Post-Op Care Instructions

You may experience some mild discomfort or low level pain. If able to, you can take regular paracetamol. However, if you need more pain relief than this, please ring the clinic or 111 for advice.

Keep the wound clean and dry for at least 48 hours to reduce the chance of infection. If the dressing has partly come off, please remove it and keep the wound dry. You can either replace the plaster with a clean one, or leave the wound exposed. Avoid scratching the wound.

Do not pick off the scab. It will come off naturally when the skin underneath is ready. Simple moisturiser or Vaseline will help with healing and relieve itching.

Try to limit any activities that can stretch the wound. For example, if the wound is on your shoulder, avoid lifting heavy items or going to the gym for 2-4 weeks. In all cases, it is also best to avoid swimming for 2-4 weeks to reduce the chance of infection.

The wound may bleed a little after the procedure. Often this does not need any intervention. If bleeding soaks through the dressing, apply constant pressure for 10 minutes. If this does not stop the bleeding, please ring 111 or go to a local treatment centre for urgent medical assessment.

Wounds only become infected very rarely. The symptoms of infection include moderate to severe pain, swelling and smelly thick pus-like discharge. If you experience these symptoms, please see or speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.