Avoiding Post-Op Nightmares: 5 Mistakes Patients Make After Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery may be elective, but recovery isn’t optional. The way you care for yourself after surgery has just as much impact on your results as what happens in the operating room. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and—unfortunately—the downright scary when patients don’t take recovery seriously. Here are the five most common mistakes people make (and how to avoid turning your investment into a nightmare):

1. Thinking you can “do it yourself.”
You wouldn’t perform your own surgery, so why risk your recovery by going it alone? Plastic surgery recovery is medical care—there’s nothing glamorous about managing drains, monitoring for complications, or controlling pain the right way.

2. Handing recovery over to a spouse or friend.
They love you, sure. But are they trained to spot a hematoma at 2 a.m.? Do they know when swelling is normal and when it’s a red flag? There’s a reason surgeons trust nurses with their patients.

3. Ignoring mobility and movement.
Laying still all day seems safe—but it can increase risks like blood clots. Proper guided movement (with supervision) helps recovery stay on track.

4. Cutting corners on pain or medication management.
Missed doses, wrong timing, or “toughing it out” can spiral quickly. Medication should be managed with precision, not guesswork.

5. Delaying communication with your surgeon.
That weird pain, swelling, or sudden change? Don’t wait. Direct, professional communication between your nurse and surgeon means problems are caught early—before they become disasters.

Bottom Line

The best results don’t come from the OR alone—they come from smart, safe, attentive recovery care. Investing in a private duty nurse isn’t a luxury; it’s the safeguard against complications, stress, and regret.