Highlands Dermatology
Dr. Paul S. Cabiran, MD
(888) 565-8828
Post-Operative Wound Care Instructions
The importance of post-operative care to your surgical site cannot be over-stressed. The care you take of yourself and your surgical wound is extremely important to the success of the procedure and overall recovery.
Wound Care Instructions
The pressure dressing applied after surgery should stay in place for 24 hours post-surgery. If loosens, carefully re-tape.
Materials: Hydrogen peroxide, Q-tip or cotton applicator, Polysporin, and Bandages.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Apply hydrogen peroxide with a cotton ball or Q-tip to remove crusts or scab build up from wound.
- You may also use soap and water, just do not soak the site.
- For stubborn crusting, place a gauze wet with peroxide over the wound for 15 minutes to soak and loosen the debris.
- Dry wound thoroughly with clean, soft cloth by blotting.
- Apply a thin layer of POLYSPORIN with a clean Q-tip.
- a.Allergies to Polysporin, apply Aquaphor or Vaseline.
- Cover with a clean, dry dressing.
-Change dressing every 24 hours until you return for your suture removal.
-When showering, keep the surgery site covered, preferably with a water-proof bandage, and change the dressing after.
-The first day the wound may be tender and bleed slightly or seep a small amount of clear fluid, this is not unusual.
-Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your incision site.
Risks Related to Surgery
Bleeding
You may notice a small amount of blood on the edges of the dressing the first day and this is not unusual. If bleeding is persistent and soils the dressing, apply firm, steady pressure over the dressing with gauze for 20 minutes. This pressure will usually stop minor bleeding. If bleeding persists, call the doctor or go to the nearest emergency room, while continuing to hold pressure on the wound.
To reduce the possibility of bleeding, the following instructions are given:
- Limit activities for at least 24 hours
- Keep the operative site elevated (if appropriate)
- If surgery was on the face, head, or neck: Avoid stooping, bending or straining.
Infection:
If the wound develops increasing pain, redness, heat, swelling, or a pus-like drainage, please call the office at (888) 565-8828.
Swelling & Bruising
You may notice swelling and bruising around the wound. This will gradually soften and lighten, returning to a normal appearance over time
Pain
Post-operative pain is usually minimal. Plain Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol, or Advil usually relieves any pain you may have. Please take according to package directions. To minimize pain, swelling and bruising apply an ice pack, or “baggy” filled with ice and wrapped with a thin towel, over the dressing 15-20 minutes every hour as needed for symptoms.
Itching
Mild itching is common in wound healing. If the itching becomes severe and is associated with a rash, it may represent an allergic reaction, please call the office at (888) 565-8828.
LOOK FOR YOUR MARGINS CLEAR NOTIFICATION IN YOUR PATIENT PORTAL UNDER MESSAGES.
Highlands Dermatology
(888)565-8828
Instructions for care of biopsy or surgical site:
- Clean area with soap and water , removing any crust or scab buildup.
- Apply a thin film of POLYSPORIN ointment to the site.
- Cover the site with a bandage.
- Repeat this process daily for one week or until the site heals.
Call the office for any problems such as bleeding, pain, redness, swelling, or drainage.
LOOK FOR BENIGN RESULTS IN YOUR PATIENT PORTAL UNDER MESSAGES.