Your written discharge plan comes first. These instructions must be tailored to your treatment and medical history. For combined procedures, ask the team for one coordinated plan; do not choose between conflicting instructions yourself.
What to expect.
A healing incision and a closed scar need different care. Keep products and routines appropriate to the stage of healing.
Your care plan.
- Wash your hands before wound care. Clean and dress the incision only as directed; leave tape, glue, and sutures alone.
- Use the specific wound product in your discharge plan. Do not add peroxide, rubbing alcohol, vitamin E, or topical antibiotics on your own.
- Do not start silicone gel, sheets, or scar massage until the skin is closed and the surgeon approves. Never place scar treatments into an open or draining wound.
- Protect healing skin from friction and sun. Once fully closed, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when permitted, plus clothing or shade.
Activity & recovery.
- Avoid pulling or stretching the incision and do not soak it until healed and cleared.
When to call.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, stroke symptoms, or sudden loss of vision need immediate emergency care. Do not wait for an office reply or use an online form.
Contact your care team promptly
- Contact the team for a new opening, pus, spreading redness, increasing pain, or a dark or pale skin edge.
- Report fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, spreading redness, pus, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Call sooner if you feel seriously unwell, even without a fever.
- New one-sided calf pain or swelling needs urgent medical assessment. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
Call 615.730.7500. After hours, follow the urgent-contact directions on your discharge paperwork. If you cannot reach the team and symptoms are urgent, seek immediate medical care.
Stay connected.
Keep your scheduled follow-up and ask the team when to send an update or return sooner. Confirm any dressing, stitch, or drain removal with the office. Return to exercise, work, travel, and skin-care products should follow your individual clearance plan.
Before leaving your appointment, make sure you know your next visit date, medication plan, and after-hours contact instructions.
Sources & References
External references open in a new tab. Your care guide will stay open here.
These references provide general information. Follow your care team’s procedure-specific instructions and personal discharge plan.