Plastic Surgery Recovery and Post-Operative Care
At Ottawa Cancer and Lymphatics Centre, we offer specialized post-operative rehabilitation to support recovery after both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Whether your surgery was part of your cancer journey, injury repair, or an elective procedure, our team is here to help you heal with care, confidence, and expert support.
Plastic surgery can have a profound impact on both physical appearance and emotional wellbeing. While the focus is often on the surgical outcome, recovery plays a critical role in achieving optimal results. Our team understands the details of healing from plastic surgery and works with you to address swelling, scarring, pain, restricted movement, and body image changes.
We provide customized, hands-on care to help you recover more comfortably and safely from procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, DIEP/TRAM flaps, skin grafts, liposuction, facelifts, tummy tucks, scar revisions, and more:
- Lymphatic Massage: Our certified therapists offer complete decongestive therapy (CDT), including lymphatic massage, compression garment fitting, and education to manage or prevent swelling.
- Physiotherapy: Our physiotherapists support post-surgical mobility, pain relief, and gentle return to movement. We help you improve posture, protect healing tissues, and prevent compensatory strain—especially after abdominal, chest, or facial surgeries.
- Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage helps reduce tension, manage discomfort, and promote circulation in recovering tissues. Techniques are adjusted to support surgical areas and individual comfort.
- Kinesiology: We create safe and progressive exercise plans tailored to your recovery timeline and surgical procedure. These programs support strength, flexibility, and functional mobility while reducing stiffness and fatigue.
- Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy promotes tissue healing, reduces post-operative pain, and supports nerve regeneration. It can also improve the appearance and feel of scars.
- Scar Management: We use hands-on techniques and education to reduce adhesions, soften scar tissue, and support mobility and skin integrity. Scar care is especially important after reconstructive surgeries or skin grafts.
- Compression Therapy: Properly fitted compression garments can reduce swelling and support healing tissues. We guide you through garment selection, fitting, and usage for comfort and effectiveness.
- Dietetics: Optimal nutrition supports surgical healing and energy restoration. Our registered dietitian helps manage inflammation, maintain healthy digestion, and promote tissue repair with individualized plans.
- Psychotherapy: Undergoing plastic surgery—especially for reconstructive or cancer-related reasons—can bring emotional challenges. We offer compassionate, trauma-informed care to support mental wellness and body image adjustment.
Our team has experience with supporting post-operative care for several surgical interventions including but not limited to:
- Tissue flap breast reconstruction (DIEP, TRAM, PAP, LAT, TUG)
- Mastectomy scar care (going flat)
- Breast implant surgery (whether it is a part of cancer treatment, prophylactic or for cosmetic purposes)
- Liposuction recovery and fibrosis prevention
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and facelift recovery
- Keloid or hypertrophic scar treatment
- Skin graft or other flap rehabilitation
- Gender affirming surgery
No matter your reason for undergoing plastic surgery, you deserve expert support during your healing journey. We’re here to help you move forward with ease, comfort, and confidence.
