Understanding what to expect during your first week of recovery can help you prepare for a smoother healing process and optimal surgical outcomes.
Following your penis enlargement surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area where our clinical team will monitor your vital signs and ensure you are comfortable as the anaesthetic wears off. During this immediate post-operative period, which typically lasts two to three hours, you will be provided with pain relief medication and given detailed verbal and written instructions about your aftercare routine. Most patients experience some grogginess and drowsiness, which is entirely normal as your body processes the anaesthetic agents.
Once our surgical team confirms that you are stable and alert, you will be discharged on the same day with a comprehensive care package. This includes prescribed medications, wound care information and contact details for our staff. You will already have these in fact in the information that will be preovided as part of your pr-operative information guide
You will notice surgical dressings covering the treatment area, which serve to protect the incision sites and provide compression to minimise swelling. It is essential that you arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home, as you will not be permitted to drive or use public transport unaccompanied following surgery.
During the first evening at home, prioritise rest You may notice some discomfort, bruising, or a tight sensation around the treated area, all of which are expected responses to the surgical procedure. Take your prescribed pain medication as directed, stay well-hydrated, and avoid any strenuous activity. Our team will contact you within the first 24 to 48 hours to check on your progress and address any immediate concerns you may have. You willalso begin a course of antibiotics for one week.
Swelling and discomfort are natural physiological responses following penis enlargement surgery and typically peak within the first 48 to 72 hours. The degree of swelling varies between individuals, depending on factors such as the surgical technique used, your body's natural healing response, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. You can expect the treated area to appear larger than the anticipated final result during this initial phase due to fluid accumulation and tissue inflammation.
To effectively manage discomfort, take the prescribed pain relief medication at regular intervals as recommended by your surgical team. Over-the-counter paracetamol may be used in conjunction with prescribed medications, but avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen unless specifically approved by your urologist, as these can increase bleeding risk. Applying cold compresses to the surrounding area for short periods can help reduce swelling, but ensure that ice packs are wrapped in a clean cloth and never applied directly to the skin or surgical site.
Wearing supportive, comfortable underwear is important during the first week to provide gentle compression and prevent excessive movement of the surgical area. Avoid tight-fitting garments that may restrict blood flow or cause irritation to healing tissues. If you notice that swelling is increasing significantly after the third day, or if you experience severe pain that is not controlled by prescribed medication, contact our clinical team immediately. Most patients find that discomfort subsides considerably by day five or six, with swelling gradually diminishing over the following weeks.
Maintaining proper hygiene during the first week of recovery is crucial for preventing infection and promoting optimal healing. Your surgical dressings should remain in place for the duration specified by your urologist, typically between 48 to 72 hours following the procedure. Do not attempt to remove or adjust the dressings yourself unless instructed to do so by our clinical team. When it is time to change the dressings, you will have been provided with detailed instructions and the necessary sterile supplies.
Once you have been cleared to remove the initial dressings, gently cleanse the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel—avoid rubbing or applying excessive pressure to the treated tissue. If dissolvable sutures have been used, these will naturally absorb over time and do not require removal. You may notice some minor discharge or slight spotting during the first few days, which is a normal part of the healing process. However, if you observe excessive bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or signs of pus, contact our surgical team without delay.
Avoid submerging the surgical area in water during the first week. This means no baths, swimming, or hot tubs—showers are permitted once your dressings have been removed and your surgeon has confirmed it is safe to do so. Keep the area as dry as possible between cleansing sessions, and ensure that any fresh dressings applied are clean and secure. Good hand hygiene before and after touching the surgical site is essential to minimise the risk of introducing bacteria to the healing tissue.
During the first week following penis enlargement surgery, it is essential to limit physical activity to allow your body to focus its resources on healing. Complete rest is recommended for the first 48 hours, with only light movement around your home to prevent complications such as blood clots. Avoid lifting anything heavier than two kilograms, and refrain from any exercise, including walking for extended periods, jogging, cycling, or gym activities. Sudden or strenuous movements can disrupt the healing tissue and increase the risk of complications such as bleeding or wound dehiscence.
Sexual activity and masturbation are strictly prohibited during the first six weeks, as any form of physical stimulation to the treated area can cause significant trauma to healing tissues and compromise your surgical results. Similarly, avoid wearing restrictive clothing or engaging in activities that create friction against the surgical site, such as prolonged sitting or cycling.
You may return to light, non-strenuous activities such as working from home or gentle household tasks after the first few days, provided these do not involve heavy lifting, bending, or prolonged standing. Listen to your body and do not push through discomfort—pain is a signal that you may be doing too much too soon. Before resuming any form of exercise or more demanding activities, you must receive clearance from your urologist during your follow-up appointment. Gradual reintroduction of activity is key to achieving optimal surgical outcomes and minimising the risk of complications. Do not use the gym for six weeks
While most patients experience a straightforward recovery, it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms that warrant immediate contact with your surgical team. Excessive bleeding that saturates dressings or does not subside with gentle pressure, severe pain that is unrelieved by prescribed medication, or a sudden increase in swelling after the initial few days are all reasons to seek urgent clinical advice. Additionally, if you develop a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, experience chills, or notice red streaks radiating from the surgical site, these may indicate an infection requiring prompt medical attention.
Changes in sensation, such as numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the treated area, should also be reported to our team, particularly if these symptoms worsen or do not improve over the first few days. Hoqever, the operated areas may feel a little numb at first. Similarly, if you notice any foul-smelling discharge, pus, or wound separation, contact us immediately. These signs may suggest a wound infection or other complication that requires intervention. Our clinical staff are available to address your concerns and provide guidance throughout your recovery process. These problems are thankfully seldom.
At Moorgate Andrology, we are committed to providing comprehensive aftercare and support to all our patients. You will be given direct contact details for our clinical team and clear instructions on how to reach us outside of regular hours if an urgent issue arises. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns during your first week of recovery—no query is too minor when it comes to your health and wellbeing. Your scheduled follow-up appointment will allow your urologist to assess your healing progress, remove any non-dissolvable sutures if applicable, and provide further guidance on resuming normal activities.
About Moorgate Andrology
Moorgate Andrology is a UK-based specialist clinic providing penis enlargement surgery, penile filler treatment, and peyronies disease management.
Treatments are delivered using a medically-led approach focused on safety, precision, and natural-looking outcomes