Overview
What is an incision?
An incision is a cut that’s made in your skin during a surgery or procedure. Sometimes, this is also called a surgical wound. The size, location and number of incisions can vary depending on the type of surgery.
What is a dressing and how often should dressings be changed?
A dressing is another name for a bandage. This bandage protects your incision, keeping the wound clean and creating an ideal environment for healing. Dressings should be changed according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Procedure Details
How are incision(s) closed?
Incisions can be closed in several ways, including:
- Stitches (sutures).
- Staples.
- Tissue glue.
- Steri-Strips™ (a special kind of adhesive tape).
A sterile dressing is usually placed over your closed incision to keep it clean and dry while the wound heals.
How do I care for my incisions after surgery?
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s directions when it comes to caring for your incisions after surgery. Taking care of your incision(s) as instructed promotes healing, reduces scarring and reduces your risk of infection.
Some general tips for incision care include:
- Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
- Inspect your incisions and wounds every day for signs your healthcare provider has told you are red flags or concerning.
- Look for any bleeding. If the incisions start to bleed, apply direct and constant pressure to the incisions. If you experience any bleeding, you should call your healthcare provider for instructions.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub on your incisions.
- Try not to scratch any itchy wounds. Your incisions might feel itchy as they heal — this is normal. Don’t scratch them. If the itchiness gets worse instead of better, call your healthcare provider.
A few general tips to keep in mind for different types of incision closures can include:
- Staples and Stitches: You can wash or shower 24 hours after surgery unless you're directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Clean the area with mild soap and water and gently pat dry with a clean cloth. Your provider will remove your staples when your wound is healed. Some stitches dissolve over time — others need to be removed by your provider. Dissolvable stitches may be held in place by strips of tape (Steri-Strips).
- Steri-Strips: You can wash or shower with Steri-Strips in place. Clean the area with mild soap and water and gently pat dry with a clean towel or cloth. Do not pull, tug or rub Steri-Strips. The Steri-Strips will fall off on their own within two weeks. After two weeks, gently remove any remaining Steri-Strips. If the strips start to curl before it’s time to remove them, you can trim them.
- Tissue glue: The glue should be kept dry and the incisions should be kept out of direct sunlight. The glue will dry out and fall off within five to 10 days.
What supplies are needed to change a dressing?
There are a few basic supplies you will need to change a dressing. These supplies include:
- Gauze pads.
- Disposable medical gloves (optional).
- Surgical tape.
- Plastic bag (for disposing of old dressing, tape, etc.).
- Scissors.
What steps are involved in changing a dressing?
There are several steps involved in changing the dressing for your incision. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions and will usually show you how to change your dressing. If you have any questions, call your provider.
Step 1: Prepare the area for changing a dressing.
First, you or the caregiver who is changing your dressing needs a clean surface to work on. Pets should be moved to a different room and your caregiver should remove any jewelry. Wash the surface where supplies will be with soap and water and cover with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 2: Removing the old dressing.
First, you’ll prepare your new dressing. Open the gauze package(s) without touching the gauze. Next, cut new tape strips. Set aside.
To remove the old dressing:
- Wash your hands by wetting them down, adding soap and washing for 30 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”). Make sure to also clean under your nails.
- Rinse your hands well and dry them with a clean towel.
- Put on medical gloves (if available) and loosen the tape holding the dressing in place.
- Remove the old dressing. Unless your doctor has said to remove the dressing dry, you can wet it if it sticks to the wound to help remove it. Throw the old dressing and dirty medical gloves into a plastic bag.
Step 3: Cleaning and rinsing the incision.
If you are showering, the incision will be cleaned during your shower. You can apply the dressing after your shower as instructed by your healthcare provider. If you aren’t showering, you should flush the incision as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Always inspect your incisions for signs of infection.
Step 4: Applying a new dressing.
- If your surgeon prescribed a topical ointment, apply a very thin layer of the ointment to the incision.
- Hold a clean, sterile gauze pad by a corner and place it over the incisions. (This is the gauze that you opened and set aside in step 2.)
