Monthly series

Recovery Diary

Recovery and travel, told as a journey

Recovery matters as much as the procedure. We chronicle realistic journeys of spending recovery time alongside travel in Korea, part by part.

Part 42026-11-01

The First Week After LASIK or LASEK — Eye Protection, Screen Use and When You Can Fly Home

Vision correction surgeries such as LASIK, LASEK and SMILE are short in themselves, but the care you take in the first week has a large effect on the result. On the day of surgery it is normal for the eyes to feel stinging, tear up and be sensitive to light, so wear protective glasses or sunglasses and rest with your eyes closed at your lodging; the most important things are not to rub your eyes and to put in the prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops and artificial tears at the set times. After the first follow-up visit the next day, where the cornea is checked, short outings nearby usually become possible, but for the first few days it is easier to view smartphone and laptop screens in short sessions and to use artificial tears as soon as your eyes feel dry. When washing your face, take care that no water gets into your eyes, put off eye makeup, swimming and saunas until your medical team allows them, and avoid hard exercise in the first week because sweat can get into the eyes. With LASEK, pain and visual recovery can take a few days longer than with LASIK or SMILE, so leave some slack in your schedule. For international patients, the flight home is usually booked after the follow-up visit the day after surgery; cabin air is dry, so use artificial tears often and keep the seat vent from blowing directly on your face. Before leaving, it is safest to obtain the eye drop prescription and how long to use it, when a follow-up check is needed in your home country, and how to get in touch if your eyes suddenly hurt or your vision blurs, together with an English medical report. Recovery speed and the period of caution vary with the surgical method and the individual, so this article is general reference only, and the guidance of the surgical team that operated on you takes priority.

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Part 32026-10-10

The First Two Weeks After Veneers — Eating, Care and Photo Records

Veneers are usually completed in two visits. At the first visit the teeth are prepared and impressions taken, then temporary teeth are fitted; during this period avoid hard or sticky food and cut down on dark drinks. Clinics with an in-house digital lab can bond the final veneers within days, so the whole process often fits into one trip. On bonding day, start with soft food after two to three hours without eating; cold sensitivity in the first few days is common and usually settles within one to two weeks. After returning home, send front and side photos at the two-week mark so the clinic can check the bonding and gum response, and discuss a night guard if you grind your teeth. Veneers need brushing and flossing like natural teeth, and warranty terms differ by clinic, so ask for them in writing at the consultation.

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Part 22026-09-10

One Week After Dental Implants — Eating, Pain, and Your Flight Home

On the day of implant placement, bite on gauze to control bleeding, eat cool liquids and soft food, and avoid hot food, alcohol, smoking, and straws. Days two and three bring the most swelling and bruising — take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics on schedule and keep using cold packs. From day four or five, as swelling eases, light walks and nearby sightseeing are fine, but saunas, hard exercise, and long walking days are still too early. Sutures usually come out around day seven with a wound check, so book your flight home for the day after that visit or later. Cabin pressure does not affect the site much, but if bleeding or strong pain persists, talk to the clinic before boarding. Before leaving, agree on how progress will be checked with photos or video after you return, and when you will come back for the final prosthesis.

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Part 12026-07-20

Day 3 After a Procedure — Enjoying Seoul at an Easy Pace

Many procedures leave swelling and redness for the first 2–3 days. During this time, an easy indoor-focused itinerary beats strenuous activity. Mornings suit cafes and galleries near your hotel; afternoons, light shopping. UV isn’t good for recovery, so a hat and sunscreen are essential, and booking a progress check via your coordinator brings peace of mind. From day 4–5 you can usually widen your range — a good time to plan a palace stroll or a trip to the outskirts.

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