---
title: "Post-Op Care – General Surgical Aftercare"
description: "## 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…"
url: "https://myimperial.care/knowledge/post-op-care-general-surgical-aftercare/"
updated: "2026-01-22"
category: General Info
---

# 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

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