Caring For Incisions After Plastic Surgery
Proper incision care after plastic surgery is a very important part of the healing process. In this article, we're sharing the guidelines we provide our patients with after surgery to help them achieve the best results possible.
The First Few Days After Surgery
Incisions heal best when kept clean and covered with petroleum-based ointment. That said, during the first 48 hours it is important not to get the incision site wet. After that time frame, incision sites should be cared for 3x per day according to the schedule provided below. This protocol is maintained until the doctor advises you to stop.
List of Services
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MorningList Item 1
Gently wash the area with warm water and a mild cleanser that is fragrance-free and dye-free. Make sure you check the ingredient list of your cleanser. Pat incision sites dry; do not rub. Roll ointment onto the incisions with a Q-tip and apply a new dressing as instructed.
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AfternoonList Item 2
Remove the dressing. If crusts are present, clean the site with hydrogen peroxide using Q-tips or a cotton ball. Do not use peroxide on incisions close to the eye. Roll ointment onto the incisions with a Q-tip, then apply a dressing as instructed (you may use the same dressing if it is not soiled).
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EveningList Item 3
Repeat what you did in the afternoon.
After Sutures Are Removed
Sutures are usually removed within the first week at your post-op appointment. After removal, it's normal for incisions to appear red and swollen for a few weeks. Sun protection is essential at this time. We advise using a SFP 50+ sunscreen/moisturizer combo with physical blockers (titanium & zinc oxide). At Visage Facial Plastic Surgery, we recommend
ZO Skin Health sunscreen and skincare products to our patients for the best results.
6 Months - 1 Year
Incision scars will fully heal within 6 months to 1 year. Massaging raised/uneven scars can help to smooth them out and promote faster healing. If experiencing numbness post-surgery, rest assured that sensation will slowly return to the area within this time frame as well.
Mucosal Incisions
Some procedures involve internal incisions on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyelids. These incisions must also be kept moist, but in different ways. Incisions inside the mouth will be kept moist naturally by oral secretions and by the oral antibiotic rinse we prescribe (Chlorhexidine Gluconate). Incisions inside the nose may be moistened with nasal saline sprays and petroleum-based ointment on a Q-tip (as performed on skin incisions). Incisions concealed on the underside of the eyelid will be moistened with eye gel at night and eye drops during the day (including the prescribed Tobradex eye drops).
Visit this page for more post-surgery topics. Interested in a procedure at Visage Facial Plastic Surgery? Click here to schedule your free consultation.
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