How to Prepare for Recovery After Plastic Surgery in Middlesbrough

A well-planned recovery begins before the day of surgery.
Preparing your health, home, work and support arrangements can make the early days feel calmer and more manageable.

Written for: Mr Ollie Bassett Plastic Surgery
Clinical author: Mr Ollie Bassett, FRCS (Plast)
Professional registration: GMC 7082713
Clinic: Tees Valley Hospital, Middlesbrough
Date medically reviewed: 10/07/2026
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual consultation or medical assessment.

On this page

• When to start preparing for recovery
• How to prepare your health before surgery
• Medicines, supplements, smoking and alcohol
• Arranging transport and help at home
• Preparing your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen
• Planning time away from work
• Childcare, pet care and household responsibilities
• Driving, exercise and returning to normal activities
• The emotional side of recovery
• Warning signs after surgery
• A practical recovery checklist

Key takeaways

• Recovery requirements differ between procedures and patients.
• Arrange transport home and suitable adult support before your operation.
• Plan for childcare, shopping, housework and pet care rather than hoping to manage them afterwards.
• Do not stop medicines or supplements unless your clinical team tells you to.
• Make decisions about work, driving and exercise using your personal recovery plan, not another patient’s timeline.
• Keep your aftercare instructions and contact numbers somewhere easy to find.
• Recovery is rarely perfectly linear. A slower day does not automatically mean something is wrong.

How should you prepare for plastic surgery recovery?

Start by asking what you will realistically be able to do during the first few days and weeks after your particular operation.

Your recovery plan should cover:

• How you will travel home;
• Who will stay with or check on you;
• How much time you may need away from work;
• Whether you will be able to lift children, shopping or laundry;
• When you may be able to drive;
• What clothing or supportive garments you may need;
• How wounds and dressings will be managed;
• Who to contact if you are worried.

Preparing for recovery is not about buying an impressive collection of cushions and turning the spare room into a minor private hospital. It is about removing avoidable practical pressures so that you can follow your clinical advice properly.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists advises patients to take an active role in preparing for surgery. Its guidance covers physical activity, nutrition, smoking, medical conditions, practical home arrangements and the support patients may need after an operation.

Recovery begins at the consultation

Recovery should be discussed before you agree to surgery, not introduced as a final administrative detail.

During your consultation, ask how the proposed procedure may affect:

• walking and stairs;
• reaching and lifting;
• sleeping position;
• dressing and washing;
• driving;
• childcare;
• your occupation;
• exercise;
• travel;
• wound and scar care.

Your surgeon can then consider your procedure alongside your lifestyle.

A patient working from home may have different needs from a nurse, builder, hairdresser, teacher or full-time carer. Similarly, recovering from eyelid surgery is not the same as recovering from a tummy tuck, breast operation or multi-area body-contouring procedure.

BAAPS recommends asking about the full recovery period, the aftercare included, who will look after you and what will happen if a problem develops.

Read more about What Happens at a Plastic Surgery Consultation in Middlesbrough?

Prepare your body, but avoid last-minute extremes

The period before surgery is not the time for crash diets, punishing fitness programmes or unapproved supplements.

The more useful aim is to arrive in the best health that is reasonably achievable for you.

Keep active within your normal limits

Regular activity can support general fitness before an operation. Walking, cycling, swimming and strength or balance exercises may all be helpful when appropriate for your health.

Increase activity gradually rather than attempting a dramatic change just before surgery. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness or an irregular heartbeat while exercising.

Your surgeon or pre-assessment team may give more specific advice based on your medical history and proposed operation.

Eat normally and nourish your recovery

Your body needs energy and nutrients to heal.

Aim for regular, balanced meals containing suitable sources of protein, fruit, vegetables and fluids. The Royal College of Anaesthetists notes that protein and a varied diet support tissue repair and immune function around surgery.

Do not start a restrictive diet immediately before surgery unless it forms part of a plan agreed with your clinical team.

Keep your weight stable where advised

Some body-contouring procedures are best considered once weight is reasonably stable. Significant changes after surgery can affect skin, scars and overall proportions.

The important point is not to chase an arbitrary number immediately before your operation. Follow the plan discussed during your consultation.

Suggested Reading

• Body Contouring After Weight Loss
• Tummy Tuck Surgery in Middlesbrough
• Liposuction in Middlesbrough

Be honest about smoking, nicotine and alcohol

Smoking and nicotine use can affect circulation, lung function and wound healing. Cutting down or stopping before surgery may reduce certain surgical and anaesthetic risks, but your surgeon should advise you on the requirements for your particular procedure.

Tell your clinical team about all nicotine products, including:

• cigarettes;
• vaping;
• nicotine pouches;
• patches or gum;
• occasional social smoking.

Do not assume that switching products makes nicotine irrelevant to surgical planning.

