Post-Op Care – General Surgical Aftercare

Overview

This guide provides general aftercare instructions following surgery to support safe healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Bleeding

• Small amounts of oozing are normal.
• Change gauze as needed.
• If bleeding increases, apply firm pressure for 20–30 minutes.
• If heavy bleeding continues, contact us immediately.

Bruising and swelling

• Bruising usually resolves within 1–3 weeks.
• Swelling improves after 48 hours but may take 3–6 months to fully resolve.
• Elevate the treated area to reduce swelling.

Dressings and steri-strips

• Keep dressings dry until your follow-up appointment.
• Leave steri-strips in place until they fall off naturally.
• You may gently wash over steri-strips with antibacterial soap.
• Do not pull or cut sutures.
• Apply antibiotic ointment 2–3 times daily if instructed.

Activity

• Avoid heavy lifting and straining for the first day.
• Do not lift more than 5 pounds for 2–3 days.
• Avoid high-impact exercise for 4 weeks.
• Light exercise may begin after 14 days if approved.

Pain and medication

• Take pain medication as prescribed.
• Take medications with food.
• Avoid alcohol while using pain medication.
• Do not drive while using pain medication.

Driving

You may drive once driving does not cause pain and at least 24 hours after anesthesia.

Showering and bathing

• You may shower after 24 hours.
• Avoid baths, swimming pools, oceans, and hot tubs until wounds are fully healed.

Hematomas

• Rare collections of blood or fluid under the skin.
• Often appear as one-sided swelling and increased pain.
• Must be reported immediately.

Infection warning signs

• Foul-smelling drainage
• Yellow or green discharge
• Fever above 38.3°C (101°F)
• Redness or warmth around incision

Smoking warning

Smoking significantly increases the risk of bleeding, infection, and delayed healing.

Do not smoke while healing.

Contact – My Imperial Care

Email: support@myimperial.care
WhatsApp: +90 541 859 04 15