Surgery is quite common these days. Most patients agree to them without the slightest fear and doubt, some even perform “optional” surgeries at their own expense - of course, we are talking about plastic surgery. Yet many people are not even concerned about how the intervention will go, but how noticeable the stitches after the operation will be. Do not forget that how quickly and how well the cuts heal, largely depends on caring for them during the recovery period.
The basic rules for the care of stitches in the recovery period
Surely you will be told how to take care of the sutures after surgery even at discharge, but if the medical staff forgot about it or you don’t remember, we remind you. The main rule is to always keep the seam clean and dry. If the incision has already healed well enough, and there is no open wound, you can wash it with plain water and laundry soap. After each hygiene procedure, an antiseptic must be applied. Zelenka, iodine or a solution of potassium permanganate will do. But the regular use of alcohol or cologne for washing should be discarded - the thing is that these compounds dry the skin too much. If there is even the slightest suspicion that the joints were contaminated after the operation, they should be washed with hydrogen peroxide. The same procedure is necessary for festering sutures.
Wear a bandage or not?
The issue of dressings during the rehabilitation period after surgery should be decided by the doctor. It all depends on the depth and length of the incision, its location, how well it heals, and other factors. The patient should listen to his own feelings. For example, if the
stitches after surgery cling to clothing, a bandage should be applied at least for periods of physical activity. Another topical question: should seams be treated with special ointments that accelerate healing, or is it easier to let things go by themselves? It is worth using folk remedies with caution, but among the pharmacological products there are many compounds that have proven themselves positively. The most popular remedy is Levomekol ointment, any panthenol-based products can also be used. After removing the threads, scars can be treated with special oils and various compounds that accelerate cell regeneration and moisturize the skin.
Rehabilitation time after surgery: will the sutures heal soon?
The question of the duration of rehabilitation after surgery is more than individual. On average, stitches are removed on the 7-10th day. In some situations, this period can be extended up to two weeks, more rarely - as the risk of thread ingrowth into the skin increases. Remember: a doctor or nurse should remove the stitches after surgery if you were not given other instructions during discharge. After removing the threads, care for the scar must be continued. Regardless of how rehabilitation takes place after surgery, it is considered that the incision site is completely healed approximately one month after the intervention. Namely, when a clear scar forms.