Background　Dexmedetomidine(Dex), a highly selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, possesses sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, and is widely used during perioperative period.　Objective　To provide insights for clinical practice applying Dex to improve postoperative recovery.　Content　Either intravenous or intranasal administration of Dex improves postoperative recovery in both aged and young patients subject to a variety of surgeries, probably because of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic effects. Additionally, co-application of Dex reduces the dosages of other analgesics, and limits the side-effects of those drugs, including nausea, vomiting, shivering, and sleep disturbance, etc. These benefits together could ultimately accelerate post-operative recovery.　Trend　Although the clinical benefits of Dex in post-surgery management is recognized in the field, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear, and need to be addressed in the future.