Sutured Wound Care

The team at Atlanta Derm Surgery is acclaimed for providing exceptional care at every step of the treatment process, including detailed sutured wound care instructions to encourage optimal healing. Post-procedure support is essential for ensuring optimal results, which is why Dr. Baucom and Dr. Mina make it a priority to provide patient education about sutured wound care in Atlanta.

What Is Sutured Wound Care?

Sutures are stitches that keep a wound or surgical incision’s edges together to help it heal. They may be sewn in layers in layers in order to close the subcutaneous skin layer and the overlying epidermal skin layer. The materials used in sutures vary. They are often made of nylon and other synthetic materials or silk and other natural components.

After a wound has been sutured closed, correct sutured wound care is vital. This allows it to heal properly, helping to reduce the chance of infection, scarring, or other complications. Proper care also helps avoid a prolonged recovery process.

Once the wound has healed properly, the suture’s job is completed, and it will then be removed by a professional. Some sutures are designed to dissolve on their own and do not need removal.

Sutured Wound Care Basics

• After surgery, go home and take it easy. You should not do anything that requires you to bend, strain, lift or cause exertion for several days. Sports and any other activities that could cause trauma to the wound should be avoided.
• After one to two days, remove the dressing. You may bathe regularly at this point and allow the wound to get wet.
• Always keep your hands clean before caring for a sutured wound. This will help to avoid infections.
• Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide. If there is any crusting or scabbing, soak the wound with peroxide and remove as much of the crusting by gently rubbing the wound with a moist Q-tip or washcloth.
• Apply ointment over the wound.
• Cover the wound with a band-aid or small dressing.
• Repeat this daily until the top sutures have dissolved or are removed. (Typically 7-10 days for either.) Once the top sutures have dissolved or the wound has healed over, regular skin care and makeup can resume.
• Make sure to visit Atlanta Derm Surgery for all follow-up appointments as needed in order to ensure that your sutured wound is healing properly.

How to Treat Common Post-Surgery Symptoms

For PAIN: take one to two Extra Strength Tylenol or the prescription pain medication as needed. Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-like products for at least 48 hours as these may cause bleeding. Minimize alcohol intake for 24 hours. Alcohol can increase bruising and may interact with your pain medication.

For BLEEDING: Apply pressure to the area for 15 minutes. If the bandage is saturated it may be replaced.

For SWELLING: use ice packs – 15 minutes at a time, one to two times an hour. A bag of frozen peas or other vegetable can be used. Swelling at the site may take three months for final resolution (the time it takes for any buried sutures to dissolve). Bruising may take 10-14 days to completely resolve.

Supplies Needed:

• Cotton tipped applicators (Q-tips)
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Polysporin, Bacitracin, or Neosporin ointment
• Non-stick gauze pads (brand name: Telfa) and paper tape (brand name: Micropore); band-aids can be used if the site is small

» Click here to download the Wound Care Post-Op Document

Contact Our Office

If you have questions or concerns about sutured wound care during your recovery from surgery, contact our office. Our caring, knowledgeable team will provide the support and resources you need for proper sutured wound care in Atlanta.