Wound Care After Biopsy or Surgery
Basic Principle: a covered biopsy or surgical wound using antibiotic ointment will heal better and faster than a dry, open wound.
- Remove the band-aid or dressing after 1 or 2 days
- Then, change the dressing DAILY with antibiotic ointment like Polysporin, Neosporin or Bactroban. Your provider may even tell you that Aquaphor is OK
- If the wound is on a hairy area or in a location that is difficult to maintain a band-aid, apply the antibiotic ointment a few times daily to keep the area moist
- Old band-aids and dressing come off easier in the shower. After the shower, gently pad or blot dry the area, apply antibiotic ointment and then cover with an appropriate band-aid or gauze dressing. This should be continued daily until the wound is healed.
- Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen) may be taken for pain as needed.
- Aquaphor or Vaseline may be used instead of antibiotic ointment after the first few days to week of wound care.
- Avoid pools, hot tubs and lakes as they can lead to wound infections.
- Avoid exercise initially as it can lead to bleeding.
- For men, if the surgical site is on the beard area, please be cautious not to shave off the stitches.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to call us:
Petaluma office: 707-762-5531
Hercules office: 510-741-7418
| Petaluma Office 165 Lynch Creek Way Petaluma, CA 94954 M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm (707) 762-5531 Fax: (707) 762-5976 |
| Hercules Office 500 Alfred Nobel Dr., Ste. 245 Hercules, CA 94547 M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm Open Saturday for aesthetic services (510) 741-7418 Fax: (510) 741-7456 |
| Billing office 510-741-7299 Fax: 510- 741-7493 |
