A surgical wound is the cut made into the skin by the surgeon during an operation.  Upon the completion of the operation, the wound is stitched or glued to close the skin edges and let it heal.  In surgery, the surgeon uses sutures, staples, tissue glue, or tape strips to close the incision. As the incision heals, the wound typically form a seal in one or two days after the operation. Although it can be varied depending on the individuals and the kind of operations they have been through.

After the operation, it is now up to the patient to treat the surgical wound. You are going to take care of the incision until it heals. Usually, it takes about two weeks for the surgical wound to heal. It may take longer, depending on the condition of your incision and the medication you take. But as the wound is healing, you are going to need to take care of the incision, including changing the dressing and cleaning the wounds.

What is the Purpose of Wound Dressing?

Although not all surgical wounds need dressings, most of them do. A dressing covering the surgical wounds serve to absorb any leakage from the wound. It also provides ideal conditions for healing and protects the skin area until the wound is healed. And most importantly, a dressing prevents your clothing from rubbing or catching on the stitches or clips, as it may open the incision and expose the new wound to bacteria.

It is normal to feel vulnerable after a surgery. After all, you have been through a hard time, probably a life or death situation. And most people are not sure when the right time is to take off the dressing after the surgery. You have probably wondered: What if I take it off too soon? What if it is too long that the wound is infected by bacteria? What if I get a complication on the wound? Do not fret yourself, and find the answer below.

How Long do I Need to Leave the Dressing on after Surgery?

The time needed for a wound to heal may vary from person to person, and from operation to operation. The surgeon or the nurse will usually advise when the patient can take off the dressing to change it with a new one. The best thing to do is following their advice.

Typically, the original dressing needs to be left on for two days after the surgery. During this period, be sure to keep the wound and the dressing dry. If your wound leaks or the dressing somehow becomes wet because of any liquid, consult to the doctor or nurse. If you are still in the hospital, they will help you change the dressing.

Can I Change the Dressing on My Own?

If you have a mild wound and do not need to receive a medical care as an inpatient, you are basically allowed to change your dressing by yourself. However, before changing the dressing, make sure that your hands are clean and dry. Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry it with a towel. Then, take the dressing off very carefully. You do not want the stitches to be ruined.

Although you have washed your hands, be advised to not touch the healing wound with your fingers. Your hands may still have a few bacteria that can possibly infect your wound. Just carefully examine the wound without touching it to see if it is healing.

If the wound is healing, you probably do not need to use dressing anymore. But, it is better to apply a new dressing as a protection. It will keep clothes from rubbing against your stitches and makes you somehow feel safer. Unless being advised by the doctor, you will not need to apply some kind of cream or ointment on your wound before putting on a new dressing.

The last but not least, caring for a surgical wound needs to be done attentively. But the most important thing is to contact your doctor if you feel concerned about your surgical wound. If you find any leakage and sign of infections, do not hesitate to seek for medical advice from professionals.