Fever After Surgery: When to Call Your Plastic Surgeon vs. the ER
A low-grade fever in the first few days after plastic surgery is common and usually harmless. However, knowing when a fever signals a problem, and whether to call your surgeon or head to the emergency room, can protect your health and give you peace of mind during recovery.
Fort Worth Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby explains what causes fever after plastic surgery, which temperature ranges are normal, and when an elevated temperature requires immediate medical attention.
Is fever after plastic surgery normal?
Yes, mild fever after surgery is common. Your body responds to the stress of surgery with inflammation, which can temporarily raise your temperature. This normal inflammatory response typically resolves within a few days as your body begins healing. However, certain fever patterns or accompanying symptoms require medical evaluation.
While you should take your doctor’s personalized advice first, you may use this chart as a general guide in the first several days after surgery:
| Temperature | Action |
| 99°F – 100.3°F | Monitor at home, stay hydrated, rest, take acetaminophen if approved |
| 100.4°F – 101°F | Notify Dr. Kirby’s office and monitor changes |
| 101°F – 102°F | Call Dr. Kirby’s office immediately |
| Above 102°F | Go to emergency room |
Important note: If you are taking pain medication that contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen (these medications reduce fever while treating pain), you may have a fever without realizing it.
Red flag symptoms: Go to the ER immediately
These symptoms require emergency room evaluation, regardless of your fever level:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Sudden, severe pain anywhere
- Confusion or disorientation
- Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents keeping down fluids
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Signs of blood clot: swelling in one leg with pain, warmth, and redness
If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room or call 911. Do not wait to contact Dr. Kirby’s office first.
When to call Dr. Kirby’s office
Contact our Fort Worth plastic surgery office if you experience:
- Fever above 100.4°F
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling at incision sites
- Drainage that is yellow, green, or odorous
- Pain that is worsening instead of improving
- Incision that is opening or separating
- Chills or night sweats
- Burning with urination or frequent urge to urinate
- General feeling that something is wrong
Dr. Kirby’s team is available 24/7 for any concerns. We would rather evaluate you and provide reassurance than have you wait with a potentially serious problem.
“Thank you Dr. Kirby for being so hands on and amazing! This was a huge life changing surgery for me and I couldn’t have picked a better place or Dr! Having surgery for the first time, not only did you help make me at ease, but you excelled at comforting from the 1st call through the next 6 weeks. Everyone Including the staff has been so wonderful, whether answering questions, giving emotional support, or giving medical advice, you guys are the best! I saw 4 other Dr’s before making a decision and couldn’t have been more happier. I literally smile every time when I see my results, with minimal scaring! You can tell you truly take pride in your work, and thank you for that.”
How to manage low-grade fever at home
If your fever is below 100.4°F and you have no concerning symptoms:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, clear broths, and electrolyte drinks
- Prioritize rest: Your body needs energy to heal
- Take approved fever reducers: Follow Dr. Kirby’s instructions for acetaminophen
- Monitor your temperature: Keep a record and note when you take any fever-reducing medications
- Check your incisions daily: Look for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or unusual drainage
- Move gently but regularly: Light walks improve circulation and reduce blood clot risk
You know your body better than anyone. If something feels wrong, even if your symptoms do not match the guidelines above, contact Dr. Kirby’s office. We are here to support you through every stage of recovery.
Expert plastic surgery recovery in Fort Worth
Dr. Kirby takes time to explain every aspect of your procedure, including detailed recovery instructions and what to watch for after surgery. Her Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols include detailed pre-operative preparation and advanced rapid recovery techniques for the most comfortable recovery experience possible.
Call or text 817-292-4200 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Emily Kirby.
