POST PROCEDURE WOUND CARE
Follow these guidelines carefully to ensure safe, comfortable healing after your skin procedure at SKINNOVA.
Daily Wound Care Instructions
Showering & Water Exposure
Showering is permitted after your procedure. Allow the wound to get wet, but do not scrub the surgical site. If your bandage gets wet, replace it promptly — pat the area dry first and re-apply a thin layer of Vaseline before covering with a fresh bandage.
Avoid hot tubs, pools, and lakes for at least 48 hours after your procedure. Submerging the wound in standing or shared water increases infection risk.
What to Expect After Your Procedure
On the 1st day – Tenderness & minor fluid: The wound may be tender, slightly bleed, or release a small amount of clear fluid. This is completely normal.
Bleeding on the dressing: A small amount of blood on the bandage is expected. If bleeding persists, apply firm, steady pressure to the dressing for 10–15 minutes. If it does not stop, contact our clinic or seek immediate medical care.
Stitches (if used): Dissolvable stitches fall out on their own within 2–6 weeks. If non-dissolvable stitches were used, they must be removed by a healthcare professional: face sites after 5 days, body sites after 7–10 days, and over joints after 14 days.
Seek immediate care if you experience: fever, chills, or if the wound becomes increasingly red, warm, painful, or starts oozing thick pus. Contact SKINNOVA immediately at 905-549-1025. After hours, go to the nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Department in Hamilton or Stoney Creek.
Pain Management After Your Procedure
Post-operative pain is usually minimal and resolves within one week. Most patients manage comfortably with over-the-counter medication.
Recommended: Two tablets of Extra-Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) every four hours as needed for pain relief.
Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve) as they may increase bleeding. However, if you take these medications for heart disease or stroke prevention, please continue taking them as prescribed by your physician.
Wound Care After a Minor Procedure
These instructions have been provided by Dr. Richard Backstein (BSc MD FRCSC · Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) and the team at SKINNOVA Practical Dermatology in Hamilton.
Dressing & Wound Care
Dressing & Wound Care
Dissolvable sutures: Dissolvable sutures will absorb or fall out on their own — no removal is needed. Simply follow your wound care routine until they are gone.
Non-dissolvable sutures: If your sutures require removal, this can be done at the SKINNOVA clinic or your family doctor’s office. Dr. Backstein’s team will advise you on timing at your appointment.
Avoid the following until sutures are removed (or for at least 2 weeks if sutures are dissolvable): hot tubs, pools, lakes, exercise, and sports activities. Physical strain and submerging the wound can disrupt healing and increase infection risk.
Tissue Analysis & Results
Any tissue removed during your procedure is sent for laboratory analysis. Results are usually available in approximately 2 weeks. The SKINNOVA office will contact you only if there are concerns. You are also welcome to call our office or your family doctor to inquire about results at any time.
Pain Management
Post-operative discomfort after a minor procedure is usually mild and short-lived. Most patients manage well with over-the-counter medication.
Local anesthetic used during your procedure may last up to 4 hours. Take care with hot or cold items until full sensation returns to the area.
Recommended for significant pain: Two tablets of Extra-Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) every 4 hours as needed. This is safe and effective for most patients. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Motrin, or Aleve unless specifically prescribed — they can increase bleeding risk. If you require stronger pain relief, contact your family physician.
What to Expect After Surgery
Fluid leakage (first 3 days): Some bloody fluid may leak from the wound for up to 3 days after surgery. This is normal. Keep the area clean and change dressings as needed.
If bleeding persists: Apply firm, steady pressure with gauze or a clean cloth for 10 minutes. If bleeding continues, apply pressure for another 15 minutes. If it still does not stop, go to the nearest Emergency Room or contact the SKINNOVA office immediately.
Infection (uncommon but important): Infection is not common, but should be addressed promptly. Watch for: increasing pain, redness spreading beyond the wound, foul odour, fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell. Contact SKINNOVA immediately if you notice these signs.
Seek immediate care if bleeding does not stop after 25 minutes of firm pressure, or if you develop fever, spreading redness, or signs of infection. Go to the nearest Emergency Room in Hamilton or Stoney Creek, or call SKINNOVA at 905-549-1025.
