Caring for Your Incision and Scar

Your stitches are under your skin. They will dissolve and do not require removal.

A small amount of oozing or bleeding is common in the first few days after surgery. If this happens, apply gentle pressure for 10 to 15 minutes.

Let a member of your healthcare team know immediately if you see drainage, such as pus, from your incision.

Your incision can get wet. However, do not soak in a bathtub or apply a direct stream of water to your incision.

Any paper tape or bandages should be left in place. Further instruction will be provided at your first post- operative visit 1 week after surgery.

FAQ


Will I have a scar after surgery?


Any injury to your skin may result in a scar. Although most scars improve over time, some scars may become more noticeable and cause discomfort. How your skin heals depends on many factors. These include the location of the scar on your body and your age.


When will my scar look better?


You may see many changes that occur during the healing process. It is normal to see some redness along your incision line within the first 10 days. Your scar may stay pink and raised for several months. In most cases, scars continue to improve over the next 1 to 2 years.


To treat your scar


You may begin treating your scar 2 weeks after the removal of your stitches unless you are instructed otherwise.


Massage: Massage your scar for 5 minutes 3 times
a day using a lubricant such as over-the-counter Aquaphor® ointment or a silicone based scar cream such as NewGelTM or BioCorneum® scar cream. Continue until your scars are soft and flat. It may take a few months to get the final result.

Sunscreen: Try not to expose your scar to sunlight. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater for the next 4 months.

Silicone: Use gel ointment or sheets daily.