Wound Care Instructions: A Guide to Post-Surgical Healing and Wound Packing

Proper wound care after surgery is crucial for promoting healing and preventing complications like infections. How quickly and effectively you heal largely depends on how well you follow your surgeon's orders, attend follow-up appointments, and adhere to the following wound care guidelines.

General Wound Care Instructions

Keep Your Incision Dry

Keeping your incision dry is important to prevent bacteria from entering the wound, which can lead to infection. Until your doctor says it's safe, avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, the beach, or soaking in water for a prolonged period. Also, avoid sweating if possible, as this environment also promotes bacterial growth. 

Keep Your Incision Clean

Always wash your hands before touching your incision to avoid introducing germs. Clean the wound as directed by your healthcare provider, typically using mild soap and water. Avoid using ointments like bacitracin or antiseptics that may irritate the wound.

Keep Your Incision Covered

Unless your incision is covered with Dermabond or surgical glue, keep it covered to prevent exposure to dirt, sweat, and bacteria. This also helps manage drainage. If the incision is no longer draining, leave it open, but avoid dirty environments.

Regularly Change the Bandage

If a dressing is in place, change it daily to keep the wound clean and promote healing. A fresh bandage prevents infection and creates a protective environment for the wound.

How to Change a Bandage

Changing a bandage isn’t tricky, but following the correct steps is essential for reducing infection

Gather Your Supplies

Before starting, make sure you have everything you need:

• Sterile gauze pads

• Medical gloves

• Surgical tape

• A plastic bag

• Scissors

• Q-tips or instruments

Lay out your supplies on a clean surface to make the process smoother. Watch this helpful video for further guidance.

Steps for Changing a Bandage

1. Sanitize Your Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands and put on medical gloves.

2. Remove the Old Bandage: Loosen the tape carefully and remove the old bandage without touching the wound.

3. Clean the Incision: If your doctor directs, gently wash the incision with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing, and do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, as these can damage tissue.

4. Apply a New Bandage: Place a new sterile gauze pad over the incision and secure it with surgical tape.

Watch for Signs of Infection

While changing the bandage, inspect the incision for signs of infection, such as:

• Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound

• Unusual discharge (yellow or bloody is normal; green or foul-smelling fluid may indicate infection)

• Persistent pain or fever

If you suspect an infection, contact your surgeon immediately. Early detection can prevent more severe complications. You can send a picture of your wound through the patient portal for a quick assessment by Dr. Hernandez.

Support Your Healing

Rest and Sleep

Rest is essential for recovery. Ensure you sleep well each night and take naps if needed. Avoid strenuous activities and listen to your body if it signals that you are overdoing it.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C, zinc, and protein will help your body heal faster. Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of water to support skin elasticity and promote wound healing. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking slows down the healing process and increases the risk of complications. If you smoke, try to quit 6–8 weeks before surgery to optimize healing.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Protect your wound from direct sunlight, as new skin is more prone to sunburn and scarring. Keep the area covered or use sunscreen if necessary for several months post-surgery.

Don’t Wear Tight Clothing

Tight clothes can irritate the wound and restrict airflow, hindering healing. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics to keep the area comfortable and dry.

Don’t Scratch or Pick the Wound

As your wound heals, it may become itchy. Resist the urge to scratch or pick at it, as this can introduce bacteria and delay healing.

Additional Care Instructions

Wound Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If you notice bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure, contact your doctor.

Infection Signs

If you notice redness, swelling, increased warmth, or discharge with a foul smell, or if you develop a fever, contact your healthcare provider.

Sutures or Stitches

If your stitches or sutures come undone, do not attempt to fix them yourself. Cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad and call your surgeon.

Instructions for Wound Packing

If your wound requires packing, it’s likely due to an infection concern. Proper care is essential for preventing further complications.

Steps for Packing a Wound

1. Gather Supplies: Set up a clean field with all your materials to avoid moving around during the process.

2. Remove the Old Packing: Wet the packing material before removing it to minimize pain and prevent tissue damage. This will minimize pain, as the gauze adheres to the surrounding tissue when drying. The gauze removes the bacteria as it dries up inside the wound. You may need to get the gauze wet multiple times as it is removed from the wound. Having a 10cc syringe with sterile water is helpful

3. Clean the Wound: Rinse with soap and water or let water run over the area in the shower. Using a showerhead inside the wound can also be helpful but not necessary. Dab the area dry.

4. Pack the Wound: Use a Q-tip to pack the wound with new material. Ensure that the material is packed deep into the wound. Continue to pack circumferentially around the base of the wound, making sure all areas are covered.

5. Cover with Gauze: Secure the area with a clean dressing and tape.

6. Repeat the process daily until the wound is healed

For more detailed guidance, this video may help.

When to Call Your Surgeon

Contact your surgeon or healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening pain

• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, or unusual discharge)

• Heavy bleeding

• Stitches or sutures coming undone

• A fever above 101.4°F (38°C)

Conclusion

Following proper wound care instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Hernandez if you're ever in doubt. Attending follow-up appointments and caring for your body through rest, nutrition, and hygiene are essential for fast, effective healing.