When a person is having surgery one of the most common questions they ask is how long will the recovery take. The answer to that question is complex and almost always unique to the individual and the type of procedure taking place.

　　There are many variables that determine how long recovery will last, ranging from a day to months before the patient feels like their presurgery self.

　　Type of Surgery

　　The type of surgery being performed has an enormous impact on how long the recovery will take. For example, we can expect an open heart surgery where the sternum (breastbone) is cut in half to take at least six to eight weeks. Open heart procedures are very serious and may require cardiac rehabilitation afterward to make the best recovery possible. The incision is large and goes through many layers of tissue and even bone. The end result is that the recovery from this procedure is expected to take months, not weeks.1

　　Contrast that procedure with a tonsillectomy, where the incisions are very small, and there is no external incision because the surgeon works through the patient’s mouth. The recovery requires cold fluids as food for a day or two, followed by a few days of soft food, but most patients return to their normal activities within a week, two at the most.2

　　You can expect that minimally invasive procedures will have a shorter recovery time, as the incisions are often very small, and less tissue is cut by those incisions. Open procedures, the surgeries that utilize larger incisions, will take longer in most cases. For example, an appendectomy performed using the minimally invasive laparoscopic technique will typically result in a shorter recovery than an appendectomy performed using an open technique. This is one reason why the laparoscopic technique is often favored by physicians and patients, when available.

　　Age of the Patient

　　Age has an impact on recovery. The general rule is that younger patients bounce back faster after a procedure when compared to older patients having the same surgery. That said, a healthy older patient could certainly recover faster than a very ill young patient. It would be expected that a teenager who has the same surgery as an elderly patient would recover more quickly, but nothing is set in stone. Two patients who are chronologically the same age may be far different ages when comparing their health histories and overall “wear and tear” on their bodies.

　　General Condition of Patient

　　The overall health of the patient has a great deal to do with the healing process. There are many variables that impact the ability to recover quickly, such as the presence of diabetes and the patient’s smoking history.

　　The patient who goes into surgery with a complex history of illness is unlikely to heal as quickly as the patient who has the same surgery with no history of illness.

　　The patient who smokes is more likely to have scarring and delayed wound healing, while the diabetic surgery patient is at higher risk for infections postoperatively. These things play a role in how healing will progress. The patient can speed their healing process by quitting smoking, the diabetic can promote their recovery by keeping their blood glucose level well-controlled, so it is possible to manage these issues before and after surgery.

　　Willingness to Recover

　　The patient who is fully committed to recovering to the best of their ability, and willing to do what must be done, whether that is rehabilitation, diet modification, smoking cessation, wound care or the like, is going to recover faster than the patient who does not meaningfully pursue the goal of recovery. The patient who follows the surgeon’s instructions, eats a healthful diet, and pursues good health will be likely to recover more quickly. That includes following the instructions to “take it easy” rather than jumping into activities.

　　Depression after surgery is not uncommon and can slow recovery. Feelings of depression can make it challenging to engage in the business of getting better, and should be reported to the primary care provider.

　　Complications

　　Complications: That is the word that every surgery patient dreads, but it is, unfortunately, a reality for some patients. There are many issues, expected and unexpected, that can slow recovery. Identifying complications, such as a wound infection, quickly can make an enormous difference in how much they impact the recovery process.

　　Is Full Recovery Possible?

　　Is it possible or reasonable to make a full recovery? What exactly is a full recovery? The idea of a full recovery is typically understood as functioning as well as prior to surgery, or better. That expectation may not be reasonable, a better definition might be reaching your best possible level of function after surgery. Some surgeries are not performed for a cure, but to improve pain, remove infection, or slow a disease process.

　　For example, imagine a patient who has a severe infection in their foot that is both painful and life-threatening. The problem is not being controlled by antibiotics or wound care, and the infection is threatening to move to the rest of the body. Surgically removing the foot could very well save the patient’s life, and put an end to the infection; however, walking will be a very different thing after surgery, potentially requiring a prosthetic foot. For this patient, a return to good health without an infection, and a well-healed incision may be considered an outstanding outcome and a complete recovery.

　　Predicting Recovery Times

　　Your surgeon is the one individual who can most accurately estimate the length of time your recovery will require. They are knowledgeable about the current state of your health, the details of the procedure that is being done, your age and all of the other factors that together will determine your recovery time. Even so, that time frame is an estimate, a most likely scenario based on what is known about your health combined with practical experience. Unforeseen complications will extend the time it takes to fully recover after surgery.

