Excision (Surgery) Instructions

Activity Restrictions

On the Day of Your Surgery:

  • Rest for the remainder of the day.

  • Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.

  • Continue your regular medication schedule.

  • If needed for pain, apply ice packs wrapped in a washcloth (10 minutes on, 20 minutes off) over the bandage.

  • If you have no medical contraindications, you may use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.

Until 24 Hours After Your Surgery:

  • Keep the surgical site dry; sponge bathe the rest of your body if needed.

  • From the day after surgery, you may shower, but avoid direct water on the excision site and continue to refrain from baths.

For 2-3 Weeks After Your Surgery:

  • Refrain from heavy lifting (more than 5lb) and abrupt movements like bending or stretching.

  • Do not submerge the surgery site in water; avoid baths and swimming.

Care of the Procedure Site:

  • The day after surgery, remove the bandage and begin wound care.

  • Cleanse the site with soap and water.

  • Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum ointment (e.g., Vaseline); avoid over-the-counter antibiotic ointments like Neosporin.

  • Cover with a fresh bandage.

  • Repeat this wound care daily until your sutures are removed.

What to Expect:

Pain:

  • Mild or moderate pain is normal.

  • Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used if needed, provided there are no medical contraindications.

Bleeding:

  • Some bruising is normal.

  • If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the bandage for 30 minutes.

  • If bleeding continues, contact our office.

Infection:

  • Mild redness and clear or lightly colored drainage are typical.

  • Contact our office if you experience expanding redness, milky drainage, fever, or chills.

THIS CONTENT IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND MAY NOT BE COMPREHENSIVE. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE REFER TO OUR TERMS OF USE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY MEDICAL DECISIONS.