Key signs to watch for include increasing redness or warmth around the surgical area, swelling that worsens rather than gradually improves after the first few days, any discharge, fever, and pain that increases instead of following the normal pattern of steady improvement.
It's worth distinguishing these from normal post-surgical symptoms — some swelling, mild discomfort, and even slight warmth are expected in the days right after surgery. What matters is the direction of the trend: normal healing improves day by day, while infection tends to worsen or plateau instead.
Consultation Tip
If you're ever unsure whether what you're seeing is normal healing or a warning sign, send a photo to your coordinator on WhatsApp rather than waiting to see how it develops — a quick check is always better than uncertainty.
Ready to talk to Dr. Kim? Reach out on WhatsApp to book your video consultation: Chat with us on WhatsApp (+82 10-4434-6234)
— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery