WOUND CARE AFTER MINOR SURGERY

It's imperative that patients listen to and follow all instructions given prior to and following any procedure. Proper care of wounds after minor surgery can mean the difference between a successful surgery or a potentially dangerous complication.

1. After keeping the area clean, covered and dry for at least 24 hours, you can get the area wet briefly at bath or shower time.
2. Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled.
3. Keep the surgery site moist with an antibiotic ointment for the first 5-7 days. ( Example: Polysporin ointment, Bacitracin ointment, Neosporin ointment or Triple antibiotic ointment)
4. Return for suture removal in:
   5- 7 days for stitches on the face.
   11-14 days for stitches on other body areas.

Please call the office (816-942-1150) if you see signs of infection such as:

• Increasing redness and swelling around the surgery site.
• Signs of purulent (pus) drainage.
• Increasing tenderness or soreness.

Slight crusting at the suture line can occur during the first 2-3 days. This should be gently removed with a wet tissue, antibiotic ointment should be reapplied and then cover with a bandage.

Remember to apply the bandage in slightly different directions over the wound each time you change it to minimize tape irritation of the skin.

If your surgical site becomes increasingly red or more painful after the procedure it may be prudent that you contact our office for determination of whether or not an infection is present. On rare occasions a hematoma (accumulation of blood under the sutured area) or accumulation of fluid from surrounding tissue may occur and cause some bulging of the surgical site. This is normally of no consequence nor does it require an early return visit. However if this is of concern to you please do not hesitate to call the office.