if you feel fine, a small infection can sneak in and cause swelling later on. Keep the area clean, change dressings as advised, and don’t skip follow‑up appointments.
Finally, listen to your body. Rest when you’re tired, but stay active enough to keep blood moving. Balancing these steps usually brings the swelling down within a week or two, letting you get back to normal faster.
After going through a recent eye surgery, I've picked up some valuable tips to manage postoperative inflammation. First, following your doctor's medication plan is crucial, as they often prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops. Second, keeping your eye area clean and avoiding rubbing your eyes can prevent irritation. Third, wearing sunglasses outdoors can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and dust. Lastly, staying well-rested and giving your eyes time to heal is essential for a speedy recovery.