Alcohol should also be discussed honestly. Regular or higher alcohol intake may affect healing, medication and anaesthetic planning. People who drink heavily should seek clinical advice rather than stopping suddenly without support.

The purpose of these questions is safety, not judgement.

Review medicines and supplements carefully

Give your clinical team a complete and accurate list of:

• prescribed medicines;
• over-the-counter medicines;
• vitamins;
• herbal products;
• weight-loss injections or medicines;
• hormone treatments;
• anticoagulants or blood-thinning medication;
• allergies and previous reactions.

Some medicines may need to be adjusted, but others must be continued.

Never stop a prescribed medicine because you read that it can affect surgery. Your surgeon, anaesthetist, GP or prescribing clinician should give you clear instructions.

Keep an up-to-date list on your phone and, when requested, bring medicines in their original packaging.

Arrange your journey home before surgery

You will not normally be able to drive yourself home after an operation involving general anaesthesia or sedation.

Depending on your procedure and hospital instructions, you may need:

• a friend or family member to collect you;
• a responsible adult to stay with you;
• suitable clothing for the journey;
• pillows to make the seatbelt or sitting position more comfortable;
• a plan for collecting prescriptions or equipment;
• a quieter route home with minimal unnecessary stops.

General day-surgery guidance commonly requires an adult to accompany or support a patient during the first 24 hours after anaesthesia or sedation. Patients should follow the exact discharge instructions given by their hospital.

Planning your journey to Middlesbrough

Patients travel to Tees Valley Hospital from Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar, Guisborough, Hartlepool, Northallerton, Thirsk, Darlington, Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne and York.

Before surgery, consider:

• the length of the return journey;
• whether you may need comfort breaks;
• how you will get from the car into your home;
• stairs or uneven paths at your property;
• whether the person collecting you understands the discharge instructions;
• how you would return for an unexpected review.

Do not plan to use public transport alone immediately after surgery.

Mr Ollie Bassett is listed by Ramsay Health Care as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based at Tees Valley Hospital, with clinical interests spanning breast surgery, body contouring, facial surgery and skin surgery.

Decide who will help you at home

Many patients are independent and accustomed to managing everything themselves. Surgery can temporarily change that.

Help may be needed with:

• preparing food;
• lifting pans or kettles;
• washing and dressing;
• collecting medicines;
• changing bedding;
• laundry;
• shopping;
• childcare;
• pet care;
• transport to appointments.

Ask specific people to handle specific jobs. “Give me a shout if you need anything” is kindly meant, but less useful than “I’ll bring dinner on Tuesday and take the dog out on Wednesday.”

The Royal College of Anaesthetists advises patients to plan childcare, pet care, medication supplies and practical household support before entering hospital.

Plan childcare realistically

The fact that you are at home does not necessarily mean that you will be able to provide normal childcare.

After breast, abdominal, arm or body-contouring surgery, lifting a baby or toddler may be restricted. School runs, car seats, bath time and bedtime routines may also be difficult.

Consider arranging help for:

• lifting younger children;
• nursery or school journeys;
• meals;
• bathing;
• night-time waking;
• carrying bags, prams or car seats;
• weekend activities.

Explain the practical restrictions to the adults supporting you. “Mum needs to rest” may otherwise become “Mum is resting while simultaneously making tea, finding PE kit and negotiating with a six-year-old about socks.”

Your personal instructions will depend on the operation. Ask for clear guidance before confirming a surgery date.

Do not forget pet care

Dogs rarely respect lifting restrictions, and even the loveliest spaniel can produce surprising acceleration when it spots a pigeon.

Arrange help with:

• dog walking;
• feeding heavier animals;
• cleaning litter trays or cages;
• lifting food bags;
• keeping excitable pets away from wounds and dressings.

This is particularly important when an animal pulls on a lead, jumps up or normally sleeps on your bed.

Prepare your home before the operation

A few practical adjustments can reduce unnecessary reaching, bending and carrying.

Set up your main recovery space

Choose somewhere that is:

• easy to enter and leave;
• close to a bathroom;
• comfortable without being too low;
• well lit;
• within reach of a phone charger;
• free from trip hazards.

Keep frequently used items between waist and shoulder height where possible.

You may find it helpful to have:

• water;
• tissues;
• prescribed medication;
• your written aftercare instructions;
• contact numbers;
• entertainment;
• a notebook for medication times and questions.

Only purchase specialised pillows, garments or medical equipment when recommended. The internet has a remarkable ability to convince people that recovery requires seventeen accessories and a small trolley with cupholders.

Prepare your bedroom

Ask whether you will need to sleep:

• on your back;
• slightly elevated;
• with support beneath your knees;
• away from the operated side;
• in a particular garment.

Practise getting in and out of bed without pushing, twisting or relying heavily on the area being treated.

