Below are the treatment guidelines Dr. Heather Rogers gives her patients after skin surgery at Modern Dermatology in Seattle, Washington.
Biopsy Wound Care
For the first 24 hours
- Keep the Band-Aid applied to the biopsy site in place. Do not get it wet.
After the first 24 hours
- Change the dressing DAILY. Apply RESTORE Healing Balm then a new Band-Aid. If unable to cover the wound, reapply RESTORE Healing Balm hourly to keep it from drying out. Continue until healed or suture is removed.
- Shower with the Band-Aid in place, then replace after shower with more RESTORE Healing Balm and a new Band-Aid.
Bleeding:
- Small amounts of oozing under the Band-Aid is normal. If there is bleeding through the dressing, remove it. Then take clean gauze or a wash cloth and press it directly on the wound for 30 minutes without lifting. If it is still bleeding, apply pressure for another 30 minutes without lifting. If this does not stop the bleeding, call your dermatologist’s office.
- It is normal for the edges of the wound to be numb, itchy, pink and tender. If the redness spreads from the edge outward and the wound becomes tender or drains pus, call your dermatologist’s office.
Suture (Stitches) Wound Care
BEFORE
AFTER
For the first 48 hours:
- Keep the pressure dressing in place. Do not get it wet. If the wound is on an extremity, keep wrapped with ACE bandage. Remove ACE wrap before bed and reapply each morning. If the site is on the leg, elevate the leg as much as possible to decrease swelling and discomfort.
- Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes every 4 hours while awake to help minimize swelling
BEFORE
AFTER
After the first 48 hours:
- Change the dressing DAILY. Cleanse the sutures with 3% hydrogen peroxide and Q-tips. After cleaning, dry the wound with Q-tips or gauze. Apply RESTORE Healing Balm to sutures using Q-tips. Then cover with non-stick dressing cut to the size of the wound and secure with paper tape. If unable to cover the wound, reapply RESTORE Healing Balm hourly to keep it from drying out. Keep extremities wrapped with ACE wrap. Continue daily until suture removal.
- Shower as usual but avoid water hitting the wound directly.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least the first week.
Pain control:
There will be discomfort after surgery. If needed, take up to two 500mg of extra strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) AND two 200mg of Advil (ibuprofen) every 4 to 6 hours after surgery for pain. Do NOT take more than eight Tylenol (acetaminophen) or six Advil (ibuprofen) during a 24-hour period. Do NOT take Tylenol if you have liver problems. Do NOT take Advil if you have kidney problems. If this does not control your pain, call your officeBEFORE
AFTER
Bleeding:
- Small amounts of oozing under the dressing is normal. If there is bleeding through the dressing, remove it. Then take clean gauze or a wash cloth and press it directly on the wound for 30 minutes without lifting. If it is still bleeding, apply pressure for another 30 minutes without lifting. If this does not stop the bleeding, call your office.
- It is normal for the edges of the wound to be numb, itchy, pink and tender. If the redness spreads from the edge outward and the wound becomes tender or drains pus, call your office.
POST SURGERY SKIN CARE RECOMMENDATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
Below are the treatment guidelines Dr. Heather Rogers gives her patients after skin surgery at Modern Dermatology in Seattle, Washington.
Biopsy Wound Care
For the first 24 hours
For the first 24 hours
- Keep the Band-Aid applied to the biopsy site in place. Do not get it wet.
After the first 24 hours
- Change the dressing DAILY. Apply RESTORE Healing Balm then a new Band-Aid. If unable to cover the wound, reapply RESTORE Healing Balm hourly to keep it from drying out. Continue until healed or suture is removed.
- Shower with the Band-Aid in place, then replace after shower with more RESTORE Healing Balm and a new Band-Aid.
Bleeding
- Small amounts of oozing under the Band-Aid is normal. If there is bleeding through the dressing, remove it. Then take clean gauze or a wash cloth and press it directly on the wound for 30 minutes without lifting. If it is still bleeding, apply pressure for another 30 minutes without lifting. If this does not stop the bleeding, call your dermatologist’s office.
- It is normal for the edges of the wound to be numb, itchy, pink and tender. If the redness spreads from the edge outward and the wound becomes tender or drains pus, call your dermatologist’s office.
Suture (Stitches) Wound Care
BEFORE
AFTER
For the first 48 hours:
- Keep the pressure dressing in place. Do not get it wet. If the wound is on an extremity, keep wrapped with ACE bandage. Remove ACE wrap before bed and reapply each morning. If the site is on the leg, elevate the leg as much as possible to decrease swelling and discomfort.
- Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes every 4 hours while awake to help minimize swelling
After the first 48 hours:
- Change the dressing DAILY. Cleanse the sutures with 3% hydrogen peroxide and Q-tips. After cleaning, dry the wound with Q-tips or gauze. Apply RESTORE Healing Balm to sutures using Q-tips. Then cover with non-stick dressing cut to the size of the wound and secure with paper tape. If unable to cover the wound, reapply RESTORE Healing Balm hourly to keep it from drying out. Keep extremities wrapped with ACE wrap. Continue daily until suture removal.
- Shower as usual but avoid water hitting the wound directly.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least the first week.
Bleeding:
- Small amounts of oozing under the dressing is normal. If there is bleeding through the dressing, remove it. Then take clean gauze or a wash cloth and press it directly on the wound for 30 minutes without lifting. If it is still bleeding, apply pressure for another 30 minutes without lifting. If this does not stop the bleeding, call your office.
- It is normal for the edges of the wound to be numb, itchy, pink and tender. If the redness spreads from the edge outward and the wound becomes tender or drains pus, call your office.