Post skin procedure instructions

Your doctor has performed a skin procedure. This page contains instructions for how to care for the operation site after a skin procedure.

Wound care

A waterproof, occlusive dressing is usually placed on the surgical site following the procedure. You should leave this undisturbed until your follow-up appointment.
Some blood will stain through the dressing. This is normal. Do not take the dressing off.
Mild redness and swelling around the wound is also normal and will decrease over the next few weeks.
If the wound happens to becomes wet, you may gently pat the area dry and replace the dressing. Do not rub it with a towel.

Significant pain is rare following most skin cancer excisions. Post-operative discomfort can usually be treated with paracetamol as needed.
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen because they can increase your chances of having post-operative bleeding.

Take it easy for at least 48 hours after your procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise, straining, swimming or lifting of heavy objects.
Excessive tension can prevent healing of the wound. Do not stretch the wound.

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you. At this post-operative visit, we will remove your sutures and review the pathology report.

Please notify us if any of the following occurs

Bleeding which saturates your dressing (spotting on the dressing is expected). To stop bleeding, hold direct pressure over the dressing for 20 minutes with gauze or a thin towel. Do not remove the dressing.
Fever greater than 38°C
Purulent discharge or pus coming from the wound
Increasing redness and swelling around the wound