Skip to main content

Minor surgery post-treatment

Now your surgery has been carried out you’ll want to ensure you get the very best results and, to some extent, that’s up to you!  These are a few suggestions that will make a significant difference to both short and longer term outcomes.  Please take the time to read and follow the advice here.

Important information

As long as the dressing is dry and not soaked with blood you can leave it in place for up to five days (or for as long as the Doctor has recommended).

If you think your wound is bleeding or there is infection, redness or pain (at any stage of the healing process) you should contact your GP who may prescribe antibiotics.

Avoid getting your wound wet in the bath or shower for the first 48 hours after surgery.  However, this can depend on the surgery you’ve had and your Doctor will have advised you of any precautions you will need to take regarding getting the area wet.

When it’s time to remove the dressing, FIRST wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water then carefully remove the dressing.  Try not to touch the wound with your fingers.

Providing the wound is dry you can leave it without a dressing, but if your clothes rub against it or you feel it needs protection you can apply a further sterile dressing.

Do not

  • Use antiseptic or any other cream as this will hinder the natural healing process.
  • Pull on stitches poking out of your wound as this could reopen the wound
  • Scratch or pick at the wound or you will prevent it healing properly and may end up with unsightly scars.
  • Use soap, shower gel, body lotion, talcum powder or other products directly on your healing wound.
  • Apply make up until the scar has fully healed if your surgery was in the face or neck area.

It's ok to

  • Remove any dressing before you have a bath or shower, unless your surgeon or nurse gives you different advice. Some dressings are waterproof and can be left in place.
  • Let the shower splash onto the wound, but don’t rub the area and let it dry naturally, just pat around it with a clean towel.

Your stitches

Dissolvable stitches will usually disappear during the weeks following the procedure.  This can take anything from 1 week up to a month.

Non-dissolvable stitches, clips and staples will require that you attend the clinic to have them removed.  This may be anytime from 3-21 days after the procedure depending on the type of procedure – and your Doctor will have given you advice about this and a follow-on appointment for them to be removed.

If there are loose ends that are catching on your clothing, trim the stitch carefully with a clean pair of scissors. Otherwise wait until they are removed or fall out on their own. If the stitches cause you pain or discomfort, contact your GP for advice.

Improve your results

Your body needs a lot of energy to heal quickly so it’s important that you eat well. In particular, you need vitamin C and protein so aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Make sure that you drink enough water because if you’re dehydrated, your wound may take longer to heal.

If you have diabetes take extra care that your blood sugar is well controlled.

If possible, have showers rather than baths so that your wound doesn’t soak in water – this could soften the scar tissue and cause your wound to reopen. If you have a bath, keep your wound out of the water until it’s fully healed.

Useful information

If you have any problems please ring the clinic immediately. If you are experiencing uncomfortable side-effects and it’s outside normal hours call the NHS help line on 111.

Also the following may be helpful.

How you can recommend us

If you’re pleased with the service you’ve received so far it would be great if you could share this information with potential clients who might be considering using the clinic. If you’re happy to do this please click the link below:

LEAVE A GOOGLE REVIEW
LEAVE A FACEBOOK REVIEW

Get the latest skincare information – read our blog.

 

Request a consultation

Sign up to our newsletter

Be the first to know about our promotions, discounts and special offers.

Book YOUR consultation
Book YOUR consultation