After surgery, most of the work of looking after the wound falls to the patient or their family. A wound takes several weeks to heal, and there is a lot you can do in that time to help it heal quickly and without complications. Here are five things we remind our patients about every day.
1. Follow your surgeon’s instructions
Every operation is different, so your hospital discharge summary is the first and most important source. It usually says how often to change the dressing, when you can shower and when the stitches or staples should come out. If something is unclear, ask rather than guess.
2. Keep the wound clean and dry
For the first few days after surgery, the wound should be covered with a sterile dressing. Wash your hands well before you touch the wound or the dressing. You can usually shower after a couple of days if your doctor has allowed it, but avoid baths, saunas, swimming pools and open water until the wound has fully healed. After a shower, gently pat the wound dry with a clean towel, without rubbing.
3. Change the dressing properly
If the dressing gets wet or dirty, change it, even if it is not yet time. Take the dressing off carefully. If it is stuck, soak it with saline. Do not try to pick off scabs, and do not use ointments or powders your doctor has not recommended. If changing the dressing yourself is difficult, we can do it at our clinic or at your home.
4. Know the signs of infection
Slight redness and tenderness around the stitches in the first few days are normal. See a doctor if:
- the redness spreads or the wound becomes more and more painful;
- the skin around the wound is hot and swollen;
- pus comes out of the wound or it smells bad;
- your temperature rises;
- the edges of the wound start to open.
An infection is much easier to treat when it is caught early, so do not put off seeing someone.
5. Do not delay having your stitches out
Stitches or staples are usually removed 7 to 14 days after surgery. On the face this happens sooner, and on the legs, the back and places where the skin moves a lot, a little later. Your surgeon will tell you the exact day. Stitches left in too long can leave marks on the skin, while stitches taken out too early raise the risk of the wound opening.
Even after the stitches are out, the scar keeps getting stronger for a few months. During this time, keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid lifting heavy things if you had surgery on your abdomen or chest.
Dressings and stitch removal at our clinic
Dressing a primary wound costs from €10, stitch removal costs €15 and staple removal €20. If the patient has trouble getting around, a nurse can come to their home, and with a doctor’s referral, home care may be state-funded. All prices and services are on the wound care page.
