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Wound Care Instructions Following Minor Surgery
Important Information
Please remember that this leaflet is intended as general information only. It is not definitive. We aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please be warned that it is always subject to change. Please, therefore, always check specific advice on the procedure or any concerns you may have with your doctor.
24 hours after your surgery
Leave the dressing on and keep the site dry. If it should come loose you may re-tape it, but do not take it off. If a pressure dressing (gauze and tape) was applied over the dressing, keep this in place until before you go to bed. Unless advised otherwise by the Doctor or Nurse.
Relax and take it easy. No vigorous exercise or heavy lifting. This could cause the wound to bleed. Post-operative pain is usually mild, if any. You may take some paracetamol if required. Do not take medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen.
You may see a small amount of drainage or blood on your dressing. This is normal. However, if the bleeding continues and saturates the dressing please do as follows:
- Apply firm pressure with a gauze swab over the bandage for 15 minutes.
- If the bleeding continues, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes to the dressed area. A simple ice pack can be made by placing a bag of frozen peas into a dry plastic bag, this avoids wetting the bandage.
- If bleeding continues, please call Pembroke Road Surgery or the Out of hours service.
48 hours after your surgery
Carefully remove the dressing. If it seems very sticky or difficult to remove you may need to soak it off in the shower.
After the dressing is removed you may shower and get the wound wet. However, do not let the forceful stream of the shower hit the wound directly. We recommend that you do not soak the wound in soapy water and refrain from bathing and swimming.
If you were given a cream to apply to the area, please do so every day and reapply a clean dressing. If you are concerned about an infection, please contact your GP surgery.
If your wound required stitches, please make an appointment with your practice nurse for their removal in the time advised by the GP.