Please follow these care instructions carefully to help ensure proper wound healing:

1. Dressing care.  Keep the clinic-applied dressings completely dry and in place for two days  During this time, do not change the bandages and do not get the wound wet.  Immersed bandages lead to increased infection risk. If the bandage does get wet, or if there is bleeding that soaks through the bandage, replace the bandage as instructed below. After two days, you may carefully remove the outer bandage and gauze—once the bandages are off, you may proceed to shower as normal. After showering or washing the surgical site, pat dry with a clean towel and apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to the incision site. Cover with non-stick gauze (e.g., Telfa) and secure the gauze with paper tape. We recommend that you avoid Neosporin or other triple antibiotic creams as they are associated with high rates of skin allergy.

2. Dressing care for Scalp.  Bandages are not possible on scalp. Apply Vaseline 1-3 times daily over the top of the sutures until your suture removal appointment.  You may gently wash your hair after 48 hours; however, use caution with combs/brushes. 

3. Pain control.  Pain after skin surgery is typically manageable.  Extra-strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) [1-2 tablets every 4-6 hrs as needed] is preferred.  If your pain persists, Ibuprofen can be added [1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed]. For more severe pain, rotate Ibuprofen and Tylenol every 3 hours.  Ice packs can also be used for pain. 

4. Medications.  If we prescribed oral or topical antibiotics, please use them as directed.

5. Post-operative bleeding.  There may be post-operative oozing or bleeding and it may stain the bandage—this is normal.  If however, you have excessive bleeding and have bright red blood soaking through the bandage, apply constant and direct pressure for 30 minutes.  If the bleeding does not stop, please call our office or your provider using the after hours contact information. 

6. Activity Restrictions.  For the first 48 hours, avoid vigorous physical activity. Until the sutures are removed, limit lifting to no more than 8-10 pounds. Even after suture removal, use caution when lifting to avoid pulling the wound apart. No swimming until the sutures are removed.

7. Infection Risk.  A small degree of swelling, bruising, and redness normally occurs. If you notice spreading redness, increasing tenderness, increasing swelling, and/or pus coming out of your wound, please notify our office right away.

If it has been more than 7 days and you have not received your results please contact our office.

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY CONTACT: (360) 255-5373