Wound care after suture removal is just as important as it was prior to removal of suture. Take good care of the wound in order to achieve the best healing possible.
Steri-Strips have been applied to the surgical site. Please keep the area dry for 24 hours, and allow the strips to fall off on their own. Steri-Strips may remain in place upwards of 1 week. If the strips are still intact after 7 days, you may GENTLY remove them.
At the time of suture removal, the wound has only regained about 5-10 % of its strength. Therefore, protect the wound from injury during the next few weeks to months. The wound will continue to strengthen over the next 9-12 months. Mild redness around the site is normal, especially on the legs.
You may return to normal activity including working out at the gym, sports, and any other strenuous activity in 7-10 days.
Please begin protecting the wound from direct sunlight 1 week after suture removal. Please apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Prolonged or direct sun exposure can cause a red/purple scar and can delay wound healing.
Call the office immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Fever over 100.4 degrees
- Increase in redness. Mild redness is normal
- Increase in swelling
- Increasing or severe pain that is not alleviated by Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
- Drainage of pus
- If bleeding occurs which you cannot stop with firm pressure for 20 minutes
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