- Tape all four sides of the gauze pad. (This is the tape that you already cut and set aside in step 2.)
- Put all trash in the plastic bag, remove your gloves and add them to the trash bag.
- Seal the plastic bag and throw it away.
- Wash your hands.
- Wash any soiled laundry separately. Ask your provider if you should add bleach during the wash cycle.
What can I do to reduce the risk of infection?
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of infection when you’re healing, including:
- Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Follow your provider’s instructions about changing the dressing.
- Avoiding removing the tape strips, picking at staples, tissue glue or stitches.
- Keep your incisions dry (make sure the incision sites have been patted dry after washing).
Risks / Benefits
What are the signs of a possible infection in an incision?
It’s important to know the signs of an infection when you’re caring for an incision. Infection is always a risk of surgery. Keep track of any possible signs of an infection so that if you notice a possible infection it can quickly be treated.
Signs of a possible infection can include:
- A wound that has thick, foul-smelling, opaque discharge. This is often a white or cream color.
- A bad odor from the incision.
- Opening of the incision line — it gets deeper, longer or wider.
- Redness that goes beyond the basic edge of the incision — site should show signs of improvement and not getting more red.
- Warmth, hardness, around the incision.
- Fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.4 degrees Celsius), sweating or chills.
- Swings in blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes.
What are the general risk factors for developing an infection?
People at higher risk of developing an infection are those who have:
- Diabetes.
- A history of smoking.
- Excess weight.
- Poor nutrition.
- Weak immune system (for example, a person on chemotherapy or an elderly person).
- Recent emergency surgery or a long surgical procedure.
Recovery and Outlook
What are the limits on activity while an incision is healing?
Staying active improves healing by improving blood flow. After some types of surgery, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding lifting, pulling, straining, exercise or sports for a month after surgery. Following these instructions will prevent opening of the incision line and promote healing.
How long does it take for an incision to heal?
Good incision care can help ensure that it heals well and infection doesn’t develop. In most cases, a surgical incision heals in about two weeks. More complex surgical incisions will take longer to heal. If you have other medical conditions or are taking certain medications, your healing time may differ.
When to Call the Doctor
When is it important to call the doctor?
Call the doctor if you experience:
- Bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
- If there is any sign of infection.
If you ever have questions or confusion about your incision care instructions, call your healthcare provider.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
When you’re caring for an incision, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. If you have any questions about your instructions, reach out to your provider.
FAQs
Should I use steri-strips after stitches? ›
- Steri-strips can be used instead of stitches, with stitches, or after stitches are removed. - Steri-strips gently keep a wound together. - Steri-strips are supposed to stay in place for a few days or up to two weeks.
How long does it take for an incision with staples to heal? ›The staples in the upper layer are what you see on the cut. You may have a bandage. You will need to have the staples removed, usually in 7 to 14 days.
Should you keep steri-strips covered? ›To speed the healing of your surgical wound and minimize scar formation and infection, follow these instructions: Keep wound dry and covered for 24 hours.
Are there stitches under my steri-strips? ›Steri-Strips are sometimes a better option than regular stitches because they don't need to be sewn into the skin and can be easily removed when the wound heals.
How many days should Steri-strips stay on after surgery? ›The Steri-strips put on during surgery will be removed and usually new ones will be placed over your incision. The new Steri-strips should stay on for another 1-2 weeks. Again, you can shower over these but still should not soak or scrub.
When can I shower with Steri-strips? ›After 48 hours, the wound can get wet during everyday cleaning activities (showering, handwashing), but otherwise keep the wound dry. 3. If the edges of the Steri-Strips begin to come loose, trim the free ends with a pair of scissors.
What heals faster staples or stitches? ›Stitches (also called "sutures") help a cut heal faster. Doctors use a special type of needle and thread to bring the ends of the skin together (as shown in A). Picture B shows a cut that has been closed with stitches. Sometimes, doctors use staples (instead of stitches) to close a cut.
