Wounds and healing
Appearance of incisions, swelling, bruising, drainage and signs that healing is not progressing as expected.
Aftercare
Continuity of care once you are home
Recovery does not end at the airport. VidaMed arranges UK reviews with registered clinicians, so someone is checking on your progress and knows what to do if you are worried.
Why it matters
A UK team alongside your overseas surgeon
Your overseas clinic remains responsible for your surgical care. Aftercare adds a UK point of contact for the weeks and months that follow.
Our clinicians review how you are healing, check your wounds, answer questions and, with your consent, keep your treating clinic informed. Where clinically indicated, imaging such as ultrasound is arranged through CQC-registered diagnostic partners.
We do not guarantee any outcome. We aim to spot concerns early and help you act on them.
Timeline
Your recovery, step by step
The exact schedule depends on your procedure and your clinician's advice. This is a typical pattern.
- Return day 1
Contact and settling in
You let us know you are home. We confirm your discharge instructions, medicines and who to call if you are worried.
- Within days
First UK review
A clinician checks your wounds, general wellbeing, pain, mobility and any dressings or drains. They go through your discharge papers.
- Weeks 1 to 2
Wound and recovery check
We look at healing, swelling and your medicines. Any stitches or dressings are managed as advised by your surgeon.
- Weeks 4 to 6
Progress review
We review how you are recovering, discuss activity and return to normal routines, and consider imaging if there is a clinical reason.
- Month 3
Three-month review
A broader check on healing, how you feel and any ongoing needs. Where relevant, we repeat blood tests.
- Month 3 and beyond
Ongoing support
Some procedures need longer follow-up. We can arrange further reviews and share a summary with your GP, with your consent.
At each review
What your clinician covers
Symptoms and medicines
Pain, nausea, bowel and bladder function, and how you are tolerating your medicines. Any concerns are noted.
Mobility and activity
Walking, movement and when to return to daily activity, according to your surgeon's guidance.
Wellbeing
Mood, sleep and how you feel about your recovery. Emotional ups and downs are common and we take them seriously.
Tests and imaging
Blood tests or ultrasound where there is a clinical reason, arranged through diagnostic partners.
Communication
With your consent, we keep your overseas clinic and your GP informed of relevant findings.
Warning signs
When to seek help
This table is a general guide. It does not replace the instructions from your surgeon. If you are unsure, ask.
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or coughing up blood | Call 999 or go to A&E immediately |
| Sudden swelling, pain or redness in one leg | Call 999 or go to A&E. This may be a clot. |
| Fainting, confusion or sudden severe weakness | Call 999 |
| Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding | Call 999 and apply firm pressure |
| Fever, spreading redness, warmth or pus at a wound | Contact us the same day. If you cannot reach us or feel very unwell, go to A&E. |
| Wound opening, or increasing pain not controlled by your medicines | Contact us the same day and follow your surgeon's advice |
| Persistent vomiting, or unable to drink | Contact us the same day. Seek urgent care if you feel unwell. |
| Mild bruising, tiredness or swelling that is gradually improving | Usually expected. Mention it at your next review. |
In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. If you are still abroad, contact your treating clinic and the local emergency services.
Escalation
If something is not right
Contact your VidaMed clinician
Call or message us. A UK clinician will assess how urgent the issue is and advise you on what to do.
Review in person or by video
Where appropriate, we arrange an earlier review, a wound check or imaging through a diagnostic partner.
Speak with your treating clinic
With your consent, we contact your overseas surgeon to share findings and agree a plan.
Urgent or emergency care
If you need urgent treatment, we direct you to the right service, such as your GP, NHS 111, a UK urgent care centre or A&E. We can pass on information to the treating team with your consent.
You do not need to wait for a scheduled review to ask for help.
Support for recovery
Extras you can add
- Extra follow-up reviews for longer recoveries
- Scar care and lymphatic drainage support
- Dietitian input and psychological support
- Blood test follow-up and medicines review
See the full list of add-ons, or combine Aftercare with the Complete Journey.
Questions
Common questions
Can I book Aftercare if I have already arranged surgery?
Yes. Contact us before you travel where possible, so we can plan your first review for soon after you return.
Does Aftercare replace my overseas clinic's follow-up?
No. It works alongside it. Your treating clinic remains responsible for your surgical care.
Can reviews be done remotely?
Some can, where clinically appropriate. Wound checks and imaging usually need an in-person visit.
Plan your recovery before you travel
Book a consultation and we will explain how Aftercare would work for your procedure.
Book a consultation