Wound dressing is an important therapeutic procedure for various injuries and during the postoperative period, which helps to prevent infection, accelerate healing, and reduce complications. During dressing, the doctor examines the injury, cleans the skin, and treats the wound with special materials. At the end of the procedure, a sterile dressing is applied to the wound. The wound dressing keeps the surgical wound clean and dry while it heals. This dressing protects the incision and creates an ideal environment for healing.
How often should I change the dressing?
It is recommended to change the dressing according to your doctor's instructions. The timing depends on the type and location of the wound. Most often, you may need to change the dressing every day or every few days.
How to care for a postoperative wound?
- Always wash your hands before and after changing the dressing;
- When changing the dressing, check the wound for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus;
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that may traumatize the postoperative wound;
- Avoid activities that may interfere with healing, such as running or weight training;
- Avoid scratching your postoperative wounds. Healing postoperative wounds may itch, which is normal.
How do I change the wound dressing?
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions and usually show you how to change the dressing. If you have any additional questions, please inform your doctor.
What are the benefits of postoperative wound care and dressing?
Surgical wound care and dressing help prevent complications, especially infections. They also shorten the healing period, and with proper wound care, there is a greater chance of minimal scarring.
What are the risks or complications of not caring for postoperative wounds?
The biggest risk is infection. Infection occurs when bacteria enter the healing wound and prevent it from healing. Untreated infections can spread throughout the body (sepsis) and are life-threatening.
What are the signs of infection?
- A wound with thick, cloudy discharge;
- A foul odor from the wound;
- The wound opening up—it becomes deeper, longer, or wider;
- Redness or discoloration of the skin that extends beyond the edge of the incision;
- Warm temperature around the wound;
- Fever, sweating, or chills.
What are the risk factors for infection?
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Smoking;
- Being overweight;
- Weakened immune system (due to chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs).
How to reduce the risk of infection?
- Always wash your hands before and after touching the wounds;
- Follow your doctor's instructions;
- Change dressings as directed;
- Keep wounds dry.
How long does it take for a surgical wound to heal?
In most cases, a surgical wound heals in about two weeks. More complex surgical wounds take longer to heal. Your doctor will inform you about the healing process during your check-up. Infections can delay the healing of a postoperative wound, and if not treated in time, they can spread and cause serious complications.
How long do the stitches and staples remain in place?
Your doctor will remove the stitches or staples when the postoperative wound has healed or closed. The time depends on the size, depth, and location of the wound. This can take anywhere from 6 to 14 days.
How long does it take for the stitches to dissolve?
It usually takes one to two weeks for the stitches to dissolve. These stitches may remain for several months, depending on the type of stitches used and your body's metabolism. Your doctor can remove dissolvable stitches before they dissolve if they bother you. Do not attempt to remove these stitches at home.
