Postoperative Inflammation: How to Manage Swelling and Pain After Surgery

Surgery triggers inflammation — that’s your body starting the healing process. Swelling, warmth, mild redness, and some pain around the incision are normal in the first few days. The goal is to control excess inflammation, protect the wound, and spot signs of trouble early.

Quick home steps that actually help

Ice and elevation work. For the first 48–72 hours, apply ice packs wrapped in a thin towel for 15–20 minutes every few hours to cut swelling. Keep the operated area elevated above heart level when you can; gravity helps drain fluid away. Compression (like a snug bandage or support wrap) can also reduce swelling — follow your surgeon’s instruction on how tight and how long.

Move gently. Complete bed rest isn’t always best. Short, frequent walks and light movement reduce stiffness and improve circulation without stressing the wound. Ask your care team about safe activity limits or physical therapy exercises.

Watch your dressings. Keep the incision clean and dry unless your doctor says otherwise. Change dressings exactly as instructed, and don’t apply creams or ointments unless told to. If a dressing becomes soaked or falls off, contact your surgical team for directions.

Nutrition and habits matter. Eat enough protein, vitamin C–rich foods, and fluids to support tissue repair. Avoid smoking — nicotine reduces blood flow and slows healing. If you drink alcohol, check with your provider about when it’s safe to resume.

Medications: what helps and what to ask about

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen can lower swelling and pain, but they aren’t right for every surgery. Some procedures and medical conditions mean you should avoid NSAIDs. Acetaminophen helps pain but doesn’t reduce inflammation. Always follow your surgeon’s or pharmacist’s advice about which pain meds to take and when to stop.

If your doctor prescribed steroids or stronger anti-inflammatories, use them exactly as written — these drugs can speed recovery in some cases but carry risks when used long-term. Antibiotics are only needed if an infection is present or expected; don’t take them preventively unless your provider prescribes them.

Want more reading? Our Motrin article explains how ibuprofen works and safety tips, and other posts on pain medicines can help you talk to your doctor about options.

Finally, keep track of how your recovery is progressing. Take photos if you notice changes — they make it easier to show your provider what’s going on.

When to call your doctor

If you get spreading redness beyond the wound, increasing pain that won’t ease, fever over 100.4°F (38°C), foul-smelling or green drainage, or swelling that worsens after the first several days — call your surgeon or go to urgent care. These signs suggest infection or another complication that needs prompt treatment.

Short-term inflammation is normal. But if something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out. Faster action often means an easier recovery.