Advice for parents and child

Relief of pain

The local anaesthetic that your child has had will wear off in the next 1 to 2 hours.

For the first 24 hours your child may need regular paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. The ward nurses will advise you before discharge. If your child is in a lot of pain and pain relief does not seem to help after 48 hours then you need advice from your GP.

Changing position and using a pillow to support the wound can help reduce discomfort.

Please do not use a hot water bottle for pain relief as this can lead to scalding of the skin. 

Activity

You should try and rest as much as possible today.

If the surgical area is on the head or neck, keep head elevated for the first 48 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.

Sleep with extra pillows as elevation is very important for the healing of the wound

If the surgical area is on an arm rest it as much as possible for 48 hours

If the surgical area is on a leg rest it as much as possible for 48 hours

After one week: Most wounds will be healed sufficiently that the area can be soaked in a bath

After two weeks: Most wounds should be strong enough to undertake normal activities

After one Month: Most wounds should be strong enough for lifting and vigorous exercise

Dressing

Leave dressing intact, clean & dry until seen by GP practice nurse

Please keep the dressing on and the area dry for……………..days. The dressing can then stay off. Treat area with care. After showering, pat dry.             

Replace dressing in ……………..days and keep it clean and dry. The replacement dressing can then be removed in ……………..days.

Stitches 

You have absorbable stitches…………………

You have non-absorbable stitches…………………These will be removed at your own surgery by the practice nurse.  You will need to book an appointment with the practice nurse well in advance of needing stitches removed or dressings renewed

If you are concerned about discomfort when the stitches are removed or having the dressing looked at, consider giving your child a simple pain relief, e.g. paracetamol, an hour before your appointment.

Steri-strips (sticky strips) may be applied over the wound following stitch removal to help support the wound.

Remember once the stitches have been removed / absorbed the wound may appear healed but it will not be strong. It can take several months for skin to regain its strength and flexibility. Treat the area with care.

A greasy ointment, e.g. Vaseline, can be applied after removal of the dressing to prevent crusting.

The pathology result

This is normally available 2 to 3 weeks after the sample has been taken. The Dermatology Specialist will write to your child’s GP explaining the result and any further treatment or action needed. We will send you a copy of this letter.

Complications

Signs of infection can be any of the following

  • Increasing pain at the site
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • A pus-like discharge

If you are concerned about any of the above, see your practice nurse promptly, taking this leaflet with you. Your practice nurse is the first point of contact. They will be able to assess your wound if you suspect it is infected.

Bleeding

The operation site will be checked for bleeding before you leave the department.

If bleeding occurs at home, do not disturb the dressing. Press firmly on the area, for a full 15 minutes (by a clock). Do not take the dressing off, put an additional “pressure dressing” on top of the original

If possible, elevate or raise the area, e.g. arm or leg.

If bleeding persists take your child to visit your practice nurse or local Emergency Department for assessment. A clean dressing will be provided once bleeding has settled if this is necessary.

Follow the “after your child’s General Anaesthetic” leaflet for more instructions.

Return to school/activity

Your child will need to stay off school for at least 24 hours after any operation, but may need a little longer depending on where the wound is. The ward nurse will advise you before discharge.

If you have any questions or require further advice, please contact

Plastic Surgery Secretary Tel: 01935 384887

Dermatology Secretary Tel: 01935 384871

Ward 10 Tel:01935 384360

If you have, any serious concerns please contact either your own GP, 111, Accident and Emergency or the Minor Injuries Unit    

Ref: 10/22/144

Review: 02/22