To speed the healing of your surgical wound and minimize scar formation and infection, follow these instructions:
- Keep wound dry and covered for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove the pressure portion of your dressing, but leave the steri-strips covering the wound in place until they fall off or become discolored. (Showering is allowed)
- IF steri-strips remain intact, no wound care is needed.
- IF the steri-strips become discolored, they should be gently removed.
- Once steri-strips fall off, or are removed, the wound will need to be cleansed with a gentle soap and water followed by a thin application of Vaseline or Aquaphor over the wound.
- Repeat these steps daily until sutures are removed.
- A bandage may be applied if located in an area of friction.
- Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools and bath tubs, but showering is allowed.
- Do not use Neosporin, Bacitracin or triple antibiotic ointments.
- Schedule an appointment for suture removal as instructed by your provider
If you experience increased redness, swelling, pain or drainage at the surgical site, call the office immediately as these could be signs of infection.
Results should be available in 10 business days. If you have not received your results within 2 weeks, please call our office.