Surgery Instructions
- Leave the original bandage in place and keep dry for first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
- On the day after surgery, wait until nighttime before showering (i.e. after >24 hours).
- At this time you may resume most normal grooming activities.
- If you are having difficulties with removal of the bandage, it may help to shower with it in place.
- Wetting the area often makes the process much easier and less painful.
- Wash wound gently, using soap & water as you would for normal skin. Repeat 1-2x per day.
- Immediately after washing, dab the wound dry with a clean towel, gauze, or tissue.
- Liberally apply Aquaphor Ointment and cover with Band-Aid or non-stick pad + tape.
- Should remain covered with ointment & bandage at ALL times (unless washing) for ~1 week.
Do NOT use antibacterial products such as Neosporin, unless specifically instructed.
OTHER WOUND CARE TIPS
- Try to minimize exercise for ~1 week. Avoid all activities that pull or stretch the wound in any direction.
- Bruising may appear 1-3 days later and is expected to resolve within 1-3 weeks. For procedures anywhere on the face, swelling and bruising may be most significant around the eyes (i.e. black eyes, swollen shut). This is common and should not be considered worrisome. To minimize/prevent, try to avoid bending over and sleep with 2+ pillows for proper elevation.
- For pain/discomfort, we recommend taking 1 regular strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) + 2 Advil (ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours unless otherwise instructed. Please let us know of any medical conditions that prohibit the use of such medications, including stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. For additional or alternative relief, you may apply ice or cold compression for 15 minutes of every hour.
- For bleeding, apply firm continuous pressure for 10 minutes without lifting (no peaking!). If this fails to resolve the issue, apply an ice pack under continuous pressure and/or contact our office immediately.
- Sutures may need to be removed after 5-14 days, depending on their type and location. We can remove them at your post-operative appointment and discuss the results from your tissue pathology. If you are unable to return to our office for any reason, the sutures may be removed by an outside licensed provider, and you may call our office to review the pathology and discuss additional management/plans.
Your insurance information will be sent to the lab for billing purposes. If you do not have insurance or your insurance did not cover the biopsy in full, you will receive a bill directly from the lab within several weeks.