Relief of pain

The local anaesthetic that you have had will wear off in the next 1 to 2 hours.

Provided you do not have an allergy to the painkiller, it is safe to use over-the-counter painkillers to reduce your pain so you can be more active.

It is important to use painkillers carefully, as they have side effects. Paracetamol is the simplest and safest painkiller. However, always get advice before taking paracetamol if you have liver or kidney problems

You could also try anti-inflammatory tablets like Ibuprofen as long as you don’t have a condition (such as a stomach ulcer) that prevents you using them.

Always take your painkillers at regular intervals at the recommended dose / exactly as prescribed. This is to make sure they work as well as possible for you. The aim is for pain control to be constant.

Putting off taking painkillers can make the pain more severe. It may then take longer to get it under control when you do take them.

If over-the-counter painkillers do not work, ask for help from your GP or pharmacist.

Check with your GP if you have been prescribed other analgesia.

Stitches

Stitches are absorbable and should absorb within 21 days.

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

Bathing

You can remove the dressing tomorrow then bathe as usual. Your wound should be healed in ten days.

Activity

You should try and rest as much as much as possible today.

Avoid sexual activity until the wound is healed and comfortable, in about 4 weeks.

Don’t swim for 1-2 weeks.

Specific advice

Wear loose clothes for 2-3 days, then move onto supportive underwear. It will take up to six weeks to return to the final cosmetic appearance. You may have swelling and bruising for 3-4 days.

Complications

The 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.

Persistent Pain

If you experience persistent pain after 48 hours you may need advice from your GP.

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 bleeding persists you will need 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.

Be vigilant for bleeding if you take anticoagulants, e.g. Aspirin or Warfarin.

Outpatient appointment

Your will be sent an appointment in the post.

Practice Nurse Appointment

Date of surgery:
Surgery:
Check wound and re-tape in …………. days
Remove stitches in ……………..days   
Remove outer dressing in………days   
Remove dressing in……….days       
Check wound in………days

Do you have Monocryl stitches (absorbable)
Yes No
(Please circle the correct answer)

  • Remove steri-strips and trim ends of suture (including knot)
  • Do not pull the suture out
  • Please observe the wound for signs of infection
  • After 14 days, 20% of original strength remains

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

8am – 7pm
Day Surgery Unit
01935 384339

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

Ref: 04/21/03
Review: 06/21