What happens if you remove steri-strips too soon? ›Removing Steri-Strips early can cause wound dehiscence , a surgical complication where the edges of a wound no longer meet, causing unsightly scarring and increasing the risk of infection.
Can an incision open after staples removed? ›Wound dehiscence occurs when a surgical incision reopens either internally or externally. It's also known simply as dehiscence. Although this complication can occur after any surgery, it tends to happen most often following abdominal or cardiothoracic procedures. It's commonly associated with a surgical site infection.
How do you take care of an incision after Steri strips? ›Incisions closed with Steri-Strips should be kept dry for 24-48 hours. Afterwards, you may cleanse the area with mild soap and water and pat the area dry. Steri-Strips begin to curl and peel away from the body, usually within five to seven days after application.
What happens if my Steri Strips get wet? ›
What if I get them wet accidentally? In most cases, the incision/steri-strips area should be kept dry until 3-5 days after the procedure. If the incision/steri-strips become wet before that time, pat dry with towel or use a gentle hairdryer on cool to dry them.
Do steri-strips flatten scars? ›Steri-stips and scar pads help reduce tension on the scars and the occlusion/compression from the scar pad can help prevent the formation of a hypertrophic scar or keloid.
Can I get my stitches wet after 7 days? ›After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.
What are the stages of incision healing? ›The complicated mechanism of wound healing occurs in four phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
How long does it take an incision to heal with Steri-Strips? ›After two weeks, gently remove any remaining Steri-Strips. If the strips start to curl before it's time to remove them, you can trim them. Tissue glue: The glue should be kept dry and the incisions should be kept out of direct sunlight. The glue will dry out and fall off within five to 10 days.
Why do surgeons use staples instead of stitches? ›In general, staples offer a few advantages over stitches, including: Quick placement: Stapling is about three to four times faster than traditional suturing. Fewer Infections: Stapling is associated with lower tissue reaction and a lower risk of infection when compared to stitches.
What hurts more staples or stitches? ›Wound infections were significantly fewer in the staples group compared with the sutures group(s) (12 studies, 1529 patients; odds ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.51). In five studies, the use of staples was associated with significantly more pain compared with sutures.
Do staples hurt coming out? ›It usually doesn't hurt when the doctor removes the stitches or staples. You may feel a tug as each stitch or staple is removed. You will either be seated or lying down. To remove stitches, the doctor will use scissors to cut each of the knots and then pull the threads out.
How do you take care of a wound after staples are removed? ›Clean the wound gently with soap and clean, running water daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. Don't use iodine, alcohol, or other cleansers on the wound. Gently pat it dry. Put on a new bandage, if needed.
What ointment do you use on surgical incisions? ›Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment, such as Aquaphor or Vaseline, to your incision site, and keep it covered with appropriate bandaging to prevent dirt, bacteria, and other irritants from entering the wound. A moist environment helps the cells to replicate and properly bond together to close up the incision faster.
How do you know if Steri strips are infected? ›
Check the wound for signs of infection, such as swelling or pus. Only remove the steristrips if directed. Your healthcare provider may want you to remove the steristrips after a certain number of days. Do not remove them early, even if they are causing itching or discomfort.
When should you stop covering a wound? ›Once the wound has formed a scab, there is no longer the need to cover it with a bandage as the scab now acts as a protective barrier. Keep the area clean, but be gentle so that you do not accidentally remove the scab.
Can I shower after staples are removed? ›After your stitches, clips and dressings have been removed
You should be able to wash normally after your stitches, dressings and clips have been removed. It's usually better to have a shower until the wound has healed to avoid soaking it completely.
Gently wash it with soap and water to remove the crust. Do not scrub or soak the wound. Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, which can harm the tissue and slow wound healing. Air-dry the incision or pat it dry with a clean, fresh towel before reapplying the dressing.
Should I bleed through steri-strips? ›The steri-strips will remain in place, on your skin, for 7 -14 days. There may be a little bleeding on the steri-strips that looks dark in appearance. This is normal.
How do you know if your incision is healing? ›- Scabs. Your general cuts and puncture wounds go through three stages of healing: bleeding, clotting, and scabbing. ...
