Surgery is necessary in some circumstances for repairing broken bones, removing ulcers, replacing joints and more. However, patients who fail to properly care for their post-surgical wounds can find themselves back in the doctor’s office or worse – back on the operating table.
After surgery, it is important to properly care for your wounds so that they can heal as quickly as possible and avoid infection. Depending on the type of surgery you have, your wounds may be different. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your wounds heal properly. In this article, we will discuss the different types of post-surgical wounds, the average time it takes for them to heal and how to properly care for them.
Types of surgical wounds
There are three types of post-surgical wounds: closed, open and laparoscopic surgical wounds. Closed surgical wounds are those that are closed with stitches, staples or adhesive strips. They usually take about two weeks to heal properly. Open surgical wounds are those that are left open to heal. They usually take about four weeks to heal properly. Laparoscopic surgical wounds are those that are made with small incisions and a tiny camera is inserted into the abdomen through one of the incisions. The average healing time for these types of wounds is about two weeks.
How to care for post-surgical wounds?
Regardless of the type of surgical wound, you should keep the wound clean and dry during the period of recovery. You may need to keep the wound covered with a bandage or dressing, depending on the severity of the wound. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on caring for the wound, and visit your doctor if the wound begins to bleed or ooze.
Why is it important to care for your wounds?
It is important to properly care for your post-surgical wounds because if they are not cleaned and dried correctly, they may become infected. Infected wounds can cause a great deal of pain and can delay the healing process. Additionally, improperly cared for wounds can also lead to scarring. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your wound.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge from your wound, you should contact your doctor. These may be signs of infection. Additionally, if your wound is not healing properly or if you have any other concerns, you should contact your doctor.
If you have any questions about how to care for your wound, be sure to ask your doctor or healthcare provider. Our physicians at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine are experts in wound care and are here to answer any questions you may have. Just call (757) 873-1554.
