Caring for Your Wound after Surgery

Right after surgery:

Leave the bandage on your wound for 48 hours after your procedure; keep it clean and dry
You may shower 48 hours after your procedure. Do not take baths, go in hot tubs, or swim until your wound is completely healed and sutures removed
You may apply an ice pack on the wound for 10-15 minutes several times a day for the first 24-48 hours to reduce pain, swelling, and redness
If you have tape strips over your wound, do not peel them off. They will fall off on their own in about one week

Pain: You may have mild pain and swelling after your procedure. To relieve discomfort, you may take acetaminophen as per the directions on the package. If acetaminophen does not relieve your symptoms, you may alternate with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen
Bleeding: It is normal to have bruising following the procedure. If you develop bleeding from the excision site apply firm pressure with a clean washcloth or gauze for 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, repeat this step two more times. If you continue to have bleeding, call the office

Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until sutures are removed
Depending on the site of your excision, your doctor may also recommend against certain exercises or movements (such as running or lifting weights) until the area is completely healed to prevent wound dehiscence and poor scar cosmesis

Please return to the office for suture removal in 7-14 days, as instructed at checkout
If you have dissolving sutures placed you do not need to return to the office, the sutures should dissolve over the course of 1-2 months

You have bleeding at the excision site that does not stop with the steps listed above
You develop signs of infection such as redness, pain, swelling, and yellow drainage that will not go away