POST-OPERATIVE WOUND CARE INSTRUCTIONS.

- Leave pressure dressing on for 2 days and do not get it wet.
- Remove the outer pressure bandage after 48 hours. You may wash/bathe the area as you normally would.
- After cleansing the area with soap and water, pat the area dry wiping away any loose crust, dried blood, etc.
- Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor with a cotton swab.
- Keep covered with a Telfa bandage and paper tape. If there is a lot of drainage or light bleeding, add a cotton ball over the Telfa bandage. Wound must be covered all day and night.

TO HELP REDUCE PAIN

- Avoid Aspirin products, Ibuprofen, and alcohol for at least 3 days and no smoking for 2 weeks.
- Reduce strenuous activity for 14 days.
- For wounds on arms or legs, keep site elevated above the heart as much as possible for 24 hours after the procedure.
- An ice pack may be applied directly over the pressure bandage for 15-20 minutes every hour while awake for the first 24-48 hours. This will help to reduce the swelling and the pain.
- Take Extra Strength Tylenol, 2 tablets every 4 hours for pain, if needed.

WHAT TO EXPECT

- There may be bruising and swelling of the surgical area. • You may experience numbness of the surrounding area. This is usually temporary.
- Skin at the surgical area may feel tight. This relaxes with time.
- Wounds on the face will heal faster than on the back or limbs.

WHEN TO CALL THE OFFICE

- If the bandage becomes saturated with blood and is not stopped by holding constant firm pressure for 30 minutes, or if the bleeding persists after the first day.
- If you have a great deal of pain not relieved by Tylenol or your prescription medication. Pain after 48 hours is not expected.
- If the wound appears worse instead of better each day i.e. Increased pain, redness, warmth, and drainage.