Wound Care Instructions
Days 1 – 5
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to incision for first three days only. Stop using the ointment after three days as it can irritate the skin or cause a reaction.
- If you have a subcuticular skin closure or skin adhesive (dermabond), you do not need to apply ointment.
- If you had a keloid surgery and you are undergoing radiation, do not use ointment.
- It is ok to shower 24 hours after your surgery and is encouraged; Allow water to run over the incision and pad the area dry. Do not scrub or pick at the wound
- If steristrips or paper tape has been placed, keep them in place, if they appear moist or if there is drainage from the wound, please call the office or nurse practitioner
- Swelling and discoloration is expected and typically begins to subside at day three or four
Days 5 – 7
- Remove steristrips and tape on day 7 and reapply weekly for the first 4 weeks;
- Swelling and bruising should be resolved or nearly gone
Weeks 2 – 4
- Scar therapy – if wounds have healed; start scar massage, massaging scar cream into the incision in a circular motion two to three times daily;
- For best results, scar therapy should be continued for the first 6 – 8 weeks
- Scar cream can be purchased in our office and contains special ingredients including Vitamin C and E, and sunscreen
- Also recommend using a silicone- based product such as (Scar Away); aids in wound healing and optimizing scar appearance
- FOR SILICONE SHEETS
- Ensure wound is clean before applying and dry of any creams, lotions, or ointments
- Wear daily for 6-24 hours, remove once daily to allow site to be washed and dried
- If gel sheet becomes dirty or loses adhesiveness, wash gently with mild soap and water. Allow to air dry before reapplying
- Follow-up appointment with Dr. Nicholas Jones; all patients should be seen by Dr. Jones within the first two weeks after surgery
- If you had a facial procedure or neck procedure, your sutures need to be removed within 5-6 DAYS
- Avoidance of the sun when possible, and sunscreen to protect the surgical site from UVA/B; aids in preventing discoloration
- OK to gently cleanse wound (directly)
Weeks 4 – 6
- Critical period for wound remodeling
- No strenuous activity including sexual activity;
- Continue scar therapy
Months 6 – 12
- Follow-up appointment with Dr. Nicholas Jones to reassess healing and scars; during this time, wounds some times need to be revised
- Sunscreen with protection against UVA and UVB
V-Beam After Treatment Instructions (KELOID PATIENTS ONLY)
- You may apply ice, cold packs, or frozen peas to the treated area for 20 minutes each hour for 3-4 hours to avoid swelling
- You may apply polysporin antibiotic ointment twice daily should any area blister, do not use more than 4 days.
- A bruise usually occurs from this treatment and can last 10-14 days or more, depending on the setting of the laser.
Remember, it is vital that you make your initial post-op appointments and be seen by Dr. Jones. He will see you at least once in the first two weeks, then at one month, 6 months and 1 year.
Call to schedule your appointments at 404-400-1230 ext. 127 between the hours of 9:00 – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR PROBLEMS, PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY. IF IT IS URGENT OR AN EMERGENCY DIAL 911 OR REPORT TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.
If you are not sure, please contact us and schedule an appointment to be seen. There is no such thing as a bad question or concern. We want to make sure you receive the appropriate care; the worst decision is to wait! If it is after business hours, please call our on-call hotline at 917-674-2374
