Wounds and cuts after surgery

Bandages

• Change the bandage after three days, if other instructions are not given.
  Keep your bandage dry and clean. Change if wet, dirty or bled through. 
  Make sure to have new, clean bandages at home. You can buy wound care products at the pharmacy.

Instructions for changing bandage

• Wash your hands.
• Remove the old bandage.
• Rinse wound with spring water.
• Dry wound with a clean towel, or let air-dry.
• Apply new bandage or Band-Aid.

For pain-relief

Use prescription-free painkillers like Paracetamol, optionally, in combination with Ibuprofen. The treating physician can prescribe stronger painkillers when needed. Use as prescribed.

Infection

There is always a risk of infection after a cut or wound. Pay attention to the following symptoms and contact your physician or the emergency clinic if suspecting an infection.

The symptoms of infection are

• Increasing pain and soreness around the wound.
• Redness, heat and/or swelling around the wound.
• Throbbing pain occurring after the first few days.
• Yellow, green or grey discharge from the wound.
• Fever or reduced general condition.

Stitches

• Wound closure strips should stay on until they fall off. At least 7 days.
• Stitches should be removed at your registered physician's office, your doctor at the hospital will inform you of when they can be removed. We recommend you cover the wounded area from the sun the following year with sunblock or 
  Band-Aid to reduce scarring.  

Contact information