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MiamiSurgeryGuide

After surgery · Safety

Warning signs after surgery

Print this page for whoever is caring for you. When in doubt, call — surgeons would much rather hear from you early.

Call 911

By the MiamiSurgeryGuide editorsUpdated 2 min read

Call 911 now

  • Sudden shortness of breath or fast breathing
  • Chest pain, especially worse when breathing in
  • Coughing up blood
  • Fainting, confusion, or can't be woken normally
  • Very fast heartbeat with dizziness
  • Slurred speech, face drooping, one-sided weakness
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of lips/throat, trouble breathing

Then call your surgeon. Don't let anyone talk you out of calling 911.

Call your surgeon today

  • Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, or chills
  • Incision that is spreading red, hot, opening, or draining pus or foul-smelling fluid
  • One calf or leg swollen, warm, red or painful (possible DVT)
  • One side suddenly much more swollen, tight or bruised (possible hematoma)
  • A new soft, sloshing bulge (possible seroma)
  • Drain output suddenly increasing or turning bright red
  • Skin turning dark, purple or black near an incision
  • Pain not controlled by your prescribed medication
  • Vomiting so you can't keep fluids or medication down
  • No urination for 8+ hours

Usually normal

  • Swelling and bruising that peak in the first week, then slowly improve
  • Pink-tinged fluid leaking from lipo ports early on
  • Numbness or tingling around treated areas
  • Tiredness and low mood in the first two weeks
  • Mild itching as incisions heal
  • Firm or uneven areas that slowly soften over weeks

"Usually normal" still means mention it at your follow-up.

Why these matter

Fat embolism & pulmonary embolism

Fat (after BBL) or a blood clot (after any long surgery) can travel to the lungs. Both cause sudden breathlessness and can be fatal within hours. This is why breathing problems are always a 911 call, never a "wait and see."

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A clot in the leg, usually one calf. Risk is higher with long surgeries, combined procedures, hormone use, obesity and long flights. Walking early and often is the best prevention.

Hematoma

A collection of blood under the skin, usually in the first 24–48 hours. It can need a return to the operating room.

Infection

Usually appears days 3–10. Take every dose of any prescribed antibiotic and keep incisions clean and dry.

Seroma

Clear fluid collecting under the skin, often 1–3 weeks after lipo or a tummy tuck. Not usually an emergency, but your surgeon may need to drain it.

Keep these numbers handy
  • Emergency: 911
  • Florida Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • Your surgeon's after-hours line: ____________________

This page summarizes general guidance from patient-education sources such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It cannot diagnose you.