You will receive specific instructions about how to care for your wound from your surgeon. These instructions will be found on your discharge instruction sheet given to you on the day of surgery. This page has additional information that you may find helpful for taking care of your wound.
- You should check the dressing for any drainage. A small amount of clear or light red staining is normal.
- If the dressing becomes soaked with bright red blood you should call your surgeon.
- Mild swelling along the incision is normal.
- If you should experience any increase in swelling, pain and/or firmness around the surgical area, call your surgeon.
- You may remove your dressing when directed by your surgeon.
- Most patients will remove their dressing within one to three days of surgery. You will find information about your dressing in your discharge instruction sheet
To Remove The Dressing:
** Always wash your hands first with soap and water**
- Remove the outer dressing.
- DO NOT REMOVE the steri-strips (the thin paper strips that are on your incision) they will fall off on their own.
- Some patients find it easier to remove the dressing in the shower where the tape comes off more easily.
- The dressing should remain dry until you are allowed to shower. Baths should not be taken until your surgeon has said that you may do so. The wound should be gently washed with plain soap and water. Pat the incision dry.
For Best Wound Healing
- Maintain good nutrition; eat a well balanced diet.
- Do not smoke.
- Watch the incision for signs and symptoms of infection.
- Keep your incision dry.
- Do not use deodorants, powders, lotions or sprays on/or near the incision.
- Do not use any ointments on your incision unless you were told otherwise.
- Do not expose incision to sun. Once incision is fully healed use sunscreen over the incision.
- Follow your doctor's instructions.
Signs and Symptoms of wound infection
**If you have any of these signs or symptoms call your surgeon**
- Redness around the incision that is spreading. (It is normal for the area around your incision to be slightly red).
- Increased warmth and swelling around the incision .
- Increased tenderness and pain.
- Foul smelling drainage.
- Temperature of 101 degrees or higher and/or chills.