When should I genuinely begin to worry about swelling after surgery? Postoperative swelling is a common occurrence, a natural response to trauma inflicted during the procedure. However, it’s essential to discern the threshold at which such swelling transforms from a benign side effect into a cause for concern. How much swelling is considered typical, and when does it veer into the realm of alarming? For instance, could there be indicators, such as persistent or increasing swelling, that suggest underlying complications like infection or hematoma? Moreover, are there particular surgeries that are predisposed to excessive swelling compared to others? What about the timeline—after how many days should the swelling show signs of subsiding? Could a patient’s unique physiology play a critical role in their healing journey, influencing the severity and duration of postpartum edema? Understanding these intricacies can significantly impact recovery and overall peace of mind.