If you have sutures (stitches): -Apply Vaseline or
Lightly pat the wound dry and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline®). This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed.
Treat the area with care. A greasy ointment, e.g. Vaseline, can be applied directly over the stitches twice daily. The wound should be washed prior to applying Vaseline. This helps to prevent and lift crusting; massaging gently over the wound may help to improve the appearance of scarring.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly for keeping a wound moist and to help prevent it from drying out and forming a scab, because they take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
Try to keep your stitches dry for at least 48 hours after surgery. A doctor or nurse will tell you when you can get your stitches wet or if they need to be kept dry. This may depend on what kind of wound and dressing you have.
Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.
If you have sutures (stitches): -Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor healing ointment to the sutured site 3-4x/ day for the next three to four days. The ointment will help the wound heal more quickly and minimize scarring.
Here is some general advice: Keep your stitches or staples dry and covered with a bandage. Non-absorbable stitches and staples need to be kept dry for 1 to 2 days. Absorbable stitches sometimes need to be kept dry longer.
How long do I apply Vaseline and a bandaid? 1-2 weeks until the sutures are removed, then for 1 week after just apply Vaseline. If you hate the bandage, you can go without it, but you must reapply the Vaseline 5-10 times a day, the wound must not dry out.
Exercise and activity helps healing by improving blood flow. Blood brings oxygen and healthy nutrients to the cells in your body to help them heal. Follow the instructions you have been given about the amount and type of exercise to do. You may need to avoid straining and heavy lifting so your wound can heal.
Bandage the wound with white petrolatum, Telfa pads, gauze, and bandage tape. Apply a thick layer of white petrolatum to the wound.
After those first 48 hours, though, it's totally fine to get your stitches briefly wet via the light spray of a shower. But emphasis on "briefly" here. Dr. Yaakovian stresses that you'll want to avoid soaking or submerging your stitches in water for about four weeks.
These are the usual time periods: stitches on your head – you'll need to return after 3 to 5 days. stitches over joints, such as your knees or elbows – you'll need to return after 10 to 14 days. stitches on other parts of your body – you'll need to return after 7 to 10 days.
Cool temperatures will both ease the pain and help reduce swelling in the area. One way of doing this is to sit in a shallow bath of cold water – just make sure you pat your stitches dry with a clean towel afterwards.
Most surgical wounds are closed fully at the end of the procedure. The surgeon covers the closed surgical wound with either a dressing or adhesive tape. The dressing can act as a physical barrier to protect the wound until the continuity of the skin in restored (within about 48 hours).
It's best to wash off any remaining Vaseline in the morning then use your normal moisture, as the thickness of Vaseline can cause greasy skin throughout the day. It's best to start small when applying a product that can be so heavy and greasy.
Simply apply Vaseline® to the wound daily to prevent the surface from drying out - which will promote quicker healing and a better cosmetic result. Any convenient dressing (e.g. a plaster or gauze & tape) will help to protect the wound and keep it clean.
Sutures should be removed within 1-2 weeks of their placement, depending on the anatomic location. Prompt removal reduces the risk of suture marks, infection, and tissue reaction. The average wound usually achieves approximately 8% of its expected tensile strength 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Most types should start to dissolve or fall out within a week or two, although it may be a few weeks before they disappear completely. Some may last for several months. Ask your doctor about the type of stitches you have been given and how long they should take to dissolve.
Redness. The area may be swollen, sore, and red in color right after you've sustained your injury. This is normal as blood is being sent to the area to supply oxygen and other nutrients for healing. But if the wound is still red and swollen after five days, it's a sign that your body is not healing correctly.
You may need to cover your stitches with a bandage for 24 to 48 hours, or as directed. Do not bump or hit the suture area. This could open the wound. Do not trim or shorten the ends of your stitches.
You might feel sharp, shooting pains in your wound area. This may be a sign that you're getting sensations back in your nerves. The feeling should become less intense and happen less often over time, but check with your doctor if you're concerned.
Good incision care can help ensure that it heals well and infection doesn't develop. In most cases, a surgical incision heals in about two weeks. More complex surgical incisions will take longer to heal. If you have other medical conditions or are taking certain medications, your healing time may differ.