Wound Care After Surgery

Serious wounds do not heal overnight; it takes the body weeks for the body to regenerate new tissue.So after you leave the hospital, good home care is important to prevent infection and minimize scarring.

** The doctor will give you instructions on how to take care of wounds after you go. Patient should do the following steps:

Keep the wound covered with a clean dressing until there is no more fluid draining from it.A doctor will give you instructions on how to change your dressing.
Wait an average of 2-4 days after surgery before showering. Because each case is different, ask your doctor what to do before you can shower again
Avoid soaking in the bathtub or swimming until your next doctor visit. Dirt in the water could penetrate the wound and contaminate it, and there is a risk that a wound might pull apart if it gets too wet.
Do not let pets near wounds.
Avoid picking or scratching scabs, may itch as the skin underneath heals, but picking or scratching can rip the new skin underneath.

Our bodies depend on vitamins and minerals to heal. Eat healthy foods, and drink a lot of water to avoid Constipation.

The scars can take longer time to heal .to decrease the time of healing, try massaging the area with lotion.

Should I limit my activities?

It is best to avoid movement that affects the area surrounding your wound. That way, you will lower your risk of pulling the cut apart.

Stay away from lifting and do some exercises for about a month after surgery.

When will I get my stitches removed?

If you have the dissolving type of stitches, you will not need to get them pulled out. They disappear on their own in 7 to 10 days. The stitches can be removed in 5 to 21 days, depending on the surgery you had.

When to Call a Doctor? after-surgery2

Call your doctor immediately if any of these things happen:

You develop a fever.
You have increased pain even though you are using analgesia or the pain radiates out beyond the wound area.
The area around the wound is getting more swollen.
There is an expanding area of redness around the wound or red streaks on the skin around the wound.
You see blood or pus draining from the wound.
You have signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, or sunken eyes.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist

Wound Care After Surgery | Dr N Layyous