Wound care

I like to ensure that for at least a week after a surgical incision that the wound is kept clean and dry allowing the skin to start to heal. I will either place a waterproof dressing on the wound and give you spare dressings. In this instance 48 hours after the surgery you can shower, but if water seeps under the waterproof dressing the spare dressings should be used to redress the site. If the area is not able to have a waterproof dressing such as on the head or the front of the neck I request the dressing not be made wet by showering or bathing until a week after the surgery. This may mean showering but keeping the water away from this area.

One week after the surgery I request that the wound is reviewed by a doctor or nurse. This would usually be at your local GP surgery though our Parkville specialist nurse may be able to review the wound if you wish to attend the Parkville Practice rooms.

If you, or your local doctor, have any concerns about the wound, please contact me. If the wound is hot and red this may indicate infection and you should contact me. If in the unusual event that any pus or persistent clear fluid leaks from the wound, you should present to the Royal Melbourne emergency department urgently.