Post-Op Instructions for Sutures
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- Aquaphor / Vaseline
- Non-stick / Non-adherent gauze pads
- Paper Tape
- Cotton tip applicator
- Cotton balls
- Extra Strength Tylenol (500mg)
- Ibuprofen (200mg or 400mg) tabs
- Lacri-lube (only if wound is near eyes)
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS:
*WOUND CARE TO BE DONE EVERY DAY UNTIL AREA IS HEALED*
- Keep the initial pressure dressing on for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, take the bandage off and clean with a gentle cleanser & water. You may shower with the bandage off.
- Cut non-stick gauze to the size of the suture line.
- Apply Aquaphor or Vaseline on the gauze pad. a. If the wound is near the eye, use Lacri-lube instead.
- Place on the suture line, tape down with paper tape, airtight. This will promote faster wound healing.
- If the suture line starts to appear “crusty”, soak the area for 15 minutes with a warm washcloth to soften up the crust. Use a cotton tip applicator to see if it can be removed.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER
SWELLING:
- To help minimize swelling, ice the area over the bandage for 10 minutes out of every hour while awake
- Keeping wound elevated when possible
- Sleep with head elevated if wound is on the face or scalp
- Swelling will peak at 72 hours, and will then decrease after that
*IF YOU HAD SURGERY ON YOUR FOREHEAD/FRONT SCALP AREA, YOU MAY DEVELOP A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SWELLING AROUND THE EYES. SWELLING IS DIFFERENT WITH EACH PATIENT, BUT SOME PATIENTS MAY EXPERIENCE HAVING THEIR EYES SWELL SHUT. THIS IS A NORMAL REACTION TO THE PROCEDURE. ICING AND ELEVATION CAN HELP*
BLEEDING:
- You may notice a small area of blood on the bandage when you remove it. This is normal and not cause for concern.
- Some bleeding may occur after the procedure.
- If you notice that the bandage is becoming saturated with blood, please remove the initial bandage. Look at the surgical site and identify where the bleeding is coming from. Using your fingertips apply FIRM pressure to the area with a clean gauze/cloth/towel for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the cloth/towel and reassess and re-bandage if the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding continues, apply pressure for an additional 30 minutes. At that point, if the area is still bleeding, please contact the office.
SIGNS OF INFECTION: (PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE BELOW)
- Redness extending beyond the borders of the surgical site
- Pain, pus, or oozing from the surgical site
- Fever, chills, tiredness
PAIN MANAGEMENT:
*We recommend taking a combination of Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen to help with pain management. Please refer to dosing schedule below*
- Immediately after surgery you may take: 1,000mg of Acetaminophen and 400mg of Ibuprofen to take together.
- 4 hours later: take 400mg of Ibuprofen.
- 4 hours later: take 1,000mg of Acetaminophen.
- Continue to alternate with this combination every 4 hours as needed.
- Please avoid these medications if contraindicated.
