Incision Care

NO lotions, ointments or cremes should be applied over or around the incision area until the 6 week follow-up appointment with the surgeon.

Incision with Staples

• Incision is closed with staples and patients are to see their family physician two weeks after surgery to have them removed
• Incision must remain dry until at least two days after the staples have been removed
• Light dressing is changed every other day or as needed with a new, sterile dressing

Incision with Sutures

• The incision is closed with dissolving sutures and therefore no follow-up appointment is need with family physician
• Patients can shower when they get home (Dr. Howard)
• Patients can shower a week after discharge ie. 10 or 11 days post-op (Dr. Bourne)
• NO BATHS, and need to rinse off the incision clean (no soap residue) and are to pat dry. NO RUBBING
• Steri strips that are on the incision are to be left on, just let them fall off on their own
• Patients may have a light dressing over the incision when clothed for comfort