Clean bedding before surgery and place spare sheets somewhere another person can reach easily.

Make the bathroom easier to use

Think about:

• access to the shower or bath;
• non-slip surfaces;
• toiletries placed within reach;
• whether you can wash your hair independently;
• whether dressings must remain dry;
• loose towels and clothing.

Do not improvise wound care. Follow the instructions provided by your surgical team.

Prepare simple meals

Stock foods that are easy to prepare and consistent with any dietary advice you have received.

Useful options may include:

• prepared portions in the freezer;
• soup;
• yoghurt;
• fruit;
• eggs;
• simple protein-rich meals;
• foods that are easy to tolerate if your appetite is reduced.

Avoid buying large quantities of unfamiliar supplements or “healing” products. Natural does not automatically mean suitable alongside medicines or surgery.

Choose clothing with recovery in mind

The best post-operative clothing is usually simple, loose and easy to put on without straining.

Depending on the procedure, consider:

• front-fastening tops;
• loose trousers with a soft waistband;
• slip-on shoes with a secure sole;
• nightwear that does not require reaching overhead;
• underwear that does not rub against dressings;
• clothing that accommodates swelling or a compression garment.

For facial or eyelid procedures, tops that open at the front may be easier than clothing pulled over the head.

For breast surgery, use only the post-operative bra or support recommended by your team.

For body-contouring surgery, do not substitute your own shapewear for a medically recommended garment.

Understand the role of compression garments

Some procedures involve a supportive or compression garment. Others do not.

Where one is advised, ask:

• when it should be put on;
• how long it should be worn each day;
• whether it can be removed for washing;
• how tight it should feel;
• what to do if it rolls, pinches or affects circulation;
• whether you need a second garment.

A garment should not become a test of endurance. Contact the clinical team if it feels excessively painful, causes unusual numbness or appears to be affecting the skin.

Ollie Bassett’s saved procedure material presents garment use, wound care, follow-up and return to activity as individual parts of recovery planning rather than universal rules.

Plan time away from work properly

Do not base your leave entirely on the shortest recovery story you find online.

Your return to work depends on:

• the procedure;
• the extent of surgery;
• whether several areas are treated;
• how you heal;
• your commute;
• your working hours;
• lifting, reaching or standing requirements;
• whether you can take breaks;
• whether you can work privately while wearing a garment or managing swelling.

Desk-based work

Working at a desk may sound physically easy, but concentration, tiredness, commuting and prolonged sitting can still be difficult.

Discuss whether a phased return, home working or reduced hours may be appropriate.

Physical work

Jobs involving lifting, pushing, pulling, repetitive arm movements or long periods on your feet may require more time or modified duties.

Do not return early simply because you feel guilty about being away.

Self-employment and caring roles

Self-employed patients often feel pressure to return quickly because there is no formal sick-pay structure. Build recovery into your financial and diary planning before choosing the surgery date.

Unpaid caring work counts too. Looking after children, partners or relatives can be more physically demanding than many paid jobs.

When can you drive after plastic surgery?

There is no single driving date that applies to every procedure.

You should not drive while:

• affected by anaesthesia or sedation;
• taking medication that causes drowsiness or impairs judgement;
• unable to wear a seatbelt comfortably;
• unable to turn and check safely;
• unable to control the vehicle fully;
• unable to perform an emergency stop without hesitation.

NHS day-surgery guidance advises patients not to drive for at least the immediate period after anaesthesia and not to resume until pain and mobility allow safe vehicle control.

Ask your surgeon for procedure-specific advice and check your motor insurer’s requirements.

When can you exercise again?

Movement and exercise are not the same thing.

Gentle mobilisation may be encouraged relatively early for many patients, while strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or targeted training may remain restricted for longer. Your instructions will depend on the operation and your individual risk factors.

Do not use pain alone as your guide. Some healing tissues can be strained before they feel particularly painful.

Ask for separate advice about:

• walking;
• stairs;
• stretching;
• lifting;
• lower-body exercise;
• upper-body exercise;
• swimming;
• running;
• resistance training;
• contact sports.

Returning gradually is usually more sensible than testing whether you can jump straight back into your previous routine.

Prepare for swelling, bruising and changing appearances

Early healing is not the final result.

Swelling, bruising, asymmetry, tightness, altered sensation and changes in shape may occur during recovery, depending on the operation. These changes can improve at different rates.

You may have a day when everything appears to be progressing and another when swelling feels more noticeable. Activity levels, sleep and time spent upright can all influence how recovery feels.

Your surgeon should explain what is expected for your procedure and what would be unusual.

Avoid repeatedly comparing early photographs with polished before-and-after images online. They rarely show the ordinary middle of recovery.

The emotional side of recovery

Even when surgery has been carefully considered, the early recovery period can feel emotionally unsettled.

