08/08/2026
ER or urgent care after plastic surgery?
My first recommendation in most situations: call your plastic surgeon.
Your surgeon knows exactly what procedure you had, what is expected during recovery, and what may actually require additional evaluation. Many postoperative concerns can be assessed by your surgical team without an unnecessary trip elsewhere.
If you can’t reach your surgeon—or your symptoms suggest you may need a higher level of care—the emergency room is generally the more appropriate destination than an urgent care center for a potentially serious postoperative issue.
Of course, if you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency, don’t delay emergency care while waiting for a response.
A good postoperative plan should include knowing who to call, what to watch for, and where to go if something doesn’t feel right.
Save this before surgery, and send me your postoperative questions below.
