wound care: Post Surgery

Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or Mupirocin ointment
Band-Aid large enough to cover the incision with a nonstick pad, OR:
- Nonstick dressing pads, sterile gauze pads, medical or paper tape (paper tape is ideal if allergic to traditional Band-Aids)

Initial Bandage:
- Keep the original bandage dry and intact for the first 48 hours. This special pressure dressing helps prevent bleeding.
- If it becomes wet or soiled before 48 hours, replace it earlier with a clean dressing.
After 48 Hours:
- With Steri-Strips or Butterfly Stitches:
  - Remove the outer pressure bandage. The steri-strips/butterfly stitches underneath should remain intact.
  - No further care is needed unless the steri-strips fall off prematurely.
  - If steri-strips fall off before your follow-up visit, follow the instructions below for cleaning and dressing.
- Without Steri-Strips:
  - Remove the bandage and gently clean the wound with warm, soapy water applied using a cotton ball or Q-tip.
  - If there is crusting, you may use diluted hydrogen peroxide to loosen it (for 1–2 days only), then switch to soap and water.
Ointment and Dressing:
- After cleaning, apply a generous layer of ointment (Vaseline, Aquaphor or Mupirocin if directed) to the wound using a clean Q-tip.
- Cover with a nonstick dressing pad or appropriately sized Band-Aid. Add gauze if there is drainage.
- Secure with paper tape if needed.
- Keep the wound moist with ointment and cover it. Do not let it dry out or scab over, as this can delay healing.

Showering: You may bathe or shower anytime after surgery, but keep the bandage dry during the first 48 hours. Avoid direct water pressure on the site.
Follow-Up: Suture removal is typically performed 9–14 days after surgery. Please attend your scheduled follow-up appointment for this.
Scar Strength: After suture removal, the wound is only 5–7% of its original strength. To optimize healing, avoid tension or strain on the area.
Smoking: To promote healing, it is strongly recommended to quit smoking for at least 2 weeks post-surgery.
Activity Restrictions:
- Avoid heavy lifting (>10 lbs), strenuous exercise, sports, or activities that cause tension at the wound site for at least 2–3 weeks.
- Avoid sleeping on the surgical site.
- Stop any activity if you feel pulling or tension, as this can stretch the scar and worsen its appearance.

Bleeding or Oozing:
- Light bleeding or oozing is normal.
- If bleeding saturates your dressing, remove it and apply firm, continuous pressure with gauze for 20 minutes (timed).
- If it persists, repeat the process for another 20 minutes. If still uncontrolled, contact our office.
Swelling, Bruising, and Numbness:
- These symptoms are common and typically improve with elevation and the use of ice packs.
- Numbness may last for weeks or, in rare cases, up to a year.
Pain:
- Postoperative pain is usually mild. Use Extra Strength Tylenol or acetaminophen as directed.
- Avoid pain relievers like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen, as they may increase bleeding.
Drainage:
- Bloody, yellowish, or watery drainage is normal.
- Watch for signs of infection: increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage several days after surgery. Contact us immediately if these occur.
Scar Care:
- Scarring is expected but improves significantly over time. The scar matures over 12 months, with most improvement seen in the first 6–8 months.
- After 1 month, you may gently massage the scar in a circular motion for 15–20 minutes daily to enhance its appearance.
- Avoid direct sunlight on the scar for the first few months to prevent discoloration.
- Cosmetic improvement with laser treatments is available but is typically considered only after the scar has fully matured.

Contact our office immediately at 305-397-8622 and email info@lincolnderm.com if you notice any of the following signs of infection: