Excision Care

Activity Restrictions

On the day of your surgery

▪       Rest and relax for the remainder of the day

▪       Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks

▪       Take all your medications as usual

▪       Use ice packs wrapped in a wash cloth for 10min on, 20 min off over bandage

Until 2 days after your surgery

▪       Keep surgical site dry. You may “sponge bathe” the rest of your body

▪       Two days after your surgery, you may begin to take showers (but continue to avoid baths)

For 2-3 weeks after your surgery

▪       Avoid heavy-lifting more than 5lb and abrupt movements such as bending or stretching

▪       Avoid submerging the surgery site in water; avoid baths or swimming

Care of the Procedure Site

1) Two days after your procedure, remove the bandage and start wound care

2) Cleanse site with soap & water

3) Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum ointment (such as Vaseline); do NOT use over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment

4) Cover with a bandage

5) Repeat wound care once daily until your sutures are removed

What to Expect

Pain: mild or moderate pain is normal

▪       You may apply an icepack over a washcloth to the site for 10 min on, 20 min off over bandage

▪       If needed, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. Do NOT take if you have liver disease. Do NOT exceed the dose instructions on the bottle.

Bleeding: bruising is normal

▪       If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the bandage for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, please contact our office.

Infection: mild redness of wound edges & clear, pink or straw-colored drainage are normal

▪       If you develop expanding redness, milky drainage, fever or chills, please contact our office.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 850-888-2424.