What aftercare to expect, and who to call if something's wrong

You've just walked out of your appointment after a minor procedure—a skin lesion removal, a tooth extraction, a cyst drainage—and the practitioner has handed you an aftercare sheet. The instructions are clear enough, but questions are already forming: what counts as normal healing, what's a red flag, and who exactly do you call if something feels wrong?

The difference between smooth recovery and unnecessary complications often comes down to three things: understanding what *your* specific aftercare should involve, knowing the warning signs that demand immediate attention, and having a clear communication channel to the practitioner or their backup.

What your aftercare should spell out in writing

Before you leave, you should have aftercare instructions in writing—not just verbal. A responsible practitioner will cover the basics for your specific procedure: how to keep the site clean, what products to avoid (soap, makeup, tight clothing, depending on where the work was done), whether you can shower or bathe, when stitches come out if applicable, and any activity restrictions. You should also know what medication—if any—you've been prescribed and why, as well as when you can resume normal eating, exercise or work.

The instructions should include a timeframe for healing: is it a few days, two weeks, several months? This matters because it sets realistic expectations. A minor skin procedure might look inflamed for three days; dental extraction pain typically peaks at day two or three before improving. If aftercare is vague or missing, ask before you leave. Don't accept "it'll be fine" as an answer—get specifics in writing, take a photo of the sheet, or ask the receptionist to email it to you.

Some practitioners also give you a copy of what was done—a note of the site, the method, any findings. This is valuable if you need to see another doctor later or if complications emerge and you need to explain your recent history.

Spotting the difference between healing and harm

Normal aftercare might look uncomfortable: mild swelling, bruising, a scab, or tenderness for a few days. What matters is the *trajectory*. Swelling that peaks at day two and steadily reduces is normal. Swelling that increases after day three, or pain that suddenly worsens, is not.

Call the practitioner—or their on-call cover—if you notice fever, pus or unusual discharge, spreading redness or warmth around the site, bleeding that doesn't stop after gentle pressure and time, signs of allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing), or pain that painkillers don't touch. You should also flag unexpected symptoms that weren't mentioned in aftercare: a numb patch that grows, sudden swelling in your face or throat, or drainage in a colour or smell that seems wrong to you.

Trust your instinct here. If something feels wrong, it's worth a call. A good practitioner will prefer a cautious question to a patient who sits at home and lets an infection develop unnoticed.

Having a clear line to help when you need it

Before you leave the appointment, confirm exactly how to reach the practitioner or their team if a problem arises. Is there a mobile number? An after-hours service? An emergency contact? Don't rely on memory—write it down. If the practice is closed when an issue emerges (a weekend, a public holiday), you should know whether to call their emergency line, visit a nearby clinic, or go to casualty.

For urgent situations—severe bleeding, signs of a serious allergic reaction, or difficulty breathing—don't wait for the practitioner to answer. Go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services. Aftercare support matters, but immediate danger always comes first.

When you contact the practitioner about a concern, describe what you're seeing as specifically as possible: when it started, what it looks like, whether it's getting better or worse. This helps them decide whether you need to come back in, whether it's something to manage at home, or whether you need to see someone else.

Finding a practitioner who takes aftercare seriously—who gives clear written instructions, makes themselves reachable, and takes your concerns seriously—is as important as the procedure itself. On Strove, you can check reviews from previous patients about their experience with aftercare and communication, which tells you a lot about how a practitioner will support you after the work is done.