After surgery, you may need to take care of an incision. Incisions need cleaning and protected from bacteria that could cause infection. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when caring for incisions to promote healing, reduce scarring and limit the risk of infection.
An incision is a cut that’s made in your skin during a surgery or procedure. Sometimes, this is also called a surgical wound. The size, location and number of incisions can vary depending on the type of surgery.
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A dressing is another name for a bandage. This bandage protects your incision, keeping the wound clean and creating an ideal environment for healing. Dressings should be changed according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Incisions can be closed in several ways, including:
A sterile dressing is usually placed over your closed incision to keep it clean and dry while the wound heals.
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s directions when it comes to caring for your incisions after surgery. Taking care of your incision(s) as instructed promotes healing, reduces scarring and reduces your risk of infection.
Some general tips for incision care include:
A few general tips to keep in mind for different types of incision closures can include:
There are a few basic supplies you will need to change a dressing. These supplies include:
There are several steps involved in changing the dressing for your incision. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions and will usually show you how to change your dressing. If you have any questions, call your provider.
First, you or the caregiver who is changing your dressing needs a clean surface to work on. Pets should be moved to a different room and your caregiver should remove any jewelry. Wash the surface where supplies will be with soap and water and cover with a clean cloth or paper towel.
First, you’ll prepare your new dressing. Open the gauze package(s) without touching the gauze. Next, cut new tape strips. Set aside.
To remove the old dressing:
If you are showering, the incision will be cleaned during your shower. You can apply the dressing after your shower as instructed by your healthcare provider. If you aren’t showering, you should flush the incision as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Always inspect your incisions for signs of infection.
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of infection when you’re healing, including:
It’s important to know the signs of an infection when you’re caring for an incision. Infection is always a risk of surgery. Keep track of any possible signs of an infection so that if you notice a possible infection it can quickly be treated.
Signs of a possible infection can include:
People at higher risk of developing an infection are those who have:
Staying active improves healing by improving blood flow. After some types of surgery, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding lifting, pulling, straining, exercise or sports for a month after surgery. Following these instructions will prevent opening of the incision line and promote healing.
Good incision care can help ensure that it heals well and infection doesn’t develop. In most cases, a surgical incision heals in about two weeks. More complex surgical incisions will take longer to heal. If you have other medical conditions or are taking certain medications, your healing time may differ.
Call the doctor if you experience:
If you ever have questions or confusion about your incision care instructions, call your healthcare provider.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
When you’re caring for an incision, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. If you have any questions about your instructions, reach out to your provider.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/06/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy