Recovering from Surgery

Mr Kosuge’s preferences are to keep the same waterproof dressing that was applied in the operating room until such time your skin sutures/clips need removing between days 12 and 14. Keeping the wound clean and covered as advised helps to reduce the risk of infection. Should you develop a stain on the dressing that is worsening, please contact the hospital ward for further instructions.

This depends on the type of closure used. Many wounds are closed with dissolvable stitches beneath the skin that do not need to be removed. Where clips or non-dissolvable stitches are used, these are usually removed around 12 to 14 days after surgery. Your discharge instructions will confirm what you have and the arrangements for removal.

In the early weeks it is usually most comfortable to sleep on your back. Many patients return to sleeping on their side once the wound has healed and the joint feels more settled, often from around six weeks. After a hip replacement it is often advised to place a pillow between your knees at first. Mr Kosuge will give you advice specific to your operation.

Whilst the wound dressings used are waterproof, Mr Kosuge’s advice is to avoid getting the wound dressing wet for the duration that it is on. This is to minimise the risk of contamination of the wound due to incomplete seals. The wound should not be soaked either, so baths, swimming and hot tubs are best avoided until it has fully healed and you have been told it is safe. Your team will confirm the timing for you.

Ice is generally the more useful of the two after joint replacement, as it helps to reduce swelling and pain, particularly after your exercises. A covered ice pack applied for short periods is usually recommended — never place ice directly against the skin. Heat is less commonly advised in the early stages. Please follow the specific guidance from Mr Kosuge and your physiotherapist.

To reduce the risk of blood clots you will usually be prescribed a blood-thinning medication for a period after your surgery. The type and duration depend on the operation and your individual risk factors, and commonly continue for several weeks. In general though, you will be on blood-thinning medication for two-weeks after a knee replacement and for four-weeks after a hip replacement. Your team will tell you exactly which medication to take and for how long.

Yes, particularly in the early weeks. After a hip replacement there may be certain positions to avoid at first to protect the new joint, and after a knee replacement the focus is on regaining movement and fully straightening the knee. Mr Kosuge and your physiotherapist will give you clear, personalised instructions, and the precautions usually ease as you recover.

Kneeling does not damage a knee replacement, and it is safe once the wound has healed and is comfortable, although many patients find it uncomfortable for some time and prefer to build up to it gradually. After a hip replacement, kneeling is generally fine once you are comfortable. Mr Kosuge will advise you based on your progress.

Your physiotherapist will give you a tailored exercise programme, and following it is one of the most important parts of a good recovery. The exercises focus on restoring movement, strength and confidence in the joint. The exercise resources on this page provide step-by-step guidance with photographs and videos to support your programme.

Most patients return to driving around six weeks after hip or knee replacement, though this varies. You must be able to perform an emergency stop safely, be free of strong painkillers that cause drowsiness, and be confident in full control of the vehicle. It is also sensible to check with your insurer. Mr Kosuge will confirm when it is safe for you.

This depends on the nature of your job and how your recovery is progressing. Patients in sedentary or office-based roles may return within a few weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require several months. The decision will also depend on how to commute to work. Mr Kosuge will give you guidance specific to your work and can provide a fit note if you need one.

It is generally advised to avoid flying in the early weeks after joint replacement because of the increased risk of blood clots, particularly on longer flights. Many patients are advised to wait at least six weeks, depending on the length of the flight and their individual risk. Please discuss any planned travel with Mr Kosuge so that he can advise you.

Returning to dancing is a realistic goal for many patients once strength and confidence have returned, often around three months, depending on the style. Lower-impact dancing can be resumed earlier than vigorous or high-impact dancing. Mr Kosuge will be glad to advise you in relation to your own activity goals.

For most patients, routine dental treatment does not require antibiotics after joint replacement, in line with current guidance. It is sensible to keep your teeth and gums healthy, to complete any planned dental treatment before surgery where possible, and to avoid non-urgent dental work in the first few months afterwards. If you have specific risk factors, Mr Kosuge or your dentist can advise you.