　Here’s what to expect after a surgical procedure.

　　1. Go to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit

　　Immediately after your procedure, you will be brought to a post anesthesia care unit (PACU). This is a specific patient recovery room in the hospital, where you’ll be brought back to consciousness from anesthesia before being discharged.

　　Your anesthesia care team will monitor your vital signs, make sure you’re feeling comfortable, and give you the appropriate fluids and pain medication. They are knowledgeable about your condition and trained to spot any problems related to the anesthesia so they can take action quickly if issues arise.

　　You’ll be continually evaluated during your PACU stay until your physician decides you are ready to be discharged.

　　2. Follow Your Patient Discharge Instructions

　　After undergoing major surgery or a minor elective procedure, you’ll get discharge instructions to review with your surgical team. Usually, they include information about wound care, recommended activity level, suggested physical therapy, diet, and mental wellbeing (as well as information about when to call your doctor and the signs of a medical emergency).

　　They should also contain guidance specific to your condition. For example, a patient recovering from heart surgery may need to keep a closer eye on their respiratory health to prevent pneumonia and bronchitis.

　　Once you’re home, it’s a good idea to re-read these guidelines and follow them carefully. Call your surgeon’s office if you’re unsure about anything, especially if it involves unusual symptoms or reactions to medication. By taking care of complications as soon as they arise, you’ll prevent setbacks in your recovery.

　　3. Get Plenty of Rest

　　With any major surgery, it’s important to stay in bed as much as possible for at least 24–48 hours after the procedure. Some surgeries may require even more patient bed rest. Sleep if you feel tired and be sure to move slower than your usual pace. A gradual approach will allow your body to tell you when it’s ready to go back to normal.

　　A patient with a long recovery ahead of them may be tempted to catch up on work or run a few errands. But before you get back to your busy schedule, remember your surgeon’s instructions. Don’t drive, exercise, or engage in strenuous activities until your physician gives you the all clear.

　　4. Take Pain Medication as Advised

　　Before surgery, tell your doctor about any prescribed pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications, or other supplements you use. This will help them prescribe pain relief that won’t negatively interact with medication you’re currently taking.

　　And while there’s no such thing as an entirely pain free surgery experience, the right medication in the right dose can go a long way towards easing soreness and discomfort. As a patient, it’s really important to follow all medication instructions from your healthcare professionals carefully. Not only will this speed up your healing time, it can help you avoid long-term health problems.

　　5. Attend Follow-Up Appointments

　　Usually, you’ll have your first patient follow-up appointment a day or two after surgery. While you may feel tired or sick, do not skip this visit. If you can’t drive to the appointment, ask a friend or family member to accompany you.

　　Always be honest about your symptoms and level of pain. This way, your medical team can treat the areas where it hurts the most and keep you as comfortable as possible. It’s also a great time to ask any questions that have come up since the day of your procedure.

　　In most cases, your first appointment won’t be your last. Some patients will visit a week or two later, while others will have a final checkup in four to six weeks. Keep going to all appointments until you get the final clearance from your healthcare professionals.

　　6. Consider Home Care Services

　　Home health care aides work with patients who are recovering from surgery. Ultimately, their goal is either to help the patient recover and gain their independence, or if the condition is chronic, to maintain the highest quality of life possible and assist with personal tasks.

　　An expert caregiver can support your transition from the hospital to home. They can take care of work around the house such as light housekeeping, meal prep, provide companionship, and help you get around the house easier. Home care support can give your family peace of mind that everything is being taken care of.

　　7. Avoid Infection

　　Every wound, no matter how small, has the potential to become infected. Today’s minimally invasive surgical procedures help minimize the risk of infection, but you still have to maintain proper wound care to stay healthy. Your surgeon’s discharge instructions should provide you with everything you need to care for the affected area. Follow all guidelines step-by-step and ask a loved one if you need help with cleaning or dressing the wound.

　　Get as many supplies as you can before you have surgery. Ask your surgical team about what you’ll need to maintain your incision at home. Stock up at your local drugstore on supplies like gauze, a mild soap and medical gloves. Never rub your wound, submerge it in water or put lotion on top of it. If you notice any of the common signs of infection after surgery, such as increasing pain, fever or a large amount of discharge, call your physician as soon as possible.

　　8. Eat a Healthy Diet

　　A patient recovering from surgery may experience nausea and loss of appetite. But once those feelings pass and you’re ready to get back to your normal diet, it’s important to focus on incorporating nutritious meals into your patient plan.