--- title: "Risks & Recovery" url: "https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/resources/risks-recovery" type: "Article" section: "Resources" summary: "Understand plastic surgery risks, typical recovery stages, warning signs and aftercare, with guidance on preparing for a safer recovery." reviewed_by: "Mr Douglas McGeorge" last_reviewed: "11 August 2026" audience: "Adults considering cosmetic plastic surgery or non-surgical treatments, in Cheshire, Manchester and Barbados." language: "en-GB" publisher: "Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons" --- # Risks & Recovery Safety All surgery carries some risk, and being well informed is part of preparing well. This guide explains the general risks associated with cosmetic surgery, how they are minimised, and what a typical recovery involves. Medically reviewed by[Mr Douglas McGeorge](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/our-team/douglas-mcgeorge) FRCS(Plast) · Consultant Plastic Surgeon 8 min readLast reviewed: 11 August 2026 A Risks & Recovery guide beside recovery supplements on a tray 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. General risks of surgery As with any operation, cosmetic surgery can be associated with certain risks. These may include: - Bleeding, bruising and swelling. - Infection, which may require antibiotics. - Scarring, which varies from person to person. - Reactions to anaesthetic. - Rarely, blood clots - your team takes steps to reduce this risk. ## 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. 1. First few days ### Rest and manage discomfort Expect soreness and swelling. Rest, take prescribed pain relief, and follow wound-care instructions carefully. 2. First 1–2 weeks ### Gradual improvement Discomfort eases and many patients return to light, non-physical activities. Follow your surgeon's specific guidance. 3. Weeks to months ### Return to normal Swelling settles and you gradually resume exercise and normal life, as cleared by your surgeon. 4. Longer term ### Final results settle Scars mature and soften, and your final result becomes apparent over several months. When to seek advice Contact your surgical team promptly, or seek urgent medical attention where appropriate, if you notice a sudden increase in pain, swelling or redness, a high temperature, unusual discharge, or any breathlessness or calf pain. When in doubt, always speak to a qualified clinician. 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. ### Is cosmetic surgery safe? 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. ### How long will recovery take? 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. ### Will I have visible scars? 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. Medically reviewed by Mr Douglas McGeorge FRCS(Plast) · Consultant Plastic Surgeon [Read full profile](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/our-team/douglas-mcgeorge) Popular Treatments - [Breast Augmentation](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation) - [Breast Reduction](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-reduction) - [Tummy Tuck](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/body/tummy-tuck) Helpful resources - [Recovery After Surgery](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/resources/recovery-after-surgery) - [Choosing a Plastic Surgeon](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/resources/choosing-a-plastic-surgeon) - [Breast Implant Safety](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/resources/breast-implant-safety) ## More from our resources Continue your research with these guides. - [Recovery After Surgery](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/resources/recovery-after-surgery): How to heal well after your procedure. - [Breast Implant Safety](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/resources/breast-implant-safety): What the evidence says about implant safety. ## Popular Treatments - [Breast augmentationBreast Augmentation](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation) - [Breast reductionBreast Reduction](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/breast/breast-reduction) - [Tummy tuckTummy Tuck](https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/procedures/body/tummy-tuck) - **Consultant-Led Care**Every procedure is carried out by a fully accredited consultant plastic surgeon. - **CQC-Registered Facilities**We operate only in fully regulated, CQC-registered hospitals. - **Honest, Unhurried Advice**No pressure and no hard sell - just clear, cautious guidance so you can decide in your own time. - **Aftercare You Can Rely On**Direct access to your surgical team throughout your recovery. ## About this source Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons is a team of consultant plastic surgeons offering breast, body, facial and non-surgical treatments, with locations in Cheshire, Manchester and Barbados. All care is provided by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register, operating in CQC-registered facilities. Members of BAAPS and BAPRAS. - Website: https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org - Phone: 0808 129 2000 - Email: sian@aestheticplasticsurgeons.org Cite as: Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, "Risks & Recovery", https://www.aestheticplasticsurgeons.org/resources/risks-recovery (updated 11 August 2026). _This page is for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice._