Wound Care
Proper wound care is essential for preventing infection and speeding up the healing process. Follow these general instructions after any non-surgical procedure in our office to minimize your risk of infection.
- Gently clean the area with soap and water daily
- Once dry, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) over the site
- Cover the area with a clean, dry bandage
Repeat these steps one to two times daily as needed until the wound is healed. Once healed, apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to the area to protect the new skin from sun damage and prevent discoloration due to sun exposure.
The Healing Process
Healing time depends on many factors and varies by indivudual and circumstance but can take days to weeks for most wounds to heal. There are many normal aspects of the healing process to expect and a few complications that you should be wary of.
Normal:
- A low grade fever (~99-101°F)
- Numbness, itching, or discomfort in the area
- Pinkness and slight tenderness around the edges of the wound
- Slight swelling in the area
When to seek help:
- Fevers in excess of 101°F
- Chills
- Redness that spreads from the edge of the wound
- Extreme tenderness or warmth surrounding the wound
- Odorous pus or discharge
- Increased pain or swelling in the area
- Failure to see wound closure
If you are experiencing any of these concerning symptoms of infection please contact our office so that we can evaluate the affected area and closely monitor you throughout the recovery process.