How do you take care of your surgery site?

Your surgery site site requires a little bit of care on your part . You may or may not have stitches placed depending on the technique that is performed. The following are a few simple steps to take which will help us to ensure that your surgery site heals well.

1. Wash your site twice a day with soap and lukewarm water. Blot the site and do not rub.

2. Apply a quarter pea-sized amount of Aquaphor™ or Biafine™ ointment over the biopsy site followed by a small band aid twice daily. This will help to minimize your risk of infection.

3. If your surgery site forms a scab or crust, you may gently remove this with diluted hydrogen peroxide or vinegar soaks as follows.

4. Use one tablespoon of either hydrogen peroxide or 5% white distilled vinegar in one cup of distilled water. Soak the site two to three times a day by placing a small gauze or washcloth over the area. We recommend that you soak the area for ten minutes with each application.

5. All surgeries result in a small scar. To reduce scarring, our doctors recommend a silicone gel or cream such as Kelocote™ or Mederma™ to be used once your sutures are removed and the scab has healed. If you are prone to scarring, please let us know ahead of time so that we can plan the appropriate follow-up care.

6. Call our office if you develop warmth, redness, extensive swelling, foul smelling drainage or intense discomfort at your site. This may be a sign of infection or an allergic reaction.