Wound care after plastic surgery
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Date: Name: Hospital number: |
We have given you an outpatient appointment.
Make an appointment to go to your GP practice for a wound check, 1 week after your operation.
Wound stitches
Your stitches will need to be removed on __________________.
Make an appointment with your GP or Practice Nurse before this date.
Your stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Most dissolvable stitches disappear between 40 to 120 days (depending on the type used).
Wound dressings
Leave any dressing in place until you are seen by your GP or practice nurse. Dressings are splash-proof only. Do not soak them in a bath.
Specific dressing instructions: _________________________________________________
It is normal for the wound to ooze some blood onto the dressing. Keep the wound site raised and apply firm pressure. If bleeding continues beyond 30 minutes, go to St George's Hospital (Tooting) Emergency Department (A&E).
We will send the removed lesion (abnormal tissue) for testing. This result will be available from your GP four weeks after your operation. Some patients will need further treatment. In this situation, we will contact you directly. Before you leave the Day Surgery Unit, make sure we have the correct contact details for you.
All operations leave a scar, which can be red and raised for up to 6 months. Firm massage with over-the-counter moisturising cream will help it settle.
Contact information
Day Surgery Unit Advice Line, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm
Out of hours and weekends, calls diverted to Kingston Hospital Alex Ward
NHS emergency and urgent care service, call 111
You can also contact your GP or go to St George's Hospital (Tooting) Emergency Department (A&E)
Telephone:
Day Surgery Unit: 020 8541 5370
Alex Ward: 020 8934 2301
St George's Hospital A&E: 020 8672 1255