When Is Post-Op Pain an Emergency? Warning Signs After Surgery | Body By Poly Podcast
Dr. Alain Polynice explains what postoperative pain is normal after surgery and when it may signal an emergency. While incision-site pain, tightness, and muscle-related discomfort (such as after a tummy tuck with muscle tightening or breast implants placed under the muscle) are expected, pain should generally improve over two to three days. Pain that continues or worsens by day three or four may indicate abnormal swelling, fluid collection, wound-healing problems, or skin necrosis, including concerning purple or black skin changes, and should prompt contacting your doctor, calling 911, or going to the ER. He also highlights calf pain as a serious warning sign for possible DVT, which can lead to pulmonary embolism.
00:00 What Pain Is Normal
00:47 When Pain Becomes Emergency
00:58 Wound Issues And Necrosis
01:36 Calf Pain And Blood Clots
02:02 When To Call Doctor Or ER
