Proper wound care after skin surgery helps prevent infection, reduce scarring, and promote faster healing.
How to Care for Your Surgical Wound
- The initial dressing should be removed after 24 hours, unless otherwise instructed. If the dressing is stuck to the wound, soak with water for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it.
- Wash hands before handling the dressing.
- The wound should be cleansed with warm soapy water. On the scalp, a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo, may be used instead. Do not use hydrogen peroxide. Gently remove any dried blood or debris, but do not rub the wound.
- If the wound is on the ear, use a dilute vinegar solution instead of warm water (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water). A spray bottle may be used to apply this solution.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin or Polysporin. If allergic to these or if the wound is near the eye, use plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or Aquaphor instead. Do not let the wound form a scab.
- Cover the wound with a sterile dry dressing (Band-Aid or gauze pad and tape).
- Repeat this process twice daily (morning and night) until your follow-up appointment or until the wound is healed.
In Case of Bleeding
- Apply firm pressure over the dressing for 15–20 minutes.
- If bleeding continues, reapply pressure for an additional 15–20 minutes.
- If the wound continues to bleed, go to the nearest emergency room.
- If the bleeding stops, do not remove the dressing. You may place a clean dressing over it.
In Case of Pain
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be taken, not exceeding the dosage indicated on the bottle.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) for 3 days after surgery.
- If pain is not controlled with acetaminophen, please contact our office.
In Case of Infection
- If intense redness, fever, or foul-smelling discharge occurs, contact our office immediately. These may be signs of infection and may require treatment with antibiotics.
Additional Instructions and Questions
- Some redness, bruising, swelling, or itching is expected for up to several weeks after surgery. If these symptoms are intense, notify our office.
- Physical activity, including lifting or exercise, may need to be restricted if sutures were placed. If your job involves lifting over 5 lbs or working in a dusty environment, you may need time off or light duty.
- When showering, you may let water run gently over the wound.
- Do not shave near or over stitches.
- If medications such as aspirin were stopped prior to surgery, they may typically be resumed 3 days after surgery unless instructed otherwise.
- Contact our office at (817) 303-6647 with any questions.
- For urgent concerns after hours, follow the voicemail instructions to reach medical staff.
- In case of immediate emergency, call 911.
If you have any concerns about your healing or wound care, please contact our office.