Patient Instructions for Wound Care

Robert J. Sage, MD, FAAD

Day of Surgery:

1. Your pressure dressing should remain in place for 24 hours, or at least until the next morning.
2. If you have discomfort following surgery, take Tylenol/acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen. If neither provides sufficient pain relief, take the pain medication prescribed for you, if applicable. Please contact our office if pain is uncontrolled with recommended regimen.
   Nurse station direct line: 605-721-8286.
3. Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, stooping, or heavy lifting for the first few days after surgery.
4. Bleeding may be controlled effectively by applying direct pressure to the bandage for 15 minutes. If the oozing persists, remove all bandages and repeat the 15 minutes fingertip pressure with gauze directly over the bleeding spot, as well as an ice pack. If the incision continues to bleed, call nurse direct line at 605-721-8286 if during business hours or Dr. Sage’s cell phone at 605-929-7408 if after hours.
5. We may ask you to ice-pack the surgery site. If so, we recommend that you do this over the pressure dressing, 10 minutes on-30 minutes off, 6 to 8 times during the afternoon and evening following surgery. You may repeat this the day following surgery.
6. Sleep with extra pillows or elevate the surgical site to help reduce swelling.

Days Following Surgery:

1. The following day, approximately 24 hours after surgery, remove the pressure dressing. Next, wash your hands before gently cleaning the suture line with gentle soap and water. Let this air-dry or pat gently with a clean towel. Apply Vaseline (or Bacitracin if discussed) to the suture line and cover the area with a bandage, either those provided at visit or those of your choosing, ensuring it is large enough to cover the entire site.
2. Repeat step 7, (washing, applying Vaseline, and bandaging) once daily for 7 days, unless instructed otherwise. You may continue to bandage the site for 14 if needed or preferred (i.e., if site is easily rubbed, slower to heal, or at risk of contamination). Dissolving sutures should be dissolved within 14 days but are often dissolved sooner. Uncommonly, they take longer and may need to be removed. Please call our office if this occurs.
3. You must also avoid prolonged contact with water (i.e., swimming, soaking) until your stitches are dissolved. Showering and shampooing are permitted 24 hours after surgery. If the wound gets wet while bathing prior to 24-hour mark, dry the suture line, apply Vaseline and re-dress the wound. Prolonged contact with water should be avoided for 14 days, unless instructed otherwise.
4. Please call our office for any questions or concerns! Schedule post-op visit if recommended or as needed.