Home Care Guide for Surgical Incisions

The success of the operation is only the first step in a long journey. The road to recovery is still long, covering both physical and psychological aspects. The length of recovery often depends on the size and complexity of the surgery. The healing of surgical incisions is undoubtedly an important part of the recovery process. It is not only a sign of physical recovery, but also a window for you to intuitively feel the progress of recovery.

As medical technology advances, minimally invasive surgeries and day surgeries are becoming more common, allowing many patients to return home soon after surgery. This also means that most of the incision healing process is done at home. However, due to a lack of professional nursing knowledge, many patients are confused and uncomfortable about how to care for surgical incisions.

Wound cleaning:

Regarding the cleaning of the incision, you can safely wet it, but never soak it in water for a long time. You should avoid bathing or swimming for at least two weeks after surgery, or until the incision is completely healed. If you're not sure whether your incision has completely healed, it's best to talk to your doctor.

Gentle cleaning is beneficial in healing the incision. Use mild, unscented soap and clean water every day. Cleansing can be done in the shower, but be careful to avoid vigorous rubbing. After cleaning, follow-up wound care should be carried out according to the doctor's instructions.

Change dressing:

change the dressing as soon as 2 days after surgery. Generally, we recommend using functional wound dressings. Your doctor will give you advice based on your specific situation as to whether it needs to be covered.

operate:

1. Prepare new dressings, sterile disposable gloves, dry cotton balls, iodophor cotton balls, and physiological saline. Peel off the outer dressing with your hands and use tweezers to peel off the inner dressing (if the dressing sticks to the wound, soak it with saline and then peel it off);

2. Uncover the outer dressing without removing it;

3. disinfect with iodophor cotton balls from the inside out, 3 times, changing the cotton balls each time. If there is a secretion from the wound, use a saline cotton ball to soak it up to remove it;

4. The dressing should be pasted 2 cm larger than the edge of the wound.

It is recommended that you use a suitable dressing to cover the incision: if there is an exudation from the incision, it may stain the clothes; if the clothes rub against the incision, it will cause discomfort and affect wound healing. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about how to care for your incision, it's best to consult your doctor promptly. When it comes to sutures, you need to understand that there are many different types of sutures, some need to be manually removed, and some will dissolve on their own. If you need your stitches removed, you can go to the hospital's wound clinic for treatment. Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of self-observation. Check your incision every day. If there are any abnormalities, such as a fever exceeding 38 degrees, or symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, etc., you should seek medical treatment immediately to ensure your health and safety.

Follow the doctor's instructions. If there is increased pain, swelling, abnormal odor, red skin, or turbid green-yellow exudate, contact the medical staff in time.

Please note: Your doctor or surgeon has the best knowledge of your condition, including the condition of your incisions. If you have any concerns or questions, you can always contact your doctor for consultation. At the same time, for follow-up visits that have been arranged before discharge, please be sure to attend on time and not miss it.

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Editor: kiki Jia

Date: February 19, 2023