Postoperative inflammation: what’s normal and what needs attention

Surgery irritates tissue. That irritation causes redness, swelling, warmth and pain — the classic signs of inflammation. Most of this is normal and part of healing. The tricky part is spotting when inflammation is harmless and when it’s a sign of infection or another complication. This guide explains what to expect, easy at-home steps to reduce swelling, and clear red flags that mean you should contact your surgeon or seek care.

What to expect after surgery

In the first 48–72 hours you’ll usually see peak swelling and pain. Mild fever (under 38°C/100.4°F), warmth around the incision, and clear or slightly bloody drainage can be normal. Swelling and stiffness slowly improve over days to weeks depending on the procedure. Larger operations, joint surgery, and deep wounds take longer to settle than small skin procedures.

Watch the pattern: normal inflammation improves day to day. If pain, redness, or swelling keeps getting worse after the first few days, that’s a warning sign.

Simple at-home care that helps

Follow your surgeon’s wound care plan first. These general tips help most people:

• Rest and elevate the operated area to reduce swelling — gravity helps.
• Cold packs (ice wrapped in a cloth) for 10–20 minutes every 1–2 hours in the first 48 hours eases swelling and pain.
• After 48–72 hours, gentle heat can help if swelling shifts to stiffness or muscle tightness — only if your doctor OKs it.
• Move gently as instructed. Early, small movements often prevent stiffness and improve circulation, which speeds healing.
• Take pain medicines as prescribed. Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce inflammation, but check with your surgeon before using them after certain surgeries. Acetaminophen helps pain but not inflammation.
• Keep the incision clean and dry. Change dressings exactly as told to reduce infection risk.

If your surgeon prescribed antibiotics or showed you how to clean the wound, follow that plan without skipping doses or steps.

How doctors tell inflammation from infection: infections usually bring increasing pain, spreading redness, foul or cloudy drainage, persistent fever over 38°C, or a feeling of being unwell. Blood tests like white cell count or CRP and sometimes imaging are used to check complications. If your symptoms match these, call your surgeon right away.

Final practical tip: write down any changes (fever, increased pain, new drainage) and take photos of the incision daily. Photos show trends better than memory and help your care team decide if you need antibiotics or an exam. When in doubt, contact your clinic — early checks prevent bigger problems.