What are steri strips and when will they fall off?
Steri-strips are thin adhesive bandages that may be used by your surgeon to protect your wound. They should be kept dry for at least 24 hours before showering. If steri-strips were placed on your wound, they should be left on until they naturally fall off, which may occur within one to two weeks or even sooner. We recommend that you let water gently run over the strips during showering. If the ends of the steri-strips start to become loose, you may gently trim away those ends without pulling on the strips. If there are any concerns, such as bleeding, please contact the office.
How much ointment do I apply and how do I apply it?
It is important to keep your wound moist with a liberal amount of ointment. You may use clean fingertips or a qtip. Moist wounds heal better than dry wounds. Please follow the post-operative wound care instructions provided by your physician.
I heard Botox can improve the appearance of scars on the forehead?
Studies show that pre-operative Botox injections can improve with appearance of scars on the forehead. Please inquire with your dermatologist prior to your procedure, because treatment 2 weeks before surgery yields the best results.
How long will the scar be visible?
The appearance of the scar will continue to improve with time. Scars continue to mature over the duration of a full year. Laser treatment may improve the contour and decrease redness of the sar.
After the stitches are removed, what can I use to minimize scarring?
We recommend silicone based scar-reduction pads such as ScarAway or Curad Silicone Strips. You can also use a silicone-based gel such as Strataderm Scar Therapy Gel, which is available in our office. We also recommend daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50 with UVA and UVB protection. We carry an excellent line of effective sunscreens in our office.
After my procedure, I developed a black eye. Is this normal?
If you have undergone skin surgery on the forehead or frontal scalp, you may notice a black eye or bruising around the eye area a few days after the procedure. This can be a cause for concern, especially if you were not expecting it. However, it is a normal occurrence and there is no need to worry.
The black eye or bruising occurs due to the force of gravity and the position of the head during the surgery. When you lie flat during the surgery, blood and fluid tend to accumulate in the eye area, which can cause discoloration and swelling. This can take a few days to develop, hence why it usually shows up two days after the surgery.
To treat a black eye or bruising, you can use ice packs on the affected area for the first 24-48 hours. Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and inflammation by constricting the blood vessels in the area. Simply wrap some ice cubes or a cold pack in a clean towel and hold it against the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Be sure to avoid applying ice directly to the skin as this can cause tissue damage.
Using ice on the evening of the surgery and the following morning can be particularly helpful in preventing the onset of a black eye or bruising. This is because it helps to reduce swelling and inflammation before it has a chance to develop. Be sure to follow any post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, including the recommended use of ice packs and any other medications.
Several weeks after my procedure, I noticed a small stitch pushing out of the skin. Is this normal?
Spitting sutures refer to the process of a suture thread or knot coming out of the skin before the wound has completely healed. Spitting sutures are relatively common and can occur in up to 30% of all surgical procedures that involve sutures.
If you experience spitting sutures after a surgical procedure, it is important to take steps to care for the wound and prevent infection. One effective treatment for spitting sutures is to use warm compresses on the affected area several times a day. The warmth can help to increase blood flow to the area, reduce swelling and discomfort, and encourage healing.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the wound, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may wish to see you to examine the wound and determine the appropriate treatment. In some cases, your doctor may need to remove the spitting suture to prevent further complications.
How do I know if I have a wound infection?
A post-operative wound infection is a common complication that can occur after surgery. It is a type of infection that affects about 1-3% of surgical wounds, and can significantly impact the healing process. While not all surgical wounds become infected, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a post-operative wound infection.
The most common signs of a post-operative wound infection include redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and drainage around the surgical site. In some cases, the patient may also experience fever or chills, which are signs that the infection has spread beyond the surgical site.
To avoid post-operative wound infections follow proper wound care instructions, such as keeping the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours, changing dressings as directed, and avoiding activities that may cause the wound to become irritated or infected.
If you suspect you have a post-operative wound infection, please call us right away. Treatment may involve antibiotics and in some cases, additional surgery to clean the wound.
Why is my wound raised in the first few months after surgery?
Wound edge eversion , the lifting of the skin edges into a ridge, is a surgical technique that is used when a doctor is closing a surgical wound. It involves pulling the edges of the wound upwards and outwards, so that the edges of the wound are inverted or turned outwards, rather than flat or sunken
The purpose of wound edge eversion is to improve wound healing and reduce the risk of complications, such as infection and dehiscence (when the wound edges separate or open up). Additionally, wound edge eversion allows for better circulation of blood and oxygen to the wound, promoting healing.
Why does my wound appear thick and discolored a several months after surgery?
Hypertrophic scars and keloids are types of abnormal scarring that can occur after a skin injury or surgery. The scars may appear raised, thick, and discolored.
The exact cause of hypertrophic scars and keloids is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to their development, including genetics and inflammation.
Treatment options for hypertrophic scars and keloids depend on their severity and the individual's preference. Mild scars may improve with topical treatments, such as silicone gels or sheets, while more severe scars may require steroid injections, laser treatments, or surgery in the office.
Why is the line of sutures longer than the size of the lesion that was removed?
In skin surgery, when a piece of skin is removed, it can leave behind some extra skin, which can create a fold or wrinkle in the skin around the scar. These folds or wrinkles are called "burrow's triangles" or "dog ears."
Removing these extra skin redundancies involves making an additional incision at the end of the primary incision, usually in a triangular shape. This removes the extra skin and allows the wound to heal in a straight line, rather than with a fold or wrinkle. However, this process can lengthen the scar slightly. The result is a straighter and more aesthetically pleasing scar. While it may be slightly longer than it would have been without the removal of burrow's triangles or dog ears, the final result is typically much more attractive and less noticeable than the alternative.
Contact Us
We strongly urge you to contact our office and speak with the Mohs medical staff in the event that you experience symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Fever
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Pain not relieved by extra-strength Tylenol
Main office: (215) 579-6155
Direct line: (267) 759-6240