SUTURE CARE

SUTURE CARE

Surgical sutures are used for controlled and healthy healing of wounds. During the wound repair process, tissue integrity is provided with tissue approximation which is maintained by sutures. Suture care after the surgical procedure is an important factor that determines the success of the healing process. After the sutures are applied, following list should be considered to minimize problems.

• The drugs that are recommended by doctors are used.
• While using pain management drugs, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed
• The wound area should be examined daily.
• The sutures should not be scratched.
• Unless instructed otherwise, the wound should be kept cleaned and dry as possible. The wound is should not be washed and water contact should be avoided.
• The bandage on the wound should not be removed for the first 24 hours. After that time, shower can be taken if the wound area is kept dry.
• After the first day, the bandage should be removed and the wound area should be cleaned carefully with soap and water. Wound cleaning twice a day should prevent debris accumulation and the sutures can be removed easier.

Side Effects

If bleeding does not stop, the wound is deeper than 6 mm and located on vulnerable or cosmetically important areas such as ophthalmic region, mouth area, or genitals consult your doctor or your health clinic. All wounds and suture areas can result in scarring. In those cases, in order to reduce the scarring, consultation with a plastic surgeon may needed for special suturing techniques.

After the sutures are applied, the wounds and sutures should be examined during daily bandage replacement. If the following symptoms are occurring, consult your doctor.

• Increased pain
• Bleeding that can not be stopped with light pressure
• Total or partial paralysis
• Unceasing itching, headache, nausea or vomiting
• Swelling and rash for more than several days
• Bruising
• Fever
• Inflammation or oozing