Your surgery · Step 04
Recovery at home & when to call.
What the first 24 hours look like, how to manage pain and your wound, and exactly when to call us or 911.
For the first 24 hours
- No driving
- No operating machinery
- No important decisions or signing legal documents
- No alcohol
- Have a responsible adult stay with you
Eating and drinking
Start with clear liquids and light foods, then return to your normal diet as you tolerate it. Nausea after anesthesia is common and usually passes within a day.
Managing pain
Take pain medication as prescribed. If you are prescribed an opioid, use the lowest dose that controls your pain, for the shortest time needed. Do not drive or drink alcohol while taking it. Store it out of reach of children and others in the home, and dispose of any unused medication at an approved drop-off location rather than keeping it or throwing it in household trash. Opioids can cause constipation. Drink water, stay as active as your surgeon allows, and ask us about a stool softener if needed.
Wound and dressing care
Keep the area clean and dry unless told otherwise, and follow the written instructions you were given at discharge.
Bathing and showering
Follow the wound-care instructions you were given at discharge before bathing or showering.
Activity and returning to work
Follow your surgeon's specific timeline for lifting, driving, and returning to work or school. When in doubt, ask before you resume an activity rather than after.
Follow-up appointments
Keep your scheduled follow-up appointment even if you feel completely well. Some checks can only be done in person.
After hours and weekends, call our main number and our on-call team will respond.
You will never be told you are overreacting. Calling is always the right choice.
