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Read MoreWound Care After Surgery: Essential Tips for Proper Healing
Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on March 23rd, 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Change dressings daily with freshly washed hands, keep incisions completely dry for the first 24 hours, then clean gently with mild soap and water while avoiding alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine.
- Shield incisions from direct sunlight for 6 months post-surgery to prevent permanent hyperpigmentation—UV exposure can darken scars by up to 50% compared to protected wounds.
- Avoid lifting anything over 10-15 pounds and refrain from vigorous exercise for 4-6 weeks to prevent dehiscence, which occurs in 1-3% of abdominal surgeries when restrictions are ignored.
- Seek immediate medical care for fever above 100°F lasting over 4 hours, purulent or foul-smelling discharge, red streaking from the wound, or pain that worsens after day 3.
- Complete healing typically occurs within 7-21 days for superficial incisions, though deep tissue can take 6-8 weeks to regain 80% of its original strength.
After undergoing surgery, it's crucial to take proper care of your surgical wound to prevent infection and promote healing. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your wound heals properly and minimize the risk of complications.
Bandage Changes
Your doctor will provide specific instructions on when and how to change your bandage. Most wounds don't require a bandage after a few days, but keeping the area covered may help protect the cut from injury and promote faster healing. If you do keep a bandage on, be sure to change it daily and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the bandage.
Keeping Your Wound Clean
To clean the skin around your cut, use a soft cloth or gauze pad soaked in soapy water or a mixture of sterile water and salt. Gently wipe or dab the skin around the wound, avoiding skin cleansers, antibacterial soaps, alcohol, iodine, or peroxide, as these can damage the skin and delay healing. Additionally, refrain from applying any lotion, cream, or herbal product without consulting your doctor first.
Your doctor may instruct you to rinse your wound using a syringe filled with salt water or mild soapy water to help remove any draining pus. After cleaning, pat the area dry with clean gauze or a clean cloth.
Keeping Your Wound Dry
For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid getting your wound wet. This means skipping a bath or shower on the first day, although a sponge bath is usually acceptable. By the second day, you may be able to shower, depending on the type of operation you had. Always check with your doctor for specific instructions. When you have the go-ahead to get your whole body wet, opt for showers instead of baths, as soaking your wound can soften it and may cause it to reopen. Your doctor may advise you to use a waterproof dressing while showering. Avoid applying soap or other bath products directly onto your healing wound, and gently pat the area dry with a clean towel after showering.
Activity Limitations
To reduce the risk of pulling your cut apart, avoid movements that affect the area surrounding your wound. Your doctor may advise you to refrain from lifting, driving, and certain exercises or sports for about a month after surgery. If your cut opens up, contact your doctor immediately.
Dealing with Bleeding
If your wound starts to bleed, replace the bloody bandage with a new one and apply direct pressure to the cut for a few minutes. This should stop the bleeding. If it doesn't stop right away, call your doctor.
Stitch Removal
Dissolving stitches will disappear on their own within 7 to 10 days and do not require removal. Other types of stitches or staples can be removed by your doctor in 5 to 21 days, depending on the type of surgery you had.
Sun Protection
To prevent darkening and increased visibility of your healing scar, keep your wound out of sunlight for the first 6 months after your operation. When outdoors during daylight hours, cover the area with tape or apply sunscreen.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of infection around your wound, such as:
Worsening pain
Redness or swelling
Bleeding or oozing pus
Increased drainage from the wound (may become thick, tan, green, or yellow)
A foul odor
Your wound appears larger, deeper, dried out, or dark
A fever above 100°F lasting more than 4 hours
By following these essential wound care tips, you can ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection after your surgery. Remember to always consult with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about your surgical wound.
For more information on post-surgical wound care, visit:
The Bottom Line
Meticulous wound care in the first month after surgery—including proper cleaning, sun protection, and activity restrictions—prevents the majority of complications that can delay healing or worsen scarring. Watch for infection warning signs and don't hesitate to contact your surgeon with concerns. If you have questions about post-surgical wound care, Doctronic can provide personalized guidance for your specific situation.
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