How to Change a Post-Op Wound Dressing

Post-op wound care is essential to a successful recovery from surgery. The wound is an entry point to your body and you must protect it very carefully to avoid infection. Taking good care of the wound can also minimize the scar. Dressings create a barrier to germs from the outside. Once home from surgery, you must change your dressing every one to two days, as instructed by your surgeon. Maintaining the utmost sterility while doing so is your best bet for a quick recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Remove the old dressing. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap to eliminate germs. Lift a corner of the dressing and peal it away carefully. Throw the used dressing into a plastic bag. Wash your hands again.

• 2

  Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with tap water and soap or a wound cleanser to flush out debris. Use gauze, wiping from the center of the wound to the outside, to clean further. Each time you wipe the wound, use a new piece of gauze. Throw the used gauze into a plastic bag.

• 3

  Inspect the wound. Minor swelling and bruising are common and should subside after three to four days. Excessive bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure is abnormal and you should contact your surgeon immediately. Look also for signs of infection including green or yellow pus, redness around the sore and a bad smell coming from the wound. Contact your doctor if you think you have an infection, as it will slow the healing process.

• 4

  Apply a new dressing. Touch only the edges of the dressing and place it directly over wound, sealing it off. Wash your hands once more.