Your doctor will advise you if there are sutures ('stitches') that need to be removed.
Pain control
Administer medications as required for pain (paracetamol and ibuprofen are available from pharmacies without prescription). Local anaesthetic is injected into the area at the time of surgery; this should wear off within 24 hours and an increase in pain
may occur when the local anaesthetic ceases to have effect.
Dressings
Keep dressings dry, clean and intact until your review appointment, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Some wounds may be left open with ointment to be applied; most wounds will be covered with some form of dressing.
Activities
Avoid strenuous activities in the first few days to prevent injury to the operation site.
Wound care
A scar will always be present after a cut on the skin, however the aim of the surgery is to improve the appearance of this scar. Your doctor will advise you how to care for the wound to produce the best cosmetic result. This may involve applying tapes
for weeks or months, and/or twice daily massage with sorbolene cream or aloe vera. Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months and always use a strong sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable. The final scar result may not be seen for at least
one year.
Medical attention
Seek medical attention in the event of:
- Increasing pain or pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent fever
- General unwellness
- Wound redness or discharge
Follow-up
Your follow-up appointment will be at one of the following:
- Plastic Surgery Outpatients (Registrar Clinic), Blue Desk, Ground Floor, The Royal Children's Hospital (morning appointment)
- Consultant Clinic
- Consultant Private Rooms
- Local doctor
If you are unable to keep your appointment please call to reschedule.
Contact
Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345 5522
Call an ambulance (000) immediately in an emergency.
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed November 2015.
This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.