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caring for the incision

Posted , 13 users are following.

linda38528
linda38528

My incision is healing well and all 36 staples were removed Wednesday. I wore a dressing one more day more for mental comfort than anything else. One person (Graham?) mentioned using a cream on the incision. Has anyone been given any other advice for keeping the wound healthy and minimizing the scar?

1 like, 20 replies

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  • vanessa88276
    vanessa88276 linda38528

    Posted

    Hi I have used bio oil on my scar I massage it in every evening and scar looks brilliant :-) but for the first 3 weeks I used e45 cream which seemed to soothe it after that bio oil is great :-) x
    • linda38528
      linda38528 vanessa88276

      Posted

      E45? Will have to look this one up. Bio-oil also came up on my search. Thank you.3.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK linda38528

    Posted

    That could have been me ... I use aqueous cream - non perfumed and very safe even for those with skin conditions.  In fact, it would probably be good for those experiencing poor skin condition after the operation.

    I was told to massage the scar to stop the scar tissue hardening.

    Graham - 🚀💃

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Apparently aqueous cream may not be the safest to use on a scar, but ok for use as a wash.  Seems like something in it can irritate if it is left on the skin.  Bio Oil os definitely recommended on the NHS website.

      Graham - 🚀💃

  • MichaelTN1UK
    MichaelTN1UK linda38528

    Posted

    I did not use anything until I saw the surgeon onthe 6 week check.

    He recommended that I should.as it would help. Having researched it, I elected to use Bio-Oil which is recommended for stretch marks, scars, uneven skin, dehydration etc.

  • andrew01664
    andrew01664 linda38528

    Posted

    i am having my staples out wednesday 16th march at the doctors the hospital has supplied a second dressing should i have that applied i had my op on the 1st march or should i go with this thread and just apply some oil and no dressing

    andy wales uk 

    • renee01952
      renee01952 andrew01664

      Posted

      hi Andrew,

      I am not sure what you are asking. ..After my staples were removed I still wanted something to cover the scar for any couple of days....I put bio oil on it when all the little holes were closed. .

      good luck on the 16th

      big warm hug

      Renee 💙

    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 andrew01664

      Posted

      You may need another dressing on after the staples are removed, sometimes they still weep.

      I had one on for 5 days after staples removed and there was discharge  on that. I also noticed weeping later that day when I took it off (this Monday gone) and  had to go to the hospital to get it checked. I now have another dressing on and they gave me  spares.

      Said it is fatty necrosis and is natural, no infection.

    • virginia1950s
      virginia1950s andrew01664

      Posted

      I also had a second dressing but when I saw the Doctor he said the incision was healing perfectly and I did not need to wear the second dressing. Luckily I had dissolving stitches and did not need them to be removed. The doctor will tell you how to treat the incision. Best to follow his instructions. My surgeon mentioned massage and bio-oil/vitamin e cream which I did and my scar is now half gone after a year.
    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 virginia1950s

      Posted

      They were pleased with how it's healing but never mentioned anything about creams or whatever, but I won't use anything till it's stopped weeping.  I had wet trousers so needed the dressing back on, though it wasn't a lot.
  • Mabelsmum
    Mabelsmum linda38528

    Posted

    The Physio checked my wound at 3 weeks and said it had healed well I could now use E45 cream. I use organic Rosehip oil because it smells lovely and is supposed to promote healthy skin repair.
    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 Mabelsmum

      Posted

      Oh I was going to ask about e45, I'll use that when it heals completley
  • Hailea
    Hailea linda38528

    Posted

    Hi Linda

    both hip ops I was told by the surgeons nurses to only use petroleum jelly on the wound till all scabs come off. It keeps the skin from loosing moisture and  softens the dry skin and helps with the scabs also. 

  • linda38528
    linda38528

    Posted

    Thanks everyone. I am hearing petroleum jelly until staple holes close then Bio-oil seems the most popular.

    Michael - I think the dressing is optional. I kept one on for a day to avoid catching a thing on it, but left it off after. I think it depends on: how well the incision is doing (mine was healing beautifully and no weeping even after the staples were removed; what type of clothing you are wearing (e.g. nothing too rough); and how active you are. Good luck. Staple removal was not great fun but I really think it bothered my GP more than me!

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