At Judith Gurley Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, recovery is not an afterthought — it’s an essential part of achieving the final result you desire. Every step is designed to support smooth healing, comfort, and natural, lasting beauty.
No one will know. Everyone will notice.®
Healing looks different for every patient, but having a roadmap helps you feel confident and prepared. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Pre-Op Appointment
● Your recovery begins before surgery, during your in-person pre-op appointment. ● We’ll walk you step by step through what to expect on the day of surgery and beyond.
● This is your time to ask questions, address any concerns, and leave feeling empowered and ready.
● Our goal is for you to feel fully prepared, both mentally and physically, so you can focus on healing.
Day of Surgery
● You’ll go home with detailed written instructions, your garments in place, and my direct recommendations for the first 24 hours.
● We will call once you are settled in at home.
● Hydration, gentle movement, and deep breathing are essential.
● You will be provided with pain medication, though most prescriptions are mild and won’t prevent you from driving as soon as the following day.
● I will see you the very next day to personally examine your surgical sites — I never delegate this touchpoint.
First Week
● Walking and light motion are encouraged, but no strenuous exercise.
● Compression garments (if applicable) should be worn as directed for comfortable support.
● Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal — we’ll review how to manage these.
● Because recovery is thoughtfully designed around your comfort, many patients are driving and back to work within just a few days, resuming life at their own pace.
Weeks 2–6
● Gradual return to normal activities, based on your procedure and healing.
● Any restrictions on medications or supplements will be reviewed as we ensure safe, steady progress.
Beyond 6 Weeks
● You’ll continue to see me for follow-up appointments throughout the first year (see the Recovery Appointment Timeline below).
● These visits allow us to track your progress, refine aftercare, and ensure your results remain naturally beautiful.
My Commitment to You
● Personal oversight: I personally examine every patient post-operatively.
● Early intervention: By “getting eyes on” your healing, I can prevent small issues from becoming setbacks.
● Open access: If something concerns you, it concerns us. We encourage you to call without hesitation.
To ensure you heal beautifully and predictably, I personally see you at these key milestones:
● Day 1 – The day after surgery
● 2 Weeks – Early healing and suture check (if applicable)
● 6 Weeks – 2nd healing check and garment fitting (if applicable)
● 3 Months – Progress evaluation and guidance for activity and long-term care ● 6 Months – Healing assessment and refinement
● 1 Year – Final results check and celebration of your transformation
After your 1-year checkup, I enjoy seeing patients periodically to make sure you remain comfortable and confident in your results. Follow-up schedules are personalized for every patient.
Your results don’t end at recovery. A healthy lifestyle, clean eating, and good hydration support long-lasting beauty. Many patients also maintain results with skin treatments at our MedSpa and physician-curated products like Gurley Glow®. We may also recommend long-term undergarment options tailored specifically to you.
Recovery is the first step toward enjoying your renewed confidence — and we’ll be here for you long after your surgery.
Your recovery journey begins with a consultation designed around you. Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one visit.
