Written by Dr. Olga Bednarek
Published: February 2, 2017
Non-Absorbable Sutures or Staples
If your procedure involves non-absorbable sutures or staples, your surgeon will let you know when to have them removed. The time to leave them in may range from 1-3 weeks depending on the procedure. The sutures or staples may be removed in a follow-up appointment with your surgeon or by your family doctor.
Dressings
Dressings applied to your wounds will typically be waterproof; if this is the case you may shower 2 days after surgery. Leave dressings intact for 5 days after surgery, unless the dressing becomes noticeably wet or starts to peel off; in this case, it is alright to change it and apply a new one.
Steristrips should be removed 7 days after surgery.
Wounds can be gently cleaned with soap and water after dressing removal. Do not soak wounds for 2 weeks after surgery (i.e. no swimming, no baths (showers only)).
When to Call Your Family Doctor
- increased redness, swelling, bleeding or pain where your wound is
- you notice your wound getting larger or deeper
- increased drainage from your wound; the drainage starts to smell bad; the drainage becomes thick, tan, yellow or green
- you have a fever (38 degrees C) or higher
Sources:https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000040.htm