For the first 48 hours after surgery, do NOT get the wound wet and keep the dressing as it is, do not remove.
After 48 hours, you may get your wound wet (i.e. Take a shower, etc.). At this point you must start changing your wound dressing once a day.
- Carefully remove the old dressing before showering or bathing.
- Wash normally with soap and water.
- Dry wound with gauze and apply a generous quantity of Vaseline/plain petrolatum or Aquaphor ointment using cotton swabs.
- Cover with Telfa pads cut to size. If there is any oozing/draining you may also add some gauze cut to size.
- Then secure the dressing in place with medical tape.
Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for any discomfort. Avoid Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any product containing Aspirin or an NSAID (Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen, etc.) unless prescribed by your doctor. Avoid alcohol for 5 days post-operatively.
If any bleeding should occur, apply 20 minutes of constant pressure without peeking or checking to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the situation persists, please call us immediately.
For several days after surgery, local swelling and drainage of clear or blood-tinged fluid from the wound may occur. If there is persisting noticeable redness, swelling, pain and/ or pus after 3 to 4 days, you may have an infection. Please don’t hesitate to call us.
Avoid any strenuous exercise or activity (i.e. bending, lifting heavy objects) that could be harmful to the wound for at least two weeks.
If surgery was performed around the lips or cheeks, minimize activity for 2-3 weeks. (i.e. excessive laughing, smiling, eating any hard foods (steak, apples, etc)).
If surgery was performed on lower extremities, the leg needs to be elevated as much as possible. Activity and weight bearing the feet should be minimized.
Avoid lying or sleeping on the side where surgery was performed.
For urgent questions or concerns regarding your procedure during office hours, please call 714-719-0717
In the event of an urgent problem on weeknights and weekends that cannot wait until a business day, you can contact the Dermatology Resident on call:
949-824-0606