Recovery and follow-up

As a guide: a dental implant or hair transplant usually needs 2-3 days; laser eye surgery, 2-4; major cosmetic or bariatric surgery, 7 to 10; a hip or knee replacement, two weeks or more with rehabilitation. The exact figure is set by your medical team based on how you recover. Buy a return ticket that allows date changes.

It must be agreed in writing before you travel. The reasonable setup is a schedule of video follow-ups with the team that operated on you, plus a complete medical report, in your language or in English, so your regular doctor can step in. Also ask who answers outside office hours, and how quickly.

First, go to your local emergency department: an infection or a blood clot will not wait for a flight. Take your surgical report, your medication list and the implant details with you. Then notify the clinic that operated on you through a written channel, with photos and dates: that record is what supports any later claim.

It depends entirely on what you sign. Some clinics cover the operating theatre and fees for a set period, but almost none cover flights or accommodation. Ask in writing what is included, for how long, and who decides whether the revision is warranted. Without that document, a revision can cost more than the original operation.

Desk work: usually 3 to 14 days depending on the procedure. Physical work and impact sport: almost always 4 to 8 weeks, and longer after orthopaedic surgery. Going back too early is one of the most common causes of poor aesthetic results and avoidable complications. Ask for specific dates at discharge and keep them in writing.

A scar matures over 6 to 12 months: strict sun protection, moisturising and, if your team advises it, silicone sheets or gel. The final result of cosmetic surgery is rarely judged before 6 months, and for a hair transplant not before 12. 'Before and after' photos taken at two weeks mean nothing.