- Swelling. Swelling is a sign that your immune system is repairing your wound. ...
- Tissue Growth. ...
- Scarring.
Once you stop the bleeding and clean the wound, you should apply a clean bandage. Here's why: Air dries out the wound and promotes cell death, not healing. Covering the wound maintains the natural moisture that helps keep cells alive.
What foods should be avoided during wound healing? ›Limit unhealthy foods, such as those that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. Examples include doughnuts, cookies, fried foods, candy, and regular soda. These kinds of foods are low in nutrients that are important for healing.
What foods speed up wound healing? ›While it is best to eat a variety of foods to ensure you get all the nutrients you need for wound healing, some good choices include: Foods high in minerals: oysters, spinach, nuts such as cashews, legumes such as peanuts, dairy products, black beans and lentils, bananas, and fish.
Do stitches heal better covered or uncovered? ›Covering the wound maintains the natural moisture that helps keep cells alive. An exposed cut will pick up dirt and debris from the air. A wound that heals in a moist environment is less likely to leave a scar.
What not to do after getting stitches? ›
It's important not to scratch your stitches; even though they're strong, scratching may damage them. You should avoid contact sports, such as football or hockey, to give your wound the best possible chance to heal. You should not go swimming until your wound has healed and your stitches have been removed.
Should stitches be covered when healing? ›Here is some general advice: Keep your stitches or staples dry and covered with a bandage. Non-absorbable stitches and staples need to be kept dry for 1 to 2 days. Absorbable stitches sometimes need to be kept dry longer.
When should I take tape off after stitches? ›The tape can be removed in 3 to 7 days. Sometimes, your incision will be closed with internal stitches (stitches under the surface of your skin). Those typically are absorbed by your body gradually and don't need to be removed. Healing skin may need months to regain most of its strength.
Should I cover my stitches everyday? ›Your cut may not need a bandage if it is not likely to get dirty, it is not draining, and it is in an area where clothing will not rub it. If you use a bandage, change it every 24 hours and anytime it gets wet or very dirty. Your doctor will tell you when to have your stitches or staples removed.
When should I stop covering a wound? ›Once the wound has formed a scab, there is no longer the need to cover it with a bandage as the scab now acts as a protective barrier. Keep the area clean, but be gentle so that you do not accidentally remove the scab.
Is it good to air out a stitched wound? ›A: Airing out most wounds isn't beneficial because wounds need moisture to heal. Leaving a wound uncovered may dry out new surface cells, which can increase pain or slow the healing process.
Can Steri-Strips be left on too long? ›The steri-strips should not stay on more than 14 days. If they haven't fallen off by day 14, you should remove them yourself.
What helps stitches heal faster? ›- Antibacterial ointment. A person can treat a wound with several over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial ointments, which can help prevent infections. ...
- Aloe vera. Aloe vera is a plant belonging to the cactus family. ...
- Honey. ...
- Turmeric paste. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Coconut oil.
After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.
Should I put Neosporin on stitches? ›Apply a thin layer of Vaseline (petrolatum jelly) or Aquaphor Healing Ointment. 4. Please DO NOT use Neosporin, Polysporin or Double or Triple Antibiotic ointment. These products can cause irritation.
What are the signs that stitches are healing? ›
- Scabs. Your general cuts and puncture wounds go through three stages of healing: bleeding, clotting, and scabbing. ...
- Swelling. Swelling is a sign that your immune system is repairing your wound. ...
- Tissue Growth. ...
- Scarring.
A healed wound will usually look pink with closed edges. It should not feel painful, and there should be no blood or fluid coming from it. However, it is best for a person to check with a healthcare professional before removing their stitches at home.
How long should Steri strips stay on after stitches come out? ›The Steri-Strips will fall off on their own within two weeks. After two weeks, gently remove any remaining Steri-Strips.
Are Steri strips waterproof? ›Protects – Provides both bacterial and viral protection. * More... Easy on patients – Waterproof, yet breathable film barrier enables patients to shower, while allowing more comfort and freedom of movement.