Skin Lesion Removal
You can download this information above as a printable .pdf file here: Lesions Post op
If the wound is covered with “steri strips”
If you have steri strips on your wound please do not disturb these. They are intended to last until
your follow-up office visit. Keep the steri strips covered when you bathe or shower. If the steri
strips do fall off, you can follow the instructions below.
If the wound is not covered with “steri strips”
Items needed
1. Your prescribed antibiotic ointment
2. Cotton-tipped applicator (q-tip)
3. Soap and water
Twice daily, use a cotton-tipped applicator to gently remove any dry blood or crusting that may
have gathered between or on stitches. Then apply the antibiotic ointment over the wound.
After 48hrs the skin edges are waterproof and you can gently sponge the wound when bathing
and pad it dry. Re-apply the antibiotic ointment afterwards.
Please ensure you attend your follow-up appointment on the correct day to have your stitches
removed. Your pathology report will be discussed with you at that time as well.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen pain medication is fine to take post-surgery. Please take as needed.
If you have a skin graft
Your skin graft will be covered with a gauze dressing. This needs to stay in place until your first
post-operative visit.
For the donor site, twice daily, use a cotton-tipped applicator to gently remove any dry blood or
crusting that may have gathered between or on stitches. Then apply the antibiotic ointment over
the wound.
What to expect
Minor bleeding is normal, especially with movement. If bleeding occurs, place gentle pressure
over the wound for 15 minutes. In almost all instances this will stop the bleeding. If not, please
contact our office.
Minor swelling is also to be expected. The larger the lesion that was removed, the more swelling
of the surrounding tissues that will occur. This will gradually settle down. Swelling associated
with pain, redness, a fever or sweats may be a sign of infection. If this occurs, please contact our
office.
What to avoid
Avoid excessive movement of the wound for 3 weeks. This includes heavy lifting and strenuous
activity such as jogging or swimming. This can cause the wound to break open or the scar to
widen.
If you have steri-strips, avoid getting these wet as they will generally then start to fall off.
If you have any questions please contact us on 02 9982 3439 or [email protected]
Dr Jason Roth – Ear, Nose and Throat, Facial Plastic Surgeon
If you are concerned at any time after your surgery, please contact Dr Roth’s rooms on
(02) 9982 3439 or via email on [email protected]. If it is out of business hours
and you need urgent care, please attend your nearest emergency department or GP. If
your surgery was performed at Castlecrag Private Hospital or North Shore Private
Hospital you may also contact the ward nursing staff who are there 24 hrs a day. Note
that these hospitals do not have an emergency department, have no medical staff on site
overnight and cannot provide assistance in the case of emergencies once you have left
the hospital.
