Instructions for Incision Care: Dissolvable Stitches

A small amount of oozing or bleeding is common in the first day after your procedure. If this happens, elevate the area of the incision above the level of your heart, if possible, and apply pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. If the incision is on your face or scalp, you may want to place an old towel or pillowcase on your pillow the first night in case there is any oozing.

Your stitches are under the skin and will dissolve. There is no need to remove them.

Steri-StripsTM (tape strips) were applied to your incision. These strips should be left in place for 2 weeks following your procedure. If the edges curl up, you may trim them. If they fall off early, simply wash the area with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment twice daily for 3 days.

The day following your procedure, you may shower and let water come in contact with the Steri-Strips. Even when they become wet, these strips are intended to stay in place. Gently blot the area dry but avoid rubbing. Do not submerse or soak the area under water for 2 weeks.

Please do not be alarmed if you notice your Steri-Strips have become soiled with blood. Slight bleeding and/or oozing is expected following your procedure. This can happen, so we may have applied a gauze dressing over your Steri-Strips.

If a gauze dressing was applied in our office, leave it on until the next day, and then remove it gently. This applies to the outer gauze only, which is placed over the Steri-Strips.

If desired, you may cover the Steri-Strips yourself at home with a gauze dressing and/or adhesive bandage.

You may use over-the-counter medications for pain or discomfort, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®). You may also use pain medicine prescribed by your physician,
as needed.

Please do not use anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve®) for 48 hours following your procedure.

You may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes at a time to help with pain. Remove for 20 minutes in between each application. Place a layer of cloth between your skin and the compress to protect your skin. You may apply a cool compress the rest of the day to minimize swelling and bruising.

Please call our office if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • Temperature more than 100.5 F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
  • A big increase in redness, swelling or pain around the incision
  • A large amount of bleeding or drainage from your incision