1. Purpose

MedPlus is committed to safe, high-quality care before, during, and after treatment. This policy explains our approach to aftercare, what to expect following treatment, how we manage complications, and when to seek urgent help.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all MedPlus services, including ear care (e.g., assessment and microsuction) and aesthetics (18+ only). It applies to all clinicians working under MedPlus governance (employed and associate clinicians).

3. Aftercare: what we provide

After your appointment, MedPlus will:

provide clear aftercare advice relevant to the treatment you received

advise what is normal during recovery and what is not

explain expected timeframes and when results should be reviewed

advise on follow-up arrangements and how to contact us if you are concerned

document aftercare advice provided in your clinical record.

Aftercare advice may be provided verbally and/or in writing (including digital aftercare guidance).

4. Your role in aftercare

To support safe recovery and best outcomes, patients are expected to:

follow the aftercare instructions provided

contact us promptly if symptoms are unexpected or worsening

attend recommended review/follow-up appointments

disclose any relevant changes to health, medication, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, allergies, or new symptoms.

5. What counts as a complication?

A complication is an unexpected problem or adverse effect that occurs during or after treatment. Complications can vary from mild/temporary to more serious. We treat all patient concerns seriously and encourage you to contact us if unsure.

6. How to contact us

If you have concerns following treatment, please contact us as soon as possible:

Email: info@medplusuk.com
Telephone: 01329 722721

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 999 or attend A&E.

7. Limits of service and signposting to other care

MedPlus provides assessment, treatment, and aftercare within the scope of services we offer. While we take concerns seriously and will support you to access the right help, we do not have the equipment or facilities to diagnose, investigate, or treat all conditions, including some rarer or more complex presentations.

Where appropriate, we may:

advise you to contact your GP, NHS 111, pharmacist, or urgent treatment centre/A&E

recommend specialist assessment (e.g., ENT/secondary care)

provide guidance on what to do next and what symptoms require urgent escalation.

If we believe your symptoms suggest a condition outside our scope, we may advise urgent onward care without delay.

8. Urgent “red flag” symptoms (seek immediate help)

Seek urgent medical attention (999/A&E) if you experience any of the following after treatment:

difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue/throat, or signs of severe allergic reaction

chest pain, collapse, severe dizziness, or symptoms of stroke (face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty)

sudden severe headache, visual disturbance, or rapidly worsening symptoms

uncontrolled bleeding

severe infection symptoms (high fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, pus, feeling very unwell)

severe ear pain with high fever, swelling behind the ear, neurological symptoms, or sudden hearing loss following ear procedures

any symptom you feel is severe or rapidly worsening.

9. Expected effects vs. concerns (general)

Some mild effects are common after many procedures, such as:

mild soreness/tenderness, redness, or swelling at the treatment area

temporary bruising

mild headache or transient discomfort.

However, contact us for advice if you have:

increasing pain, worsening swelling or redness

discharge/pus, spreading heat in the area, fever

unexpected rash or itchiness

symptoms that persist longer than advised or feel unusual for you.

10. Treatment-specific aftercare (overview)

A) Ear assessment and microsuction (including under 18s where clinically appropriate)

Following ear care you may experience:

temporary mild discomfort, tickling sensation, or brief dizziness

temporary change in hearing as wax clears.

Aftercare may include advice such as:

keep ears dry for a period if advised

avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into the ear canal

use olive oil drops only if advised (and only in appropriate cases)

monitor for signs of infection.

Contact us promptly if you develop:

worsening or severe ear pain

persistent dizziness/vertigo, nausea/vomiting

discharge, bleeding, or significant reduction in hearing

fever or feeling systemically unwell.

B) Aesthetics (18+ only)

Aftercare will depend on the treatment performed. We will provide guidance tailored to your procedure, which may include:

avoiding touching/massaging the area for a specified period

avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, saunas/steam rooms, or extreme heat for a specified period

avoiding make-up on treated areas for a specified period (where relevant)

follow-up/review timing and what results timeline to expect.

If you are unsure which advice applies to your treatment, contact us.

11. Managing concerns, complications, and reviews

If you contact us with a concern:

we will assess the information provided and may request photos (where appropriate)

we may advise self-care measures, a review appointment, or referral onward if needed

if urgent symptoms are reported, we will advise appropriate emergency care

we will document your concern and the advice given

where indicated, we will arrange timely review with an appropriate clinician

where symptoms suggest a condition outside our scope or require investigation, we will signpost you to appropriate services (e.g., GP, NHS 111, urgent care, A&E, or specialist services).

MedPlus may recommend review appointments to monitor outcomes and address concerns. Some reviews may be included as part of treatment packages; others may be chargeable depending on the circumstances and agreed terms.

12. Incidents, learning, and duty of candour

Where an adverse event occurs, MedPlus will review the incident under our clinical governance processes to:

understand what happened

identify learning and improvement actions

fulfil any applicable duties of openness (duty of candour), where relevant

support patient safety and quality improvement.

13. Professional accountability and insurance

Clinicians remain professionally accountable for the care they provide. MedPlus retains clinical governance responsibilities, including incident review and quality oversight.

Nothing in this policy limits or excludes any rights you may have under applicable law.

14. Review

This policy is reviewed periodically and updated as needed.