General Wound Care

Wound care is an extremely important part of the post-op process. Ensuring that your bandages are clean and secure will minimize the risk of infection and avoid prolonging the healing process.

General Wound Care Instructions

1. Keep initial dressing DRY and do not remove for 48 hours.
2. Do not scratch, rub, move, or tug at the wound dressing as this will cause your wound to heal poorly. If you have severe itching, contact our office.
3. If the wound is on your head or face, sleep with 2 or 3 pillows to minimize swelling. Avoid lifting, stooping, or bending for a minimum of 72 hour.
4. After 48 hours, remove the initial pressure bandage. Follow specific bandaging instructions given to you at time of discharge. 
5. Do not engage in strenuous activities or perform isometric exercises until after your sutures are removed.
6. Do not use aspirin containing products or NSAIDs (Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve) for 3 days after the surgery. Should you experience pain, take Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol. If you take a daily aspirin for your heart, or recommended by another doctor, you may continue that dose. 
7. Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Otherwise you will bleed more into the surgical wound and may require immediate attention. 
8. We encourage the use of ice to help with swelling and discomfort. Apply ice, contained within a plastic bag and wrapped in cotton, to the area for 10 minutes. Take a 20 minute break and repeat as needed. Do not apply ice directly over your wound as this may slow down wound healing.  
9. If you have sutures that will be removed, we also strongly encourage you to take 1 g of Extra Strength Tylenol ~1 hour prior to your suture removal

 

Purchase Bromelain 500 Mg 600 Gdu/Gram Dietary Supplement from GNC or Whole Foods. The product’s active ingredient is a natural pineapple enzyme that reduces bruising and swelling. Take 3x daily until bruising resolves.

SIGNS OF INFECTION: REDNESS, SWELLING, HEAT, PAIN, YELLOW (NOT CLEAR) DISCHARGE

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR WOUNDS

If bleeding occurs, apply direct pressure for 20 minutes. If the site is on an arm or leg, elevate the site above the heart. If bleeding should continue or if you think you have an infection, please call our office during normal business hours at (781)-591-4234. IN CASE OF POST-OP EMERGENCY 6PM-6AM: call (617) 855-5318. PLEASE LEAVE FULL NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, AND DATE OF SURGERY. THIS LINE MAY ONLY BE USED IN FIRST 48 HOURS POST-OP. After that, please call our office at (781)-591-4234 during normal business hours.