Stitches and Incision Care

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest, Glenview and Grayslake, IL

Your surgeon may use 2 types of stitches: dissolvable or non-dissolvable.

  • If your stitches are under the skin, they will dissolve on their own. There is no need to remove them.
  • If your stitches are on top of your skin, they need to be removed. Our care team will tell you when to return for an appointment with our team for removal.

A small amount of oozing or bleeding is common in the 1st few days after your procedure. If this happens, apply consistent pressure for 20 minutes.

Steri-Strips (tape strips)

Steri-Strips™ may have been applied to your incision. Leave these strips in place for 2 weeks following your procedure. If the edges curl up, you may trim them. If they fall off early, gently wash the area with soap and water and apply ointment twice daily.

24 to 48 hours after 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. Do not rub.
  • Do not submerge or soak the area under water for 2 weeks.

If a gauze dressing was applied:

  • Leave it on until the next day, and then remove it gently.
  • Remove the outer gauze only, which is placed over the Steri-Strips. Steri-Strips should remain in place.
  • You may cover the Steri-Strips yourself at home with a gauze dressing if desired.

Managing pain and swelling

You may use a cool compress for 15 minutes at a time to help with pain, with 20-minute breaks in between each application. Do not place the cool compress directly on your skin. Always place a layer of cloth between your skin and the compress to protect your skin. You may continue applying a cool compress throughout the day to help reduce swelling and bruising.

Call our office at 224.271.4250 (TTY: 711) if you have:

  • A temperature more than 100.4 degrees F on 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