Post-Operative Wound Care

First 48 Hours

The first two days are the most important for initial wound healing. Follow these steps carefully.

•  Leave the original surgical dressing in place for 24 hours unless it becomes soaked through with blood
•  If the dressing becomes soaked, apply firm, steady pressure with a clean cloth for 15–20 minutes without lifting to check. Lifting releases the clot and causes re-bleeding
•  Do not get the wound wet for the first 24 hours. No showering, bathing, or swimming
•  Keep the surgical area elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible (especially important for facial and extremity wounds) to minimize swelling
•  Apply a cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth to the surrounding area (not directly on the wound) to reduce swelling. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
•  Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed for pain; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (these increase bleeding)
•  Rest. Avoid any physical activity that raises your heart rate or blood pressure on the day of surgery

Daily Wound Care

Perform daily dressing changes once per day until sutures are removed, or as directed by your surgeon.

•  Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the wound area
•  Gently remove the old dressing. If it sticks, soak it briefly with a few drops of water or saline to loosen it rather than pulling forcefully
•  Clean the wound gently with mild soap (fragrance-free) and cool water; use a clean cotton swab or gauze. Do not scrub
•  Pat the area dry with a clean gauze or tissue
•  Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) directly to the wound. This keeps it moist, which promotes faster healing and reduces scarring
•  Cover with a non-stick gauze pad (Telfa or similar) and secure with paper tape
•  Repeat this process once daily until sutures are removed
•  Do not use hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol on the wound. These damage new healing tissue
•  Do not apply antibiotic ointment unless specifically instructed by your surgeon

Activity Restrictions

Returning to activity too quickly can cause bleeding, wound opening, and poor scar formation.

•  Avoid strenuous exercise (running, cycling, gym workouts, sports) for at least 7–14 days
•  Avoid heavy lifting (greater than 5–10 lbs / 2–5 kg) and straining for at least 7–10 days
•  Avoid bending over repeatedly. Bend at the knees instead of the waist, especially for face and scalp wounds
•  Swimming in pools, oceans, hot tubs, or lakes is not permitted until the wound is fully healed (typically 4–6 weeks after suture removal)
•  Light walking is permitted from the day after surgery. It promotes circulation and reduces clot risk
•  Sexual activity should be approached cautiously. Avoid positions that put tension on or near the wound
•  Return to desk work or light office duties is typically possible within 1–2 days

Warning Signs

Contact our office immediately if you notice any of the following. For severe symptoms, go to the emergency room or call emergency services.

• Bleeding that does not stop after 15–20 minutes of firm, continuous pressure
• Increasing pain rather than gradually improving pain (worsening pain after 48 hours is a red flag)
• Spreading redness that extends beyond the immediate wound edges. A 1–2 cm rim of pink is normal, but spreading redness is not
• Red streaks radiating outward from the wound (may indicate spreading infection)
• Yellow or green discharge, or discharge with a foul smell (pus)
• The wound edges pulling apart (dehiscence). Cover loosely with clean gauze and call us
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F). A low-grade temperature in the first 24 hours is sometimes normal, sustained fever is not
• Increasing swelling beyond the first 48–72 hours
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area around the wound that was not present immediately after surgery

Suture Removal Schedule