Wound Care

Proper care for your wound is crucial for optimal healing. Please follow these guidelines:

  1. Dressing Maintenance:
  • Keep the dressing in place until the day after the procedure.
  • If the dressing becomes loose before that time, carefully replace it.
  • In case the bandage gets wet, promptly remove it and apply a new one.
  1. Dressing Replacement:
  • Cleanse the wound or stitches with soap and water when replacing the dressing.
  • Use a cotton-tipped swab (Q-tip) to gently remove any dried blood or crust.
  • Gently pat the wound dry.
  • Apply a thin layer of Polysporin ointment over the wound.
  • Cover the wound with a new dressing or bandage, preferably non-stick.
  1. Handling the Wound:
  • Avoid touching or manipulating the wound itself for 2 days.
  • Minimize excessive movement in the affected area to prevent unnecessary bleeding.
  • Two days after the surgery, you may shower and let the wound get wet, but avoid direct forceful streams of water hitting the wound.

What to Expect:

  • On the first day, the wound may be tender and may experience slight bleeding or a small amount of clear fluid seepage. This is normal during the healing process.
  • The bandage should help prevent bleeding, but a small amount of blood on the dressing is normal.
  • If bleeding seems persistent, apply firm and steady pressure over the dressing for 10 to 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, please contact our clinic promptly.
  • Swelling and bruising around the wound are common. To minimize these, apply an ice pack over the dressing every 2 to 3 hours for 10 to 15 minutes, starting from the day after the surgery.

Wound Healing Progress:

  • After the procedure, the stitches and wound edges will appear pink to red in color, gradually lightening each day.
  • Pain usually subsides within the first week following the procedure.
  • However, you may experience discomfort in and around the wound as it heals over the next several weeks.
  • Once the stitches are removed (~7-14 days), the wound marks will continue to fade over weeks to months.
  • In rare cases, a thickened scar may develop, especially in patients with a history of poor healing or depending on the incision location.
  • Avoid sun exposure to the suture line for 2-4 months to prevent permanent pigmentation of the wound.

Managing Pain:

  • Pain following the procedure is typically minimal.
  • Take 2 tablets of Extra-Strength Tylenol every 4 hours as needed for pain relief.
  • If necessary, your doctor can prescribe a stronger pain medication.
  • Avoid products containing aspirin or ibuprofen, as they may increase bleeding.
  • Applying an ice pack can also help alleviate pain.

If you develop a fever, chills, or notice any signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus in the wound, please contact our office immediately. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call our office.