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Wound Care Instructions for Sutured Wounds

 

 

A pressure bandage has been applied to help prevent bleeding.  This bandage should remain in place for 24 hours.  If the bandage comes loose prior to this, re-tape it.

 

PAIN

 

Is related to swelling and should be minimal when the following steps are taken:

  1. Apply an ice pack over the bandage for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours, until bedtime on the day of surgery.
  2. Tylenol, two tablets every 4-6 hours as needed and as per the bottle’s label.
  3. For areas on the head and neck, sleep with your head elevated on 2 pillows for the first 2-3 days to decrease swelling.

ACTIVITY

 

Increases the potential for bleeding and pain by increasing blood flow to the surgical site.

  1. Avoid activity over the next 1-2 weeks which increases your heart rate above resting or minor activity rates (See pre-op information sheet).
  2. Avoid bending and lifting.

BLEEDING

 

Careful attention has been given to your wound to prevent bleeding.  You may notice a small amount of blood on your bandage the first day and this is normal.  However, if bleeding persists and fresh blood continues to soil or seep from the bandage:

  1. Apply firm and steady pressure over the wound for 10 minutes straight without interruption.
  2. Relax and recline.

If bleeding continues, call our office at 972-704-2400.  In the rare event you can’t reach your physician, go to your nearest emergency room.

 

WOUND CARE

 

Following removal of the pressure bandage, the wound can get wet, but avoid having the direct steam of the shower hit the wound.  After the bandage is removed, wound care should be followed once or twice a day as follows.

  1. Wash hands.
  2. Clean the wound gently with soap and water, and then pat dry.
  3. Apply Vaseline using a cotton swab or gauze to suture line.  This helps keep the wound clean and prevents a scab from forming.
  4. The wound may stay uncovered if you are at home.  When you go out or at night, cover the wound with Telfa non-stick bandage to prevent soiling clothing or linens.

APPEARANCE

 

There may be swelling and bruising around the wound, especially near the eyes.  The area may remain numb for several weeks or even months.  You may also experience periodic shooting sensations near the wound as it heals.  The suture line may remain pink for months following surgery.  If the wound becomes increasingly red or inflamed, warm, drains a pus like substance, or if you develop fever or chills, please call our office.

 

SUTURE REMOVAL

 

Sutures need to remain in place for 1-3 weeks depending on the site of the surgery.  Please do not remove them earlier as this may lead to re-opening of the wound.  A suture removal appointment should have been scheduled on the day of surgery.

 

BIOPSY RESULTS

 

You will be called with biopsy results within two weeks.  If you have not been called after two weeks or have further questions, please call us at 972-704-2400.