Hygiene
Make sure you, your family, and your caregivers clean your hands often, with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before and after touching your wound.
Do not take soaking baths until cleared by your surgeon. Soaking in a bath, pool, or hot tub within the first 6 weeks after surgery can break open your wound. An opened wound can let in germs.
Do not shower until instructed by your surgeon. After your surgeon clears you to shower, gently clean the wound with a mild soap. Rinse off all the soap and dry your wound completely with a freshly washed towel. If you use a washcloth, use a fresh one every day.
Do not use a scrubbing loofah.
Sleeping: Do not sleep with any pets near your incision. Change the bed linens as needed, at least once a week.
Wound Care
Your incision has many layers that heal at the same time. Before you leave the hospital, your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions on how to care for your wound and who to call if you have any problems. Please do not remove wound dressings unless instructed by your surgeon.
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You may have surgical glue called Dermabond® holding your incision together.
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You may have staples holding your incision together. These will be taken out at your follow up visit with your doctor.
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You may have SteriStrips (thin tape) over your incision. These will be removed at your follow up visit with your doctor. They may begin to curl after a few days and may start to fall off on their own. Do not touch SteriStrips.
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You may have a mesh dressing called a Prineo® on your incision. This may start to fall off on their own.
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You may have a waterproof dressing called Aquacel. This dressing will be removed at your follow up visit with your doctor.
Do not use lotions, powder, creams, or ointments on or around your wound unless your doctor has told you to do so.
If your incision is in or near a skin fold (e.g., under breast, abdominal crease), make sure you are keeping the area clean and dry. If you have skin that hangs over the incision, you should lift it for careful cleaning.
Once dressing has been removed by your doctor, you may check your wound for signs of infection. Always wash hands before and after caring for your wound.
Diet
Make sure you have a nutritious and balanced diet, as it is essential for wound healing! If you have Diabetes and your blood sugars are too high, this can put you at increased risk for infection. Please discuss blood sugar goals and treatment with your doctor.
Key Point
You should feel better, and your wound should look better every day after surgery.
If you start feeling worse, or your wound starts looking worse, call your doctor immediately!