Cosmetic surgery looks effortless online. A few photos, a big reveal, and suddenly, confidence seems instant.
But what those glossy before-and-after posts rarely show is everything that happens in between.
The swelling. The bruising. The waiting. The emotional rollercoaster.
For many people considering cosmetic surgery, the recovery phase is something they think about last, even though it often shapes how they feel about their results the most.
In South Africa, more people than ever are choosing aesthetic procedures, and while the decision to have surgery is usually carefully considered, the healing process is often underestimated.
Cosmetic surgery is booming
There is no denying it. Cosmetic surgery has gone mainstream.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, South Africa consistently ranks among the top 25 countries worldwide for surgical cosmetic procedures.
Breast surgery, liposuction, tummy tucks and facial rejuvenation procedures continue to rise year on year.
Non-surgical treatments have grown even faster, reflecting a culture that is more open about aesthetic enhancement and more willing to share personal journeys online.
What is only now starting to trend, though, is honesty about recovery.
According to cosmetic surgeon Professor Chrysis Sofianos, “People often expect the confidence boost to be immediate, but the early stages of recovery are emotionally demanding. Scars take time, and how they are cared for in those first few months can shape how they look for years to come.”
The long road after the operating room
Surgery may only take a few hours, but healing unfolds over months. Scars do not fade overnight, and the way they are treated early on can make a lasting difference to how noticeable they become.
While cosmetic surgery is widely considered safe, post-operative challenges are not uncommon. Research shows that many patients experience complications at the surgical site rather than systemically.
One of the most common concerns remains scarring.
Depending on the procedure and individual factors, between 32 per cent and 72 per cent of surgical wounds may develop hypertrophic scarring, according to a major review published on the National Institutes of Health database.
For South Africans with darker skin tones, the risk is even higher.
Clinical guidance from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information confirms that hypertrophic and keloid scarring are more common due to genetic and biological factors.
This makes aftercare not just important, but essential.
When scars affect confidence
Scars are not only physical. The first time a patient sees a healing incision can be confronting, especially when surgery was meant to improve confidence.
Swelling, bruising and changes in skin texture can feel alarming, even when they are part of normal healing.
It is during this stage that emotions often surface. Anxiety, self-doubt and frustration are common, particularly when expectations do not match reality.
As Prof. Sofianos explains, “Patients who generally handle the post-operative journey best, are those who receive calm, honest guidance throughout recovery, not just in the operating theatre or the first 24 hours.”
Signs your scar needs attention
Not all scars heal quietly. While redness and swelling are expected early on, certain changes should not be ignored.
Rapid thickening, hardening or raised tissue can signal hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
Persistent redness or darkening that does not improve, or a scar that continues to grow instead of settling, may also point to a problem.
Warmth, tenderness or discharge can indicate infection, which can significantly worsen scarring if left untreated.
The good news is that early intervention allows surgeons to step in with treatments such as silicone therapy, corticosteroid injections or laser treatments before scars become more pronounced.
Why aftercare makes or breaks results
Surgical technique matters, but recovery habits matter just as much. Infection, poor wound care, smoking, dehydration and sun exposure can all slow healing and worsen scar appearance.
In South Africa, summer adds another layer of risk. High UV levels, outdoor living and holiday travel make protecting healing scars more challenging.
UV exposure can permanently darken new scar tissue, making it thicker and more noticeable over time.
As Prof. Sofianos explains, “My duty doesn’t end in the operating room. Guiding patients through recovery, explaining what to expect and how to protect their scars, is what ensures a smoother, less stressful healing journey.”
Scar care that helps
According to Prof. Sofianos, protecting scars from the sun is non-negotiable.
High-SPF sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding direct sun exposure for at least 12 months are key.
Following wound-care instructions closely and keeping the area clean can prevent complications early on.
Once approved, silicone sheets or gels can help scars soften and fade.
Gentle scar massage may improve circulation when permitted.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports better blood flow and faster healing, while proper nutrition, hydration and regular follow-up appointments allow surgeons to monitor progress and intervene early if needed.
If a scar becomes raised, painful or starts spreading, seeking advice sooner rather than later can prevent long-term issues.
Real transformation takes time
Cosmetic surgery can be transformative, but the real work often begins after the procedure. Healing is a gradual, emotional, and sometimes unpredictable process.
Scars change over months, not days, and early appearances rarely tell the full story.
With realistic expectations, consistent aftercare and professional guidance, patients are more likely to feel confident not just in their results, but in the journey that got them there.
As Prof. Sofianos sums it up, “Confidence after surgery is a journey, not a flash reveal. Patients who approach recovery with preparation and consistent care achieve better outcomes and greater reassurance in themselves.”
Lifestyle
