HERRecovery: The Truth About Post-Surgery Aftercare That No One Talks About

Sarah Hogan
Nov 17
3 min read

Cosmetic surgery is a life-changing decision. You spend months preparing for the procedure, researching the right surgeon, arranging time off work, and imagining how you’ll feel once it’s all over.

But here’s the part so many women tell me they weren’t prepared for:

What happens after the surgery is just as important — if not more — than the surgery itself.Your results, comfort, recovery time, scar tissue, swelling, and mental wellbeing are all shaped by the quality of your aftercare.

At HER, this is where I specialise. And it’s why this conversation matters.

The First Few Days: What Your Body Is Really Experiencing

No matter what the procedure is — tummy tuck, liposuction, breast surgery, arm lift, or body contouring — the body undergoes a powerful and complex healing process.

Behind the scenes, you’re managing:

Significant internal swelling
Fluid buildup
Inflammation
Bruising
Sensitivity or numbness
Emotional overwhelm and fatigue

Women often think this is something they have to “push through”, but the truth is:

The body heals better, faster, and more comfortably when it’s supported.

The Power of Lymphatic Drainage in Recovery

After cosmetic surgery, the lymphatic system works overtime to clear fluid, reduce swelling, and begin repairing the tissues. But it needs help.

This is where specialised post-operative lymphatic drainage becomes essential.

The benefits include:

Reduced swelling and tightness
Improved comfort and mobility
Faster, cleaner healing
Lower risk of fibrosis or unevenness
Better circulation and tissue oxygenation
Emotional and nervous system support

Most importantly, it protects the results you’ve invested in.

Why Your Surgeon’s Post-Op Advice Isn’t Enough

Surgeons do fantastic work — but they are not specialists in long-term physical recovery or lymphatic function. Their guidance tends to focus on the surgical site, not the full journey of healing.

This is why so many women feel:

Confused
Unsupported
Unsure what’s normal
Anxious about swelling or shape changes
Alone with their questions

Your surgeon takes you to the operating room.HERRecovery takes you the rest of the way home.

Tailored, Specialist Care Makes All the Difference

As Lincoln’s only dedicated post-operative recovery specialist with advanced training in lymphatic drainage, scar tissue management, and women’s recovery, my role is to:

Assess how your body is responding
Identify early signs of fibrosis or complications
Apply specialist techniques to support healing
Provide a safe space to process how you’re feeling
Help you understand what’s normal and what isn’t
Build a structured recovery plan that honours your body’s pace

Every woman — every surgery — heals differently.Your aftercare must reflect that.

The Emotional Side of Healing That You’re Not Warned About

Surgery affects more than the body.It impacts:

Confidence
Identity
Hormones
Sleep
Energy levels
Body image
Stress and overwhelm

Many women tell me they didn’t expect the emotional crash that can follow the initial adrenaline of surgery.

You do not have to navigate that alone.

When to Book Your First HERRecovery Appointment

Ideally, your first appointment is booked before surgery.This allows us to complete your consultation, discuss your procedure, and plan your early recovery timeline.

If this isn’t possible, it is absolutely fine to begin after surgery — just book as soon as you’re able.

Your first HERRecovery Pre/Post Cosmetic Surgery appointment includes: