Post-Op Care
Your care from ESSE doesn’t end after surgery. We’re always here for you.
MIGs Surgical Recovery Process
Here’s what you can expect during recovery, week by week. These guidelines are a general baseline for gynecologic surgery, and your ESSE surgeon will give you specific instructions based on your procedure.
Most patients who are not traveling for surgery only require a 23-hour hospital admission. If you are traveling to us for surgery, our team often arranges a nearby hotel stay, followed by an in-person check-in with one of our providers the next day.
Your ESSE surgeon will send you home (or to your hotel) with detailed guidance on:
- Pain management
- Movement Incision care
- Diet
The First 5 Days
Your Most Intensive Recovery Period
Your pain should begin to subside, and your digestion should return closer to normal.
You will have your first post-op visit with your ESSE surgeon within 10 days of surgery, in person or via telehealth. A second visit typically follows once pathology results are in, usually at least two weeks after surgery. Your surgeon reviews your results personally before releasing them to you.
Based on your progress, your doctor will provide updated instructions on diet, movement, incision care, and intercourse.
Turning the Corner
Weeks 2 to 3
During this time, you can typically begin incorporating moderate exercise such as yoga, stretching, elliptical, or swimming.
Remember to start slow and build gradually. If something does not feel right, scale back. Your body may need more time to heal.
Your incisions should be healed around this time. Apply SPF 50 or higher to incision areas to prevent sunburn and minimize scarring.
Ramping Back Up
Weeks 4 to 5
lthough timelines vary from person to person, many patients can return to normal activities, including physical work and exercise, after six weeks.
Our most important guideline? Listen to your body. Continue to monitor your symptoms and check in with your ESSE surgeon regularly as your recovery continues.
Returning to Normal Life
Weeks 6 and Beyond
What’s Normal
Gas and bloating, soreness at incision sites, mild to moderate pelvic pain, constipation or loose stool, light vaginal spotting, and mild nausea.
Call Us Immediately if
You have a fever over 101.0°F, severe nausea or vomiting, extreme pain, drainage or pus at incision sites, dizziness, or heavy bleeding. These are emergencies. Please call ESSE Care, or if we are unavailable, call 911 or visit an ER.
For patients preparing for endometriosis excision surgery specifically, we recommend reading our detailed post-excision recovery guide for a procedure-specific walkthrough.
Your Long-Term
Support Timeline
Whether you came to ESSE for endometriosis, fertility optimization, or another gynecologic surgery, we’re here to support you as long as you need us. Here’s what that might look like after your initial procedure.
Surgical recovery, pain management, and bowel support if needed. If hormone replacement therapy is part of your plan, it typically starts within 7 days, with hormone lab monitoring and adjustments as needed.
0 to 3 months
3 to 6 Months
If pelvic floor physical therapy is recommended, we can arrange it through our partner network. You may need a post-op ultrasound at the 3-month mark or a cuff check for hysterectomy patients. Our partners can also help you optimize nutrition to minimize inflammation over time.
6 to 12 Months
Your doctor may recommend follow-up labs, a bone scan if you’re menopausal, symptom tracking, and the start of deeper fitness or GI goals.
Year 1 to 2
Our support continues with maintenance labs (based on your specific needs), continued PT and nutrition support, and surveillance imaging if symptoms warrant.
Year 3 to 5 and Beyond
ESSE offers lifelong monitoring through our team or our trusted partners with HRT updates as needed, GI and pelvic reminders, continuing support for your fitness goals, and integrative therapies. Our relationship with you continues as long as you need us.
Year 3 to 5 and Beyond
ESSE offers lifelong monitoring through our team or our trusted partners with HRT updates as needed, GI and pelvic reminders, continuing support for your fitness goals, and integrative therapies. Our relationship with you continues as long as you need us.
Your Recovery Toolkit
We want you to have two things on hand before surgery: the pre-op bag we send you home with, and a few extras you can pick up yourself.
Your ESSE Care Pre/Post-Op Bag
We send surgical patients home with a thoughtfully curated bag of essentials. Everything in it has been selected to help our patients feel more comfortable in the hours and days after surgery.
Gas-X
For post-op gas and the shoulder pain that can follow abdominal surgery.
Magnesium
To kick-start digestive recovery and help with constipation.
Laxatives and Stool Softener
To keep your bowels moving gently after surgery.
Acid Reducer
In case you are experiencing reflux post-op.
Tylenol
For post-operative pain management.
Moxie Pack
A soothing pack to place on your abdomen after surgery.
Chamomile Tea
A calming and gentle drink for recovery days.
Lotion
For dry hospital air and overall comfort.
Cozy Socks
For your hospital stay and the first nights at home.
Post-Op Amazon Storefront
In addition to your ESSE Care pre/post-op bag, we recommend having a few essential items on hand at home, including supportive pillows or wedge cushions for proper positioning and loose, breathable clothing for easy movement. These items have all been used by our team in postoperative recoveries.
Your Most
Important Task
is Recovery
We handle the coordination, the communication, and the details. You focus on rest, nutrition, and healing.
Recovery is More than Physical
Healing from surgery is often an emotional experience. You may feel relief at finally having an official diagnosis and treatment and at the same time some anxiety as your body recovers. That is why we take a whole-person approach to care, connecting you with trusted partners for the support you need beyond the operating room.
We provide our patients with connections to therapists and other mental health professionals who understand the emotional weight of chronic illness, fertility challenges, and surgical recovery. Finding support from other patients, either in person or online, can also help you feel less alone as you heal.
Emotional &
Mental Wellness
Pelvic Floor
Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor PT can help relax tight muscles, address bowel and bladder issues, and support a fuller recovery. The doctors at ESSE Care always recommend pelvic floor physical therapy to our patients, whether they decide to have surgery or not, through our trusted partner network.
Integrative
Therapies
Acupuncture has been shown to help with pain, anxiety, depression, and fertility, and can be a meaningful addition to your recovery plan.
Nutrition also plays an important role. A low-inflammatory diet rich in fiber and plant-based foods can support healing, help manage chronic pelvic pain, and improve overall well-being.
Hormonal
Support
Birth control is another option your surgeon may discuss with you. If you do not desire fertility in the near future, it can help reduce uncomfortable symptoms, especially those related to ovulation and menstruation. We work collaboratively with you to decide whether it is the right approach.
We have connections with trusted providers in our partner network who can provide these services.
Post-Operative &
Ongoing Follow-Up
Surgery may be a single day, but care with ESSE is an ongoing relationship.
We provide our patients with connections to therapists and other mental health professionals who understand the emotional weight of chronic illness, fertility challenges, and surgical recovery. Finding support from other patients, either in person or online, can also help you feel less alone as you heal.
Your Customized
Recovery Plan
Virtual &
In-Person Visits
Pelvic floor PT can help relax tight muscles, address bowel and bladder issues, and support a fuller recovery. The doctors at ESSE Care always recommend pelvic floor physical therapy to our patients, whether they decide to have surgery or not, through our trusted partner network.
Continue Your Journey
Other resources to help you prepare for every part of your experience with ESSE Care.
Surgical
Planning
Everything that happens before surgery, including your pre-op clearance, meeting your surgical team, and day-of logistics.
Endo Excision
Recovery
A detailed week-by-week guide specifically for patients preparing for endometriosis excision surgery.
First Office
Visit
Haven’t had your consultation yet? Learn what to expect and what to bring to your first appointment.
The first step toward a healthier future.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain
ESSE's excision specialists offer precise, compassionate care that targets the root cause of endometriosis.
Gynecologic Surgery
We treat fibroids, uterine anomalies, polyps, and more with expertise and intention.
Fertility Optimization
We address the conditions that may be interfering with your fertility while coordinating with fertility specialists.
Comprehensive & Partner Support
ESSE Care offers comprehensive gynecologic care for all ages, as well as integrative therapies via our trusted partners.
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