Post-Biopsy or Post-Surgery Instructions

Take the bandage off after one day. The best time to remove the bandage is after a shower. Then apply polysporin (double antibiotic), bacitracin or Vaseline ointment to keep the wound "greasy". Then apply a bandage. Neosporin (or triple antibiotic) ointment is not recommended as it may cause a skin allergy.

Wounds usually heal faster if they are kept greasy. If there are stitches, continue using the ointment until the stitches are removed. If there are no stitches, use the ointment until there is no more crust forming. Wounds on the back and leg take longer to heal.

Helping the Healing

Ice packs may minimize swelling, especially for surgery done on the face. Without taking off the bandage, use an ice pack for 10-15 minutes per hour on the affected area until bedtime. Ice should be wrapped in a plastic and then a cloth to avoid burning your skin and wetting your bandage. This is done only on the day the surgery was performed.

Elevate the part of the body that has had surgery, to minimize bleeding and swelling. If the surgery is on your face or head, use several pillows to sleep on the first few nights, to keep blood draining out of the head instead of into it. Remember not to bend over as well.

If you had stitches

If you had a surgery with the placement of stitches, you must be careful not to overstretch the area. As the wound heals, it will be weaker than the surrounding skin and can even "pop open" if stretched too much. This risk of opening up is greatest from the time of the surgery until about 7-10 days after the sutures are removed. Thus, you should arrange your schedule so that the area of the body operated upon will be relatively inactive for that period of time. This usually applies to exercise routines or sports activity. Avoid heavy lifting.

If you start bleeding

If bleeding starts put continuous pressure on the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding continues, hold pressure for an additional 20 minutes. If bleeding still continues, contact the Dermatology Department.

Signs of infection

A small area (1/4-inch) of redness is a normal part of the healing process. If you experience more redness, swelling, pain, pus, or drainage please call the Dermatology department immediately.