Post Op Instructions

Post-Operative Wound Care Instructions

Keep the wound covered and dry for the next 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove bandage and gently clean the area with gentle soap and water, pat to dry, then apply a thin coat of Vaseline.
Cover the area with a Band-Aid or non-stick telfa pad, gauze and tape. Repeat this 1 to 2 times a day for at least a week.
*Longer care will result in a better cosmetic outcome of the lesion.
If you have sutures:
1. Do the steps listed above and keep the wound covered until suture removal.
2. If your sutures fall out before your suture removal appointment, notify your provider by calling the office.

For the rest of the day after your procedure, keep your activity level to a minimum. Excessive bending, lifting or physical activity may increase the risk of bleeding.
Keep the wound covered and dry for the next 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove bandage and gently clean the area with a gentle soap & water, pat to dry, then apply a thin coat of Vaseline.
Cover the area with a Band-Aid or non-stick telfa pad, gauze and tape. Repeat this 1 to 2 times a day for at least a week until healed or until suture removal.
*Longer care will result in a better cosmetic outcome of the lesion
Do Not:
1. Drink alcohol for at least 3 days after your procedure.
2. Take Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen or other aspirin-like medications as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
  Unless required by your physician.
3. Shave over the surgery site so as to prevent tearing off the sutures.

Use a large water proof bandage to cover the Steri-strips when showering in order to keep the area dry.
If the edges of the Steri-strips begin to come loose, trim the free ends with a pair of scissors. Do not pull on the loose edges of the strips, as the incision could reopen

Bleeding: It's not uncommon to have a small amount of blood-tinged leaking around the bandage site. To avoid excessive bleeding, limit your activity for the first 48 hours. Keep the surgical site elevated above the level of the heart. Avoid straining or vigorous activity. It you had surgery on the face scalp or ears, avoid bending or stooping over. It may be best to sleep propped up on pillows or in a lounge chair for the first 24 hours.
Swelling & Bruising: This is very common, especially on procedures done on the face or around the eyes. It's not uncommon to have a black, swollen eye. You may use an ice-pack for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first day to reduce swelling.
Pain: For post-operative pain, we recommend Tylenol (1-2 pills every 6 hours as needed), or you may take a stronger analgesic prescribed by your physician. It's best to take these medications before the pain becomes severe, rather than waiting until pain becomes too uncomfortable.
Infection: Infection seldom occurs with skin surgery if wound care instructions are followed closely. Signs of infection are: increased pain, swelling, expanding redness, yellowish drainage or fever 3 or 4 days after surgery.
Itching: Mild itching is normal part of the healing process. This can be reduced by keeping the wound moist with antibiotic ointment. However, severe itching with redness and small blisters may be due to an allergic reaction to the antibiotic ointment or adhesive tape/bandage.