Post Excision Instructions (Dissolvable Sutures)

Remove the bandage or gauze wrap tomorrow morning and then it is ok to shower over the sutures.  If you would like to leave the dressing on longer, especially if the procedure was done late in the day, you may wait until 2 days to remove the outer bandage.  Please do not leave the bandage on longer than 2 days before washing over the sutures.

It is acceptable and encouraged to wash over the sutures with soap and water to take away any dried blood.  Do so gently.  Pat things dry after the shower and then place a small amount of an antibiotic ointment over the sutures and re-bandage if easily done.  You only have to do this for 3-4 days and then it is ok to leave the sutures open to the air and simply keep the area clean.  The sutures generally take a couple of weeks to flake away but could take longer if you do not wash over them regularly.  

If you encounter any bleeding after the procedure then remove the bandage, hold some gentle pressure over the site for several minutes and replace a fresh gauze.  Leave in place until the following day.  If bleeding does not stop, call the office.

The local anesthetic will last for a few hours.  If you have pain at the site take Tylenol, Advil or Aleve.