The importance of your post-operative care following your skin surgery cannot be overstressed. The care you take of yourself and your surgical wound is extremely important to the success of the procedure and to your recovery.
We will write the name of your surgeon and nurse in your printed leaflet, and also your procedure.
We will tick in your printed leaflet which repair/closure you have had:
- Primary
- Local flap
- Skin graft
- Secondary intention
We will tick in your printed leaflet which of the dressings below has been applied: 
- Steristrips
- Yellow soft paraffin
- Chloramphenicol ointment
- Mupirocin ointment
- Bactigras / Jelonet
- Kaltostat
- Melolin
- Hypafix
- Mepore
- Nasal plug
- Mupirocin nasal ointment
- Bactigras
- Dental roll
If it is different from the list above we will write it in your leaflet.
How do I look after my wound area?
We will write in your leaflet how many days to leave your dressing on.
It is very important to keep the dressing dry for this period of time.
The dressing may be easier to remove if you wet it first. Running warm water under the shower will help remove the dressing.
If possible, have showers rather than baths so that your wound does not soak in water. Only have a bath if you can keep your wound out of the water. After removal of the dressing gently wash the wound with soap and water, either by washing in the shower or by splashing the treated area with warm soapy water. Gently pat your wound dry, please do not rub.
Once all dressings are removed we recommend you apply a thin layer of newly opened, yellow soft paraffin (Vaseline), or antibiotic ointment (if it has been prescribed for you) directly over your stitches with clean fingers. This will help to keep your wound clean and moist and will prevent scabs from forming. Vaseline can be used 2-3 times per day over the wound for up to 3-4 weeks after your surgery.
Please ensure you wash your hands before and after every time you apply vaseline / ointment to the wound area.
If you feel the wound is rubbing or catching on your clothes, please apply a dressing to protect the wound. Your local Pharmacist will be able to help you with a selection of dressings.
If you have had surgery on your face, please do not wear make-up over the scar until it has fully healed.
We will give you any additional instructions.
For wound checks / follow up appointments
We will write information for your GP about removing your stitches, and when, in your printed leaflet.
Phone your GP practice as soon as possible to book an appointment with them.*
Your surface stitches will dissolve and do not need to be removed. Please note it can take a few weeks for your stitches to dissolve.
Appointments for surface stitches and wound reviews will also be written in your printed lealfet.
As your skin heals, it is natural for your wound to itch – this is part of the healing process. If your stitches cause you pain or discomfort, contact the Dermatology Department or your GP for advice.
* If your GP cannot accommodate your request, they may be able to refer you to a community wound service. Please ask.
Signs of infection – what to look out for:
It is expected that your wound will be slightly red and tender to touch for the first couple of days after your surgery. This is to be expected with curettage procedures especially and may persist for longer with this type of wound, but if the wound becomes very painful, hot, red, and swollen with a yellow-coloured discharge, these are signs of an infection, and you may need antibiotics.
Please contact your GP practice or the Dermatology department who will advise you on how to care for your wound.
Bleeding / Bruising / Swelling
Bleeding can occur following surgery. To reduce this possibility, please follow these instructions:
- Rest and reduce activity for the next 48 hours (or longer if advised). See the section on Exercise below.
- Avoid taking blood thinners, aspirin or ibuprofen based products for 48 hours after surgery unless advised by your Doctor to continue them.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
It is unlikely that your wound will bleed, but if this happens, don’t panic. Sit down and press firmly on the dressing for 20 minutes. If the bleeding persists or you are at all worried, please phone the Dermatology Department and they will advise you on how to care for your wound and if you need to be seen in the department.
Monday to Thursday, 8am – 4pm and Friday 8am – 1pm:
0113 392 4292 (Ward C4) *
Monday to Thursday, after 4pm and Friday after 1pm:
0113 392 4202 or 0113 392 4602 (Ward C2).
Friday 1pm to Monday 8am (over the weekend):
0113 392 4202 or 0113 392 4602 (Ward C2).
* For telephone queries that need URGENT attention, please contact C4 preferably in the morning between 9am and 10am and as soon as possible. This will enable the team to triage your query more efficiently and effectively within the unit.
In the very unlikely event you have bleeding that you cannot stop, please phone as above, or go to your local A&E department.
You may experience some localised swelling and bruising, which may not be at its worst until three to four days after surgery. Swelling and bruising localised to the wound is normal and should improve within a week to 10 days.
Pain
The local anaesthetic will begin to wear off about one to two hours after the procedure. If you experience any pain you may take paracetamol. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen based products, unless prescribed as a regular medication by your GP.
Please note that if you are already taking medications such as co-codamol or codydramol that contain paracetamol, then no further paracetamol should be taken.
Please follow the instructions on the packet and consult your Pharmacist if you have any queries or allergies.
Always read your medication instructions. If you are unsure, speak to your Pharmacist or GP.
Walk-In Patients
Please be advised that we operate an appointment only basis on C4 Dermatology Surgical Unit. Walk-in patients will not be guaranteed to be seen on the day. We strongly advise that you call the department where your query will be dealt with and directed appropriately.
Diet
Good nutrition is always important, but it is even more important after surgery when your body is recovering.
Good nutrition is always important, but it is even more important after surgery when your body is recovering. Focus on the basics of healthy eating:
- avoid processed foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fat such as biscuits, cakes, sweets, crisps, deep fried foods
- maintain an adequate protein intake (fish and seafood, chicken, meat, dairy products like Greek yoghurt and cottage cheese)
- plenty of fresh vegetables.
These simple steps will give your body the building blocks it needs to heal and recover.
Exercise
Avoid any strenuous exercise and exertion, such as running, lifting or any heavy physical activities for 3-4 weeks post-surgery. This may cause your wound to stretch and cause complications with healing. With head and neck surgery, avoid bending over for the first week and bend down with your knees. If you have any concerns, please discuss with your GP / Practice nurse.
Smoking
Smoking significantly delays wound healing, increases the risk of infection and can contribute to a more prominent scar. If you would like help giving up smoking, please speak to your Practice Nurse or call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1044.
Results
All specimens are sent for Pathology evaluation to confirm the result. You will be contacted about the results but this may take up to eight weeks.
Please note receptionists and medical secretaries do not give out results.
Scar Massage
In many cases, scar massage can be started about four weeks after the procedure when the wound has fully healed. It can help the scar heal more quickly and help with the cosmetic appearance.
Scar massage can also help prevent scar tissue from adhesion, or sticking to the muscles, tendons, and other things beneath your skin.
In general, use a slow, circular motion to massage the skin around your scar. Use firm pressure, but do not pull or tear at the skin. Moisturise and massage 3-4 times per day for 5-10 minutes at a time.
Sun Exposure
The skin that forms as a scar is very delicate. Avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen to help keep the scar from burning and minimise discolouration at all times. Use a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen of 30 or above to help protect all of your exposed skin.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your procedure, please contact:
Dermatology Surgical and Laser Unit (Ward C4)
Monday to Thursday, 8am – 5pm and Friday 8am – 1pm:
0113 392 4292
Monday to Thursday, after 5pm and Friday after 1pm (Ward C2):
0113 392 4202
Friday 1pm to Monday 8am (over the weekend Ward C2):
0113 392 4602
In an emergency, please contact your GP or go to your local A&E department.