Flap Surgery Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for flap surgery: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Managing Expectations
- •Surgical swelling hides final results for weeks to months
- •Do NOT judge results in the first 4-6 weeks
- •Asymmetry during healing is very common and usually resolves
Scar Care
- •Begin silicone scar gel or sheets when incisions are fully closed
- •Massage scars gently in circular motions once cleared
- •SPF 50+ on scars whenever exposed to sun for 12+ months
Flap Surgery recovery, day by day
Immediate Post-Op
- Have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24-48 hours
- You may have surgical drains; record drainage amount and color as instructed
- Take pain medication before anesthesia fully wears off
- Elevate the surgical area and apply ice as directed
Compression & Support
- Wear compression garment as directed (usually 24/7 for 2-6 weeks)
- Compression reduces swelling, supports healing, and improves results
- Sleep on your back if instructed
Swelling & Healing
- Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours and gradually improves over weeks
- Drain care: empty and record output; drains removed when output drops below 30cc/day
- Do not assess your final results during the swelling period
- No strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or sexual activity for 3-4 weeks
Incision Care
- Steri-strips or surgical glue will fall off naturally (do NOT peel)
- No submerging incisions in water for 3-4 weeks (showers usually OK after 48 hours)
- Avoid sun exposure on healing incisions (causes permanent discoloration)
- Begin scar massage when cleared by your surgeon (usually 2-3 weeks)
Long-Term Recovery
- Gradually resume exercise starting with walking, then light activity
- Final results may take 3-12 months as swelling fully resolves
- Scars continue to mature for 12-18 months
- Attend all follow-up appointments for progress evaluation
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
- •Severe pain not managed by prescribed medication
- •Signs of allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing
- •Chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat
- •Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site (signs of infection)
- •Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Numbness or tingling that worsens
- •Sudden significant increase in swelling on one side
- •Drain output suddenly becomes bright red or dramatically increases
- •Skin turning dark/black near the incision (possible tissue compromise)
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Peak swelling
Swelling worst at 48-72 hours, then starts improving
- Day 10
Drain removal
Drains removed when output is low enough
- Day 21
Resume light activity
Walking and light daily activities; no strenuous exercise yet
- Day 60
Final results developing
Swelling resolving, results becoming visible
For clinics
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