Surgical Wound Care

Patient Information

Proper wound care is essential to reduce the risk of infection, promote healing, and optimise the final scar. This information applies to common skin procedures performed in general practice and skin cancer clinics. If your clinician has given you specific instructions that differ from this page, follow those instructions.

General Wound Care Principles (All Procedures)

  • Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours, unless advised otherwise.

  • After 24 hours, gentle showering is usually permitted. Avoid soaking (baths, swimming, spas) until advised.

  • Do not scrub the wound. Pat dry with a clean towel.

  • Apply petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) or the recommended ointment once or twice daily unless told otherwise.

  • Keep the wound covered with a clean dressing until healed or sutures are removed.

  • Avoid tension, stretching, or trauma to the area.

  • Do not pick scabs — this increases infection risk and worsens scarring.

  • Expect some redness and mild tenderness. Increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or fever is not normal and should be reviewed.

Punch Biopsies

What to expect

  • Small circular wound, often closed with 1–2 stitches or left to heal naturally.

  • Mild bleeding or oozing in the first 24 hours is common.

Care instructions

  • Keep covered for 24–48 hours.

  • Apply petroleum jelly daily.

  • If stitches are present, they are usually removed after:

    • Face/scalp: 5–7 days

    • Body/arms: 7–10 days

    • Legs: 10–14 days

Activity

  • Normal activities are usually fine, but avoid stretching or pressure over the site.

Shave Biopsies

What to expect

  • A superficial wound that heals from the base upward.

  • The area may look raw initially and form a scab.

Care instructions

  • Keep the wound moist with petroleum jelly until healed.

  • Cover with a non-stick dressing.

  • Expect healing over 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer on the legs.

Important

  • Shave biopsy wounds bleed more easily if knocked. Apply firm pressure for 20 minutes if bleeding occurs.

Direct Excision and Primary Closure (Stitches)

What to expect

  • A linear wound closed with sutures.

  • Swelling and bruising are common, especially in the first 48 hours.

Care instructions

  • Keep dry for 24 hours.

  • After that, gentle showering is acceptable.

  • Continue daily ointment and dressing changes.

  • Sutures are removed depending on location:

    • Face: 5–7 days

    • Scalp: 7–10 days

    • Trunk/arms: 10–14 days

    • Lower legs: 14 days or longer

Scar care

  • Once healed, silicone gel or sheets can improve scar appearance.

  • Protect from sun for at least 12 months.

Skin Flaps (Local Reconstructive Closures)

What to expect

  • A more complex closure where nearby skin is moved to cover the wound.

  • Swelling, tightness, and bruising are normal and may last 1–2 weeks.

Care instructions

  • Keep the area clean, dry, and well supported.

  • Avoid stretching, bending, or pressure on the flap.

  • Elevation (where possible) helps reduce swelling.

  • Do not massage the area unless advised.

Important

  • Flaps rely on blood supply. Increasing pain, colour change (dark, pale, or dusky skin), or wound breakdown should be reviewed urgently.

Skin Grafts

What to expect

  • Two wounds:

    • Graft site (where the skin is placed)

    • Donor site (where the skin was taken from)

  • Grafts are delicate in the first 1–2 weeks.

Care instructions

  • Dressings are often left undisturbed for several days — do not remove unless instructed.

  • Avoid movement, friction, or pressure over the graft.

  • Elevation is critical for limb grafts.

Healing

  • Graft “take” occurs over 7–10 days.

  • Donor sites usually heal within 1–3 weeks.

Special Considerations by Body Area

Lower Leg

  • Healing is slower due to reduced circulation.

  • Higher risk of infection and wound breakdown.

  • Keep the leg elevated whenever sitting or resting.

  • Avoid prolonged standing or walking in the first 1–2 weeks.

  • Compression may be recommended in some cases.

Scalp

  • Bleeding can occur more easily.

  • Avoid vigorous hair washing for 48 hours.

  • Do not use hair products until healed.

  • Sutures are usually removed at 7–10 days.

Face

  • Heals quickly but scars can be noticeable.

  • Strict sun protection is essential.

  • Swelling and bruising are common, especially around eyes and lips.

Bleeding Management

If bleeding occurs:

  1. Lie down if possible.

  2. Apply firm, direct pressure for a full 20 minutes (do not peek).

  3. Repeat once if needed.

  4. If bleeding continues, seek medical review.

Signs of Infection — Seek Medical Advice If You Notice:

  • Increasing redness spreading beyond the wound

  • Increasing pain or swelling after day 2–3

  • Pus or cloudy discharge

  • Fever or feeling unwell

  • Wound edges opening

Sun Protection and Scar Care

  • Protect healing wounds from sun exposure.

  • Use hats, clothing, or SPF 50+ once the wound is healed.

  • Sun exposure can permanently darken scars.

Questions or Concerns

If you are unsure about your wound, or something does not look right, contact the primary clinic promptly (not via this website)

Early review prevents complications.