Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Plastic surgery procedures

Scar revision, keloid treatment, earlobe repair and cosmetic-focused lesion removal under local anaesthetic.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

The plastic surgery service at Tower Bridge Hospital covers procedures that can be performed under local anaesthetic in clinic. These include scar revision, keloid treatment, earlobe repair, and cosmetic-focused removal of moles, cysts and lipomas.

Procedures requiring general anaesthetic, hospital admission, breast surgery or deep cosmetic surgery are not performed here and are referred elsewhere.

Most procedures take up to an hour. Stitches are usually removed after 5 to 14 days depending on the site, and scars mature over 12 months or more.

A cooling-off period of at least 14 days applies between consultation and procedure.

Before your procedure

Attend the consultation and use the cooling-off period. Do not feel rushed into a date.
Tell the team about all medicines, especially anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless instructed.
Tell the team if you have a history of keloid or thickened scars, as this changes the plan and the expected result.
Mention allergies to local anaesthetic, plasters or antiseptics.
Eat and drink normally.
For earlobe repair, remove earrings beforehand and do not plan to re-pierce until your surgeon advises.
Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area and that you do not mind marking.

What happens on the day

The area is examined, marked and photographed for your record.
Local anaesthetic is injected. It stings briefly, then the area numbs.
The procedure is carried out as agreed at consultation. You stay awake throughout.
The wound is closed with stitches, often fine sutures where appearance matters.
A dressing is applied and you are given written aftercare and a follow-up appointment.

Aftercare

Pain

Usually mild once the anaesthetic wears off. Simple over-the-counter pain relief per the packet is normally enough.

Swelling and bruising

Expected for the first week, particularly around the face and ears.

Dressings

Keep dry and in place for 48 hours, then follow the instructions you were given.

Bathing

Dry for 48 hours, then shower and pat dry. No baths, swimming or saunas until healed.

Scar care

Once healed, follow any scar-management advice you are given. Do not start silicone products, massage or other treatments before your surgeon says the wound is ready.

Sun protection

Protect the scar from sun for at least 6 months. Sun exposure on a new scar causes permanent darkening.

Earlobe repair

Do not re-pierce the earlobe until your surgeon confirms it is safe, usually several months later, and not through the scar itself.

Keloid treatment

Keloids can recur despite correct treatment. Attend all follow-up appointments, as ongoing treatment is often part of the plan.

Exercise

Avoid vigorous exercise and anything that stretches the area for around 2 weeks.

Work and driving

Most people return to desk work within a day or two. Driving once comfortable and unrestricted.

Follow-up

Stitches out at 5 to 14 days depending on the site. Facial stitches are usually removed earliest.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
When	What to expect
First 48 hours	Soreness and swelling. Keep the dressing dry.
Days 3 to 7	Swelling settles. Bruising fades.
Days 5 to 14	Stitches removed, earlier on the face.
Weeks 2 to 6	Scar is pink and firm. Protect from sun. Begin scar care only when advised.
3 to 6 months	Scar softens and flattens progressively.
12 months or more	Final scar appearance. Keloid-prone skin may need ongoing review.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
Severe or rapidly worsening pain
Feeling generally unwell with a high temperature, shivering or confusion

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

Spreading redness from the wound
Increasing swelling, heat or throbbing after 48 hours
Pus or offensive discharge
Wound edges separating
A scar becoming rapidly thicker, raised or itchy, which may suggest keloid formation

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there a 14-day cooling-off period?

It gives you time to consider the procedure without pressure. It is standard practice for non-urgent cosmetic procedures.

Can a scar be removed completely?

No. Scar revision aims to improve appearance by exchanging a poor scar for a better-positioned, finer one. It cannot remove a scar entirely.

Will a keloid come back?

Keloids can recur even after correct treatment. This is discussed before you consent, and follow-up is part of the plan.

When can I re-pierce a repaired earlobe?

Only when your surgeon confirms healing is complete, usually several months, and not through the scar.

What is not performed here?

Anything requiring general anaesthetic or hospital admission, breast surgery, deep cosmetic surgery and vascular surgery. You will be referred for those.

More information

Clinical reviewer: Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date: 21 July 2026
Review by: 21 July 2027
Version: 1.0