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We believe honest information about risk is essential - it is not a reason to be frightened, but a reason to choose carefully and prepare well. Every procedure is different, and your surgeon will discuss the specific risks relevant to you at your consultation.
How risks are minimised
Choosing a consultant surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, operating in a CQC-registered facility with a full surgical team, and following your aftercare closely all help reduce the likelihood of complications. A thorough pre-operative assessment ensures you are well prepared for surgery.
What recovery generally looks like
A broad outline only - recovery differs significantly between procedures and individuals.
First few days
Rest and manage discomfort
Expect soreness and swelling. Rest, take prescribed pain relief, and follow wound-care instructions carefully.
First 1–2 weeks
Gradual improvement
Discomfort eases and many patients return to light, non-physical activities. Follow your surgeon's specific guidance.
Weeks to months
Return to normal
Swelling settles and you gradually resume exercise and normal life, as cleared by your surgeon.
Longer term
Final results settle
Scars mature and soften, and your final result becomes apparent over several months.
Have concerns about risk?
A consultation is the right place to ask every question and discuss the specific risks for your procedure.
Risk & recovery FAQs
Honest answers to the questions patients worry about most.
No surgery is completely without risk, but choosing an experienced consultant surgeon and a regulated facility, and following your aftercare, all help keep risks as low as possible. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk with you.
It depends entirely on the procedure. Some recoveries take a couple of weeks; others take several months to fully settle. Your surgeon will give you a realistic timeline for your operation.
Most surgery leaves some scarring, though surgeons place incisions carefully to keep scars as discreet as possible. Scars typically fade over time. See our guide on scar care for more.
