Follow the instructions below to care for areas that have been sutured. Click here for a printable copy.
Post-treatment Instructions for Sutures
Post-treatment skin care instructions must be followed to prevent any complications.
You will have sutures or “stitches” in place after the procedure. Dressings called Steri-strips will likely be present covering the sutures. The Steri-strips help prevent stretching of the wound and improve healing. About ½ inch of each end of the strip must be kept free of ointment, so that the strip remains sticky. Leave the strips in place. You may notice the edges begin to curl. If this occurs, you may carefully trim the edges flat. If the strips fall off your incision, contact our office. Alternatively, if we are unavailable, new strips may be purchased at your pharmacy and applied.
Do not wash or immerse the treated area in water for 48 hours. Keep the area clean and avoid exposure to dirt or dust.
Avoid touching the area with your fingers.
Apply a thin layer of ointment to the treated area several times a day to keep the area moist. A moist incision will help minimize scarring.
During the healing phase, the area must be treated delicately. Do not rub, scratch, or pick. If a crust develops, let it fall off on its own.
Avoid laying flat for 2 to 3 days and nights. This will help prevent or reduce swelling. Resting and sleeping in a recliner chair is preferred. If you do not have a recliner chair, prop your head and shoulders upright with many pillows.
To improve your healing time after treatments, oral supplementation with 500mg of vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid) and Arnica montana tablets two to three times daily is recommended.
Beginning 48 hours after your procedure, you may lightly cleanse the area with gentle soap (such as Cetaphil) and water. Do not scrub the area. Pat the area dry.
Applying ice for the first 24 hours will assist in minimizing swelling. Wrap the ice in a soft cloth. Discomfort or stinging may be relieved with Tylenol. Avoid lying completely flat for the first 48 hours to minimize post-procedure swelling.
In case of signs of infection (swelling with redness, pus, tenderness, fever), contact the office immediately.
Follow-up as directed by the physician for removal of the sutures, typically in 5 days.
Please contact our office at (614) 322-7917 with questions or concerns regarding your treatment.