How to Heal Fast After a Surgery

Last Updated: July 28, 2022 References

You can speed up your healing process after surgery by keeping your body strong before and after your operation. Rest, healthy eating, moderate exercise, and a positive outlook are great ways to get better soon. Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid complications that might slow down the process!^{[1]
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PubMed Central
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Recovering After Surgery

1
Rest for the first few days after your operation. It is normal to feel extremely tired following a surgery, especially if you had a major operation or a general anesthetic. Spend time in bed and do only as much as you feel up to doing during these first few days. Pushing yourself too early may be detrimental to your recovery.^{[2]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- Avoid any heavy lifting or rigorous exercise during this time.
- Ask your doctor how long you should rest right after your surgery. This will vary depending on the type of procedure.
2
Move around as soon as you can, with your doctor's permission. As a general rule, it is important to get your body moving as much as possible once you start recovering from surgery. Movement will encourage blood flow and strengthen your muscles, making it easier for your body to heal.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Joshua Ellenhorn, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Expert Interview. 28 April 2019.} Ask your doctor how much you are allowed to exercise while you recover and what activities you should avoid.^{[4]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- Moderate walking is usually the best exercise to begin with while you are healing.
- If you spend time recovering in a hospital, asking a nurse or orderly for help walking if necessary.
- If you are not yet steady on your feet, you may benefit from using a walker or cane to help you keep your balance.
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3
Avoid strenuous activity while you heal. High-impact sports, heavy lifting, and rigorous exercise can all cause strain to your body that may delay your healing after surgery. Listen to your doctor's instructions about recovery time and restricted activities. Depending on the surgery you have, you may have to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks or months until your body is fully healed.^{[5]
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4
Follow your doctor's diet recommendations to avoid complications. With major surgeries, your doctor will generally provide you with a specific diet to follow after your operation. Follow any directions or meal plans your doctor gives you very closely while you heal.^{[6]
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Joshua Ellenhorn, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Expert Interview. 28 April 2019.} Eating foods or ingredients that irritate your stomach or cause swelling may hinder your recovery. ^{[7]
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- Processed foods are likely to cause inflammation and stomach irritation.
- Foods like fatty fish, walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, leafy green vegetables, and turmeric can help reduce inflammation in your body.
- Many post-surgery diets are high in fiber to prevent constipation, which can cause you to strain and in turn hurt the site of your surgical wound.
- Lean protein like chicken or fish will help repair body tissue and boost your energy after surgery.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Wound

1
Keep the wound dry for the first 24 hours after surgery. Avoid showering or bathing for a full 24 hours after your operation. If necessary, clean yourself with a sponge bath instead to avoid getting your incision site wet. For minor surgeries, it may be possible to clean the wound with soap and water 2 days after surgery.^{[8]
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FamilyDoctor.org
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- Ask your doctor for more specific guidelines about cleaning your incision site, which will depend on what operation you had.
2
Ask your doctor when you should remove your bandage. The size and location of your surgical wound will determine how long you should keep it covered. As a general rule, most surgical bandages can be removed entirely after 3-5 days. Ask your doctor when you can safely stop bandaging your incision site and follow their directions.^{[9]
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FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
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- In some cases, your bandage should be removed the day after surgery to allow the healing process to begin.
3
Follow your doctor's directions for getting your stitches removed. Depending on the surgery and location of your wound, stitches should be removed anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks after your operation. Make an appointment to have your stitches removed at this time. Do not attempt to remove your stitches on your own as this should always be done by your doctor.^{[10]
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FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
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- If you have internal stitches, they will be absorbed by your body gradually and don’t need to be removed.
- Do not wait too long to have your stitches removed, which could impede healing.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preparing for Surgery

1
Lose weight if you are overweight to improve your body's resiliency.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Joshua Ellenhorn, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Expert Interview. 28 April 2019.} Carrying extra body weight can put you at risk of health issues like heart failure, hypertension, pulmonary embolism and cardiovascular disease. These conditions can make it difficult for your body to heal properly after an operation. Check with your doctor to find out the best way to lose weight safely before your surgery.^{[12]
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- The best way to lose weight safely is generally to cut out fatty and processed foods, create a healthy meal plan, and increase your weekly exercise if you are physically able to do so.
- Try moderate exercise like walking for 60—90 minutes, 3-5 days a week.
2
Ask your doctor about taking supplements to boost your immune system. Certain vitamins, such as A, C, and E, can promote wound healing. Protein can also improve your body's recovery after injury. Talk to your doctor about taking supplements prior to your surgery to help your body heal quickly after your operation.^{[13]
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- Ask your doctor if they can test you for any specific vitamin or protein deficiency and recommend a targeted plan for supplement-taking before your surgery.
- Supplements can be purchased in pharmacies, health food stores, or online.
3
Quit smoking to help ensure the success of your surgery. Smoking can greatly increase your risk of experiencing breathing problems when under anesthesia.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Joshua Ellenhorn, MD
Board Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Expert Interview. 28 April 2019.} It can also damage your organs and vascular system, slowing your body's healing process.^{[15]
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World Health Organization
Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization
Go to source} If you are a smoker, ask your doctor about staring a your smoking cessation program before your surgery, such as: ^{[16]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- Nicotine replacement therapy, in either gum, patches, inhalers, sprays, or lozenges.
- Prescription medication to ease withdrawal symptoms (e.g. Zyban.)
- Behavioural therapy, which can help you develop strategies to quit smoking.