Post-operative wounds
Post-operative wounds, also called surgical wounds, occur after an incision performed by medical professionals in a targeted and precise manner under sterile conditions.
They are characterized by regular sharp, clean wound edges and often closed with sutures, glue or staples.
In these cases, so-called dry wound care is recommended i.e. covering the wound with a dressing without providing moist wound healing conditions.
An appropriate dressing for post-op wounds should therefore be sterile, provide a good barrier, absorb fluid or exudate and keep the wound dry and be adherent to the skin but atraumatic on removal and not stick to the wound.
The dressing and wound pad size should always be chosen with the wound size to ensure that the wound area is completely and safely covered by the wound pad. As an alternative, a sterile compress can be used combined with unsterile fixation e.g. fixation tape, wide are fixation or cohesive bandage – depending on wound location and individual preferences.
In these cases, so-called dry wound care is recommended i.e. covering the wound with a dressing without providing moist wound healing conditions.
An appropriate dressing for post-op wounds should therefore be sterile, provide a good barrier, absorb fluid or exudate and keep the wound dry and be adherent to the skin but atraumatic on removal and not stick to the wound.
The dressing and wound pad size should always be chosen with the wound size to ensure that the wound area is completely and safely covered by the wound pad. As an alternative, a sterile compress can be used combined with unsterile fixation e.g. fixation tape, wide are fixation or cohesive bandage – depending on wound location and individual preferences.
Why is proper wound care important?
It is important to ensure proper wound care for post-operative wounds
To do so, different aspects have to be taken into consideration:
Before the operation, pre-operative, the patient has to be prepared individually according to the type of surgery and risk of the patient.
During the operation, intra-operative, compliance with all hygiene regulations during the surgery (structural requirements, clothing, processes) has to be ensured.
After surgery, post-operative, the first wound dressing will be applied in the operation theatre and the surgeon will decide further wound treatment and dressing changes. Usually, sterile wound dressings should be used. The patient should be trained e.g. on basic hygiene rules, the dressing change should happen under antiseptic/hygienic conditions (non-touch technique, protect from water) and the wound should be observed regularly to detect complications early.
The latter is the one the patient himself can impact.
Before the operation, pre-operative, the patient has to be prepared individually according to the type of surgery and risk of the patient.
During the operation, intra-operative, compliance with all hygiene regulations during the surgery (structural requirements, clothing, processes) has to be ensured.
After surgery, post-operative, the first wound dressing will be applied in the operation theatre and the surgeon will decide further wound treatment and dressing changes. Usually, sterile wound dressings should be used. The patient should be trained e.g. on basic hygiene rules, the dressing change should happen under antiseptic/hygienic conditions (non-touch technique, protect from water) and the wound should be observed regularly to detect complications early.
The latter is the one the patient himself can impact.
How to treat your wound properly?
Post-operative wound care is always related to the individual wound situation and the treatment should be performed as per the doctor's recommendation.
After the primary wound closure by the surgeon, the wound is generally protected with a sterile dressing. Approximately after 2 days* the dressing is changed for the first time and the wound is observed by the doctor.
Afterwards, the dressing should be changed daily (individually after consultation with the doctor). This can be done at home by the patient.
Always make sure to use sterile wound dressings, follow basic hygiene rules, change the dressing under antiseptic/hygienic conditions (non-touch technique, protect from water) and observe the wound regularly to detect complications early.
In general, after 6-12 days* after surgery, the sutures, staples or drains are removed by the doctor.
*individually different, decision by the attending physician.
After the primary wound closure by the surgeon, the wound is generally protected with a sterile dressing. Approximately after 2 days* the dressing is changed for the first time and the wound is observed by the doctor.
Afterwards, the dressing should be changed daily (individually after consultation with the doctor). This can be done at home by the patient.
Always make sure to use sterile wound dressings, follow basic hygiene rules, change the dressing under antiseptic/hygienic conditions (non-touch technique, protect from water) and observe the wound regularly to detect complications early.
