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Post-Surgical Aftercare for Minor Skin Procedures: Tips for Optimal Healing and Recovery.

Following minor skin surgery, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure healing progresses smoothly, minimising the risk of complications and optimising results. Here’s a simple guide to help you care for your wound post-surgery, along with a breakdown of the typical healing stages, things to be aware of, and tips for long-term scar care.

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Basic Aftercare Instructions

1. Facial Wounds

  • Covering: Apply a plaster/dressing, or simply apply Vaseline twice daily. It’s normal to see initial inflammatory fluid appear within the first two days.

  • Exposure: After two days, most facial wounds can be left open to the air, allowing them to continue healing.

2. Body Wounds

  • Covering: Use simple plasters and change them every two days, or as needed.

  • Cleaning: When cleaning the wound, gently rinse with soapy water. Avoid harsh scrubbing to keep the healing tissue intact.

Sun Protection

  • Avoid exposing the wound to strong or excessive sunlight. Once healed, apply SPF 30 or cover the area with a plaster for the first two months to protect it from UV rays, which can darken scarring.

Histology Results

  • If your lesion was sent for testing, expect the results via a secure text message in about two weeks.

Healing Stages: What to Expect

Within the healing process the wound will likely heal similar to graze over 7-day days. After this period you may apply makeup if desired. Here is what else you can expect from the healing process. 

Stage 1: Days 1 - 3

Some inflammation and mild pain are normal as the body begins its healing process. Redness around the wound site is common.​

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Stage 2: Days 4 - 14

The wound will gradually close and start to heal over, with discomfort diminishing significantly. Continue gentle care and dressing changes during this period.

 

Stage 3: Scar Maturation (Months 1-12)

As the wound closes, scar tissue forms and begins maturing. You may notice redness fading over the next 3-12 months as the scar gradually blends with the surrounding skin.

 

Once the wound has fully settled, regular massage can help improve results and reduce scarring. Apply silicone scar gel, such as Kelocote or Dermatix, or a moisturizer. Massage the area firmly in the morning and evening daily for approximately three months.

 

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • If the wound becomes increasingly painful, red and swollen, please contact us or your GP to check for infection.

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  • Some warts/verrucae require deeper shave excisions and heal like deep grazes, and may take longer to heal. Warts/verrucae are caused by a virus and recurrence rates are higher.

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  • Sometimes, some brown colour/pigmentation can reappear from the removal area approximately 2-3 months after treatment, indicating some re-pigmentation. If this occurs, please request a review if bothering you - this can often be treated with cryotherapy/a freezing treatment.

By following these steps, you’re supporting your body’s natural healing process, minimising risks, and optimising cosmetic outcomes. Minor surgery aftercare is straightforward but essential, and our team is here to help if any questions or concerns arise.

 

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