The last thing you want when recovering from an invasive surgery is a problem with your incision – the wound or cut from a surgery sewn closed by a surgeon. It may be taped, glued closed or stapled. With proper care, it gradually turns into a scar. Before long, the scar fades off and you’re back to optimum health. But before all these, there are things a patient should know about how to take care of an incision after surgery.
When To Remove The Bandage
Note that you incision can be large or small. Either way, it will be covered by a bandage for some time. Keep in mind too that in some cases, the bandage can be removed just a day after surgery. This mostly happens where one had to go through a minor surgery. In most cases however, your bandage will have to cover the incision for more than 3 days. The number of days you will have to cover the incision will depend on the location of the surgery as well as the seriousness of the surgery.
To avoid hurting yourself as you remove the bandage, talk to your doctor. This is important because how and when you remove the bandage will determine whether or not your incision will cause you pain or even get infected. With that in mind, avoid by all means removing the bandage without the help of your doctor.
Keep The Incision Dry
This is extremely important especially for the first 24 hours. This means you cannot shower or bathe on the first day. From the second day, wash with soap and water. Use a sponge bath to avoid irritating the incision. Then take a quick shower instead of a bath if you have a skin tape or stitches on your incision. Dry the incision gently using a towel after washing. Do not use any product on the incision without your surgeon’s consent.
Removing The Stitches
This should be done by your surgeon or doctor. This is important because your doctor will also examine the healing progress as he removes the stitches. Note that there are stitches that do not disappear into the skin on their own. These should be removed at least 3 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon may apply skin tape after all stitches are removed. The tape will prove additional support to the healing wound and prevent infections. It can then be removed after 3 to 7 days.
Limit Movement Around The Stitches
Limit movement around the incision area to improve healing. That way, the chances of your incision pulling apart will be minimal. Do not lift, work out or engage in any strenuous activity for the first month after surgery. Be sure to call your doctor if the incision hurts or pulls apart.
Other Things To Consider
Always wash your hands each time you care for your incision. Be on the lookout too for redness around the incision accompanied by itchiness as this could be a sign of infection. Consult your doctor for any unusual feeling around the incision.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
