Cosmetic Question: What is the best way to care for my incisions after surgery?
Cosmetic Answer:
Most people who have surgery are anxious about how to take care of their incisions. Our bodies know how to heal, so it is simpler than you think. Our job is to not disturb the healing process by doing too much. Here are some common do’s and don’ts.
Things you should do:
- Keep the bandage in place.
- If the bandage becomes wet, stained or loose, ask your surgeon if it can be removed.
- Do not remove any bandages or tapes from your incisions without permission.
- If your skin is irritated or itching in any way (tape and garments can cause allergic reactions) call your surgeon to find out what to do.
- If your sutures are not bandaged, this is often the case for eyelid, nose and lip incisions, a gel or ointment keeps them comfortably moist. For the eyelids, I recommend Lacrilube. For the nose and mouth, I recommend Aquaphor. Both are sold in pharmacies over the counter.
- Most incisions don’t need cleaning. However, crusts of blood or serum may form, this usually occurs in nose surgeries. Very gentle cleaning with a tiny amount of hydrogen peroxide diluted with water may help. Aquaphor and Lacrilube will help the crusts loosen and fall off.
- If your incision becomes red, swollen or extremely painful, call your surgeon.
Things you should not do:
- Do not keep removing the bandage to look at the incision. Incisions need to rest. In fact, research shows that leaving bandages alone for several days causes less infection
- Do not apply any products to the incision such as arnica, scar tape or gel, medicated ointments or vitamin E. These can be irritating to a healing wound and do help healing. They can be helpful 6 weeks after surgery but wait until your surgeon advises you what to use.
- Do not pop a blister. A blister has powerful healing agent. If you form a blister, cover it with Aquaphor and a bandage. Let your surgeon know about it.
- Do not scrub, soak or wash incisions with soap. It is unnecessary and may irritate them.
If you aren’t clear on what to do, just call your surgeon!