After your surgery, you will need to care for your incision to ensure that it heals properly. Every surgery is different and so is every person’s path to healing, so remember to take care of yourself after your surgery and to give your body the time it needs to heal.   Be especially sure to follow all instructions given by your doctor and keep in mind the following tips:

Wound Care:

1.     Any bandages you have should be kept clean and dry at all times and should be changed regularly.   Your doctor will give you any relevant information about when and how to change your bandages, so follow his advice.

2.    After surgery, your doctor may require you to keep your incision away from water and moisture.   If this is the case, besure to prevent your wound from coming in contact with water, and change your bandages immediately if they become wet.

Pain:

1.    Often, your doctor will instruct you to apply ice for the first day or two after surgery in order to reduce pain and swelling.   Follow his advice on this to help speed your recovery and to make yourself more comfortable.   Elevating the point of your operation above your heart may also be advisable and help to reduce blood flow and swelling.  Your doctor will inform you if and how to do this.

2.    For most surgical procedures, doctors will prescribe some form of pain medication.   Be sure to fill this prescription when you get it so that you aren’t left without medication when the pain killers given during the procedure wear off.   Read the instructions on your medication and be sure to follow the dosage guidelines and any other advice given by your doctor.   Information on prescription refills is available here.