In general, after 6-12 days* after surgery, the sutures, staples or drains are removed by the doctor.
*individually different, decision by the attending physician.
Sterile conditions
Usually, sterile conditions are not given at home but they are also not required for wounds without complications. Nevertheless, post-operative wounds should be treated with sterile dressings to reduce the risk of wound infections. It is important to apply the dressing hygienically: Wash your hands before treatment, wear gloves and don’t touch the wound pad while opening or applying the dressing (non-touch technique).
Treatment options for post-operative wounds at home.
Post-operative wound care is always related to the individual wound situation, treatment as per the doctor's recommendation.
When treating a post-operative wound make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, put on gloves to prevent infections and use sterile dressings.
Elastoplast offers different products to ensure proper wound treatment.
When treating a post-operative wound make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, put on gloves to prevent infections and use sterile dressings.
Elastoplast offers different products to ensure proper wound treatment.
Elastoplast offers different products to ensure proper wound treatment:
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WOUND SPRAY – STEP 1 CLEANSE THE WOUND
Elastoplast Wound Spray is an easy to use spray for antiseptic cleansing by mechanical irrigation of minor acute wounds such as cuts, abrasions, first and minor second-degree burns and open blisters. It can also be used for chronic wounds and postoperative wound care as per your doctor’s instructions. The Elastoplast Wound Spray also helps to remove crusts or clotted dressings. -
STERILE COMPRESS – STEP 2 GENTLY DRY THE WOUND
Gently dry the wound with a sterile compress. The Elastoplast Sterile compress is 100% cotton and highly absorbent. -
STERILE SENSITIVE XL/XXL/3XL/4XL and WATERPROOF XL/XXL – STEP 3 APPLY STERILE PLASTER
The sterile Elastoplast Plaster Sensitive XL/XXL/3XL/4XL and Waterproof XL/XXL protect against infection and enable dry wound healing.
The extra skin-friendly Sensitive XL/XXL/3XL/4XL sterile plasters protect from infection with maximum comfort.
With their transparent flexible film & strong adhesion, Waterproof XL/XXL sterile plasters protect from infection by enabling dry wound healing through waterproof protection, optimal when showering.
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both dressings are sterile, are dermatologically approved*, have highly absorbent, non-sticky wound pads, protect from infection, can be used for cuts, abrasions & post-operative wounds.
* skin compatibility dermatologically approved
As an alternative, a sterile compress can be used combined with unsterile fixation e.g. fixation tape, wide are fixation or cohesive bandage – depending on wound location and individual preferences.
The dressing should be changed regularly, as per the doctor’s recommendation. This also gives you the chance to observe the wound regularly to detect complications early.
* skin compatibility dermatologically approved
As an alternative, a sterile compress can be used combined with unsterile fixation e.g. fixation tape, wide are fixation or cohesive bandage – depending on wound location and individual preferences.
The dressing should be changed regularly, as per the doctor’s recommendation. This also gives you the chance to observe the wound regularly to detect complications early.
What can be done to support healing and reduce the risk of scarring after wound closure?
After approx. 14 days* the wound is closed and further wound healing support can be considered.
WOUND HEALING OINTMENT keeps the newly healed skin/tissue and surrounding area supple and hydrated.
SCAR REDUCER reduces the visibility of raised & red scars with first visible results after 3-4 weeks.
The Do’ s and Don’ts to heal your wound properly
Do's
Keep your wound protected with dry, sterile dressings.
Make sure your wound is fully covered in-shower by a waterproof sterile plaster.
Consult your doctor in case of impaired woundhealing or any sign of infection; Sign of infection: redness, warmth, pain, secretion and swelling.
Don'ts
Do NOT wear tight clothing around wound.
Do NOT use alcohol, chemicals, soaps, or home remedies around your wound.
Avoid smoking as it is known to impair the healing process.
Although compiled with great care, please note that the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website. Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the leaflets of our products. For further information about our products, please contact us here.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.