You may experience:

• tiredness;
• frustration at needing help;
• impatience about swelling;
• concern about scars;
• boredom;
• disrupted sleep;
• temporary uncertainty about the decision.

Feeling emotional does not necessarily mean you regret the operation or that the eventual result will be disappointing.

Recovery can be easier when you:

• understand the expected stages in advance;
• limit unhelpful online comparisons;
• keep in touch with supportive people;
• record questions for your follow-up;
• maintain a gentle daily routine;
• allow progress to be gradual.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists notes that anxiety before surgery is normal and recommends practical planning, support from friends and family, relaxation techniques and manageable daily goals during recovery.

Contact your clinical team or GP when anxiety or low mood feels severe, persistent or difficult to manage.

Know who to contact after surgery

Before leaving hospital, make sure you know:

• who to contact during normal clinic hours;
• which number to use outside those hours;
• where you would be assessed if a problem developed;
• the date and location of your follow-up;
• what to do if a dressing becomes wet or loose;
• which symptoms need urgent help.

Keep these details somewhere visible. Do not rely on finding the right email while tired, uncomfortable and wearing a compression garment.

Which warning signs should you look out for?

Your discharge instructions should explain what is normal and when to seek advice.

Contact the surgical team promptly if you develop symptoms they have asked you to report, including worsening redness, heat, swelling, increasing wound pain, pus, wound separation, fever or feeling generally unwell. These can be signs of a wound infection.

One-sided calf or thigh pain and swelling can be symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain that worsens when breathing, collapse or coughing up blood can indicate a pulmonary embolism and require emergency attention.

Follow the emergency instructions provided by your hospital. In the UK, call 999 for a suspected medical emergency.

Plastic surgery recovery checklist

Before confirming your date

• Discuss your likely recovery with your surgeon.
• Check how much leave you may need.
• Consider childcare, caring and work commitments.
• Confirm who will collect you.
• Ask whether you will need an overnight stay.
• Understand the aftercare and follow-up arrangements.

One to two weeks beforehand, or as advised

• Review medicines and supplements with the clinical team.
• Follow instructions about nicotine, alcohol and fasting.
• Arrange practical help.
• Prepare simple meals.
• Complete heavier household tasks.
• Wash suitable clothing and bedding.
• Confirm transport and contact numbers.

The day before surgery

• Follow eating, drinking and medication instructions exactly.
• Pack only what the hospital has advised.
• Remove jewellery or nail products when requested.
• Charge your phone.
• Confirm your collection arrangements.
• Avoid making unapproved last-minute changes.

Before leaving hospital

• Ask when to take your next medication dose.
• Confirm wound and dressing instructions.
• Check movement, garment and washing advice.
• Confirm driving and work restrictions.
• Save the emergency contact details.
• Make sure the person taking you home understands the plan.

Recovery planning with Mr Ollie Bassett

Mr Ollie Bassett is listed by BAAPS as an FRCS (Plast) surgeon in the North East, with interests including breast, body, eyelid and facial surgery.

Consultations at Tees Valley Hospital allow recovery to be considered alongside the proposed procedure, your health, your work and the support available at home.

The aim is not to promise an effortless recovery. It is to give you a realistic plan, clear instructions and appropriate access to follow-up care.

Are you considering plastic surgery in Middlesbrough?

A consultation is an opportunity to understand not only what an operation involves, but what recovery would mean for your day-to-day life.

Arrange a private consultation with Mr Ollie Bassett to discuss your options, recovery and aftercare.

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Frequently asked questions

How long will recovery after plastic surgery take?

Recovery depends on the procedure, the extent of surgery, your health, your occupation and how your body heals. Your surgeon should provide a personalised guide for returning to work, driving, exercise and normal household activities.

Will I need someone to stay with me after surgery?

Patients having general anaesthesia or sedation are commonly asked to arrange transport home and adult support for at least the first 24 hours. Longer support may be helpful after more extensive surgery. Follow the instructions provided by your hospital.

What should I buy before plastic surgery?

Concentrate on practical basics: suitable clothing, simple meals, accessible toiletries and any garment or dressing supplies specifically recommended by the clinical team. Avoid purchasing unapproved supplements, scar products or compression garments.

Can I look after my children after surgery?

You may be able to supervise some activities, but lifting, driving, bathing and physical play can remain restricted. Arrange childcare and practical support before your operation, particularly when caring for babies or young children.

When can I drive after plastic surgery?

You should wait until you are no longer affected by anaesthesia or sedating medicine and can control the car, turn safely and perform an emergency stop without pain or hesitation. Ask your surgeon and check your insurer’s requirements.

What should I do if I am worried during recovery?

Use the contact details provided by your surgical team. Seek prompt advice for unexpected or worsening symptoms. Call 999 for symptoms suggesting a medical emergency, including sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain or collapse.