Plastic Surgery Recovery in Cape Town

Every patient benefits from one, and some need extra support. Longer operations, multiple procedures in one session, a history of blood clotting or travel to Cape Town for surgery all call for closer planning. Patients who smoke must stop 4 to 6 weeks before and after surgery, since smoking narrows blood vessels and slows wound healing.

At your consultation, we review your medical history, medication and lifestyle so your plan reflects your real circumstances. For extra peace of mind, our post-surgery accommodation options include transfers, nursing and supervision, which we arrange with you before surgery.

Unsure how much support suits you? Book a consultation to map it out with us.

Informed consent means you understand exactly what your procedure involves before you agree to it. That includes the likely outcome, the length of your recovery period, the side effects to expect and the risks involved. Patients who know what lies ahead tend to feel calmer and recover with more confidence.

At your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Wilkinson and her team take the time to talk through each of these points with you. Ask anything that feels unclear, however small. We would rather you raise it before surgery day than wonder about it afterwards.

Have questions you want answered first? Book a pre-operative consultation with Dr. Wilkinson.

Take only the pain medications Dr. Wilkinson prescribes, at the times she sets. A steady medication schedule keeps discomfort manageable in the first 2 to 3 days, when you should plan for total rest. Avoid anti-inflammatories, blood thinners and herbal remedies unless your doctor approves them, as they can increase bleeding. Alcohol and other intoxicating substances also interfere with prescribed medicine and slow healing.

Ice packs and cold compresses reduce swelling, but never place them directly on your skin. Wrap them in a clean cloth first. Our nursing team explains each medication before discharge and stays available if you’re unsure about taking it alongside anything else.

Already on chronic medicine? Ask us about it well before your surgery date.

Compression garments apply gentle, even pressure to the surgical site. This support helps control swelling, limit fluid buildup, and hold healing tissue in place. 

If Dr. Wilkinson asks you to wear compression garments, she will specify the type, the fit and how many weeks to keep them on. Wear them exactly as she directs, even on days you feel well, since removing them early can lead to excessive swelling.

Curious about what your procedure requires? Raise it with our surgical team during your consultation.

Good nutrition gives your body the essential nutrients it needs for wound healing and immune function. Build meals around a balanced diet of lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Limit processed foods high in salt and sugar, which can worsen swelling, and avoid crash diets or cutting out entire food groups during your postoperative period. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which dehydrates your system.

Nutritious food supports your body’s healing process, so stock your kitchen before surgery day. We review any supplements with you in advance, since some affect bleeding.

Scar healing continues for many months after your incisions close. 

Keep each incision site clean and dry as our nurses show you, avoid picking at scabs, and protect healing skin from the sun. Sun exposure can darken scars, so stay in the shade, wear protective clothing and apply a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.

Dr. Wilkinson places incisions with micro-precision and checks your scars at each post-operative visit. Once your skin has healed enough, she may recommend scar care products or in-clinic treatments to refine the surgical outcome.

Worried about visible scarring? Talk to Dr. Wilkinson about how she plans and cares for incisions.

Attending follow-up appointments lets your surgeon check wound healing, change dressings or remove sutures, and spot early signs of a problem. Each post-operative visit also gives you a chance to ask questions and confirm when you can shower, wash your hair, drive or return to work.

Dr. Wilkinson sees you personally at your follow-up visits, and our nurses support your care in between. If you live outside Cape Town, plan your return flight around these appointments so you don’t miss anything.

Need to schedule or move a check-up? Get in touch with our practice, and we will find a time.

Resuming light activities, such as short walks around your home, helps circulation and lowers the risk of blood clots. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting and exercise must wait until Dr. Wilkinson clears you, even if you feel able sooner. Driving depends on your procedure and the pain medication you take, and you may not drive for at least 24 hours after any sedation.

Return to work at your own pace, once your doctor confirms it is safe. Rest makes all the difference to a smooth recovery, so treat your time off as part of your treatment. We provide a clear activity plan for each stage until you fully recover.

Arranging leave from work? Ask our team how much time your procedure needs.

