Vaccine campaign from covid-19. Sad and disappointed asian woman showing shoulder with bandaid and grimacing upset, standing over blue background

Post-op Wound Care

A dressing has been placed over the operative site. Leave this dressing in place and keep it clean and dry for 24 hours. After 24-hours, you may remove the dressing and shower. Do not submerge the wound in a bath, hot tub, or pool for 3 days to reduce the risk of infection. Cleanse the operative site two times daily with mild soapy water then pat dry. Apply petroleum ointment (Vaseline) 4-6 times daily for the next 2 weeks and a bandage for the next 2-3 days as needed. Keeping the wound moist with ointment helps it heal faster, decreases your risk of post-operative infection, and decreases scarring. If a hard crusty scab forms, you are not applying enough ointment. The first 3-4 days are the most important to watch for signs of infection, which include increased pain, warmth, redness, or purulent (pus-like) drainage.

There is always a risk of bleeding after any surgical procedure. If any bleeding is noted, apply ice and direct pressure for 15 minutes and if possible, raise the area above the heart while holding pressure. If the bleeding does not stop, call our office. If our office is closed and you cannot reach one of our providers, seek urgent care.

If stitches are involved, avoid lifting more than 10 pounds with the area that had the surgery. Heavy lifting can cause unwanted tearing of the surgical site or stretching of the scar. Always follow up with your provider as specified to have your stitches removed, if applicable. If you have stitches, you still need to continue to be careful with the surgical site after they are removed. Moisturizing the surgical site, local massage and sun protection is recommended to improve your scar.

You may take Tylenol as directed on the package for pain. Ice packs will also help reduce pain, swelling and bleeding. A small amount of pain or discomfort is normal for this procedure.

* You will receive a separate bill from the pathologist who reviews the specimen.*

Please call our office if you have any questions or problems.