Aftercare and wound care

Good aftercare is an important part of your recovery following skin surgery or a dermatological procedure. Dr Michelle Thomson will provide personalised instructions based on your specific treatment at The Birmingham Skin Clinic.

Immediately after your procedure

You can usually return home shortly after treatment. The area may feel numb or tender once the anaesthetic wears off. Keep the dressing dry and intact until you receive instructions to change or remove it.

Cleaning and dressing the wound

Unless told otherwise, wounds are usually cleaned gently with water and patted dry before applying a fresh dressing. Your aftercare sheet will explain how often to change it and how to look for signs of early infection such as increasing redness or discharge.

Activities to avoid

To protect the wound during healing, you may be advised to avoid:

• Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a set period
• Swimming while stitches are in place
• Direct sun exposure on healing scars

If stitches are used, Dr Thomson will arrange a suitable time for their removal and review.

Managing discomfort

Mild pain or tightness is common after skin surgery. Simple pain relief is usually sufficient. Bruising may appear but often settles within a few days.

Longer term scar care

Once the wound has healed, scar massage or silicone products may be recommended. Sun protection is essential to prevent darkening of the scar during the early phase of healing.

If you have concerns about your wound or need follow up advice, please contact The Birmingham Skin Clinic via the contact page.