Wound care after surgery

Information for patients from Day Surgery

How do I care for my dressing at home?

After your surgery, a dressing will be covering your wound. Do not get it wet.

You may be given a pressure dressing which should be kept on for 24 hours.

How long do I keep the dressing on for?

How do I care for my wound once I have removed my dressing?

What if my wound bleeds at home?

It is normal for there to be a little oozing or bleeding at the site of the surgery in the first few hours. This can be controlled by pressing firmly on your wound for 15 minutes.

Although you will not be sent home with a bleeding wound, occasionally minor oozing or bleeding may happen later. This can usually be controlled by pressing firmly on your wound for 30 minutes.

If your dressing gets soggy it may need to be replaced.

What if my wound hurts? Can I take painkillers?

If your wound is painful, take paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours. Discomfort should improve over the next few days.

Please contact your GP, if you have either of the following. You may have got an infection, which will need antibiotics.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Do not do strenuous exercises, bend, or lift anything heavy for several days after your surgery. This can cause your wound to bleed, or your stitches may split open.

Do not smoke for the first week after surgery. Studies have shown that wound healing is significantly delayed by smoking, and the infection rate is much higher.

If I have had stitches, when will they be removed?

You will be told what stitches you have before you leave hospital.

When will I get my results?

Normally results take 4 weeks to come back from the laboratory, longer if special tests are needed. You may be given a follow-up appointment to discuss these.

For minor procedures you may get your results in the post. These can take several weeks to arrive, so please be patient. Your GP will be sent a copy of your results.

Will I need further treatment?

Sometimes a second procedure may be needed, depending on your results.

How will I feel once my wound has healed?

What should I do if I have any concerns or questions?

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact Day Surgery on the numbers below or your GP.

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