Caring for your wound after surgery

If your incision was closed with Dermabond (skin glue)

Your incision was closed with Dermabond, a type of medical “skin glue” (cyanoacrylate adhesive) designed to protect and seal the incision. Here’s how to care for your wound:

  1. Keep it dry for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can briefly get the wound wet (e.g., in the shower). Pat it dry immediately afterward. Avoid soaking the wound (e.g., swimming or baths) until the glue naturally sloughs off, typically in 4-5 days.
  2. Do not pick at the glue. Let it fall off naturally.
  3. No lotions or creams. Avoid applying lotion, cream, Vaseline, or tape to the wound, as these can dissolve the glue.
  4. Limit sun exposure. Keep the wound covered or out of direct sunlight until fully healed.
  5. Follow activity restrictions. Avoid putting stress on the wound for 2 weeks. 
  6. Watch for Signs of Infection. Contact us if you notice any of the following: Increasing redness, tenderness, or warmth around the wound, unusual swelling, pus, red streaks, or other signs of drainage, fever.

Proper care of your incision will help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. 

If your incision was closed with Steri-Strips (white adhesive strips)

Your incision was closed with Steri-Strips (thin adhesive strips of medical tape) designed to support and protect the wound as it heals. Here’s how to care for your wound:

  1. Keep the incision dry for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can briefly get the wound wet (e.g., in the shower). Pat it dry immediately afterward. Avoid soaking the wound (e.g., swimming or baths) until the Steri-Strips naturally loosen and fall off, typically within 7-10 days.
  2. Do not remove the Steri-Strips. Let them fall off on their own. If they are still in place after 10 days, you can gently peel them off if the wound is fully healed.
  3. No lotions or creams. Avoid applying lotion, cream, Vaseline, or any ointments near the Steri-Strips, as this can weaken the adhesive and slow healing.
  4. Avoid excessive movement. Limit activities that might pull on the incision to prevent reopening the wound or loosening the strips.
  5. Protect from sun exposure. Keep the incision covered or out of direct sunlight to prevent discoloration of the healing skin.
  6. Watch for signs of infection. Contact us if you notice any of the following:
  • Increasing redness, tenderness, or warmth around the wound
  • Unusual swelling
  • Pus or other drainage
  • Red streaks around the wound
  • Fever

Proper care of your incision will help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

 

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