Surgical complications

Wound closure

Surgical wounds are closed with stitches. Most wounds are closed with buried absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed. The final closure of these wounds is with tape or steristrips. In small wounds a waterproof dressing will also be applied to allow you to shower.

In many facial and hand wounds the wound is closed with surface stitches of nylon or prolene which require removal. Sutures are then removed between five and 14 days depending upon the procedure.

Following suture or dressing removal the wound will effectively be sealed and normal skin care can be resumed. We will encourage you to use a moisturising cream on the wound to prevent cracking and splitting. Other creams such as Bio Oil can be used although their benefit is unproven.