Good preparation eases your recovery and lowers your risk. Use the guidance below as a starting point, and follow your doctor’s instructions for your procedure.

Before your surgery

• Plan to arrive in Cape Town at least 5 days before surgery if you live elsewhere
• Tell Dr. Wilkinson about any medical conditions, allergies, medication, supplements or homoeopathic treatments
• Stop the medicines on the list we give you at least 2 weeks before surgery, including anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, herbal remedies and GLP-1 type medications
• Stop smoking 4 to 6 weeks before and after surgery, which is mandatory
• Prepare your home with food, entertainment and help for your first few days
• Book post-operative accommodation, transfers or nursing care in advance if you need them
• Settle payment as per your quotation by EFT or credit card, as agreed with our surgical booking department

Day of surgery

• Arrive at your confirmed admission time
• If your procedure involves general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation, do not eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours beforehand, or as we advise
• Arrange safe and reliable transport to and from the clinic. We do not recommend a taxi or Uber, and you may not drive for 24 hours after sedation
• Wash with the medicated antiseptic wash provided
• Avoid make-up and any products on your face, body and hair
• Bring your current medication, basic toiletries, your ID or passport, loose clothing with buttons or zips, slippers and a light dressing gown
• Pack sunglasses and a scarf for facial surgery, and leave valuables at home

What to do after surgery | Post plastic surgery care

• Rest completely for the first 2 to 3 days, when discomfort peaks
• Keep your head elevated for 2 to 3 days after facial or neck surgery to reduce swelling
• Use ice packs or cold compresses wrapped in a cloth
• Take only the medication Dr. Wilkinson prescribes
• Wear compression garments if Dr. Wilkinson recommends them
• Check with us before you bathe, shower or wash your hair
• Expect bruising and swelling, and give your results time to appear
• Low mood for a day or two after surgery is common and usually passes
• Check with Dr. Wilkinson before trying alternative therapies, and only see registered practitioners

Ready to start planning? Book your pre-operative consultation with our surgical team.

Most patients heal without serious problems when they follow their aftercare plan. Some side effects form an expected part of healing, while a small number of complications need prompt medical attention.

Side Effects, Risks & Complications

• Swelling and bruising, which settle over 2 to 3 weeks
• Pain and discomfort, strongest in the first 2 to 3 days
• Temporary low mood
• Infection or delayed healing at the incision site
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the leg veins
• Scars that darken with sun exposure

Contraindications and Risk Factors During Recovery

• Smoking before or after surgery
• Surgery lasting 4 hours or longer
• Limited mobility after your procedure
• A personal history of blood clotting
• Oral contraceptives, which you may need to stop
• Long-haul flights close to your surgery date
• Weight above your optimal range

If you notice lower leg swelling or pain, or any symptom that concerns you, contact us immediately. Our team would always prefer to check.

Something feels wrong? Reach our practice without delay.

Long flights keep you seated with bent knees, which can slow blood flow in the leg veins and raise the risk of clotting. Wear full-length anti-embolism (TED) stockings during your flight and after surgery, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and sleeping tablets. Choose an aisle seat, walk the cabin often, and tighten and relax your calf muscles while seated. Once you land in Cape Town, take a good walk to get your circulation moving.

For international and out-of-town patients, our team helps coordinate arrival dates, accommodation and aftercare, so you can focus fully on healing.

Flying in for your procedure? Plan your surgery dates with us before you book.

Where you have your procedure, and where your recovery begins, depends on the type of surgery. 

Dr. Wilkinson performs outpatient procedures at our clinic in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, and you return home the same day. Larger procedures take place at The Cosmetic Surgery Institute (TCSI), a fully licensed surgical clinic registered with the South African Department of Health. After these operations, you stay at the TCSI overnight facility, where highly trained nurses monitor you throughout your stay.

Dr. Wilkinson confirms the right setting for your procedure at your consultation. All your follow-up appointments take place with her at our V&A Waterfront practice.

Want to see where your care happens? Arrange a visit and consultation at our Cape Town rooms.