Patient Information

• Where possible, keep wounds elevated to reduce swelling - this is especially important for surgery on the lower limbs. For surgery on the head and neck, sleep with 2 pillows for 2 nights.
• If you have been provided with Chlorsig ointment, apply it liberally to the wound 3x a day for 3 days. Avoid washing the wound during those days.
• If the wound has been covered with glue, you can get it wet, just dab it dry rather than rubbing on it. The glue will start to peel off in 7-10 days.

• If the wound has been covered with a waterproof dressing, you can shower but please avoid taking a bath. Pat the dressing dry - do not rub it. If the inside of the dressing gets wet, please get it changed. The dressing needs to stay in place for 5-7 days.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity or stretching the skin near the wound.

• Take either Panadol or Panadeine (not both), which you can find at your local supermarket. Take 2 tablets up to 4 times a day, with doses no less than 4 hours apart. Other medications used for pain relief can cause bleeding tendencies or gastric upset, so consult your doctor first.

• Occasionally, a prescription for Tramadol or Codeine may be provided. Please note that these drugs cause drowsiness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking them.

As with any procedure, there is a slim chance that complications arise.

If the wound bleeds, remove the dressing and apply direct pressure. Keep firm pressure on the wound for at least 10 minutes. Do NOT apply a tourniquet. If the bleeding does not stop, go to the Emergency Department. After the bleeding stops, the wound needs to be re-covered with a sterile dressing.

If the wound becomes red, hot, and swollen, or there is excessive discharge, it may be infected. Please consult your GP or primary care provider for examination.

• Stitches are to be removed as directed by Mr Haddawi. This can either be done by your regular doctor or our practice nurse. It is advisable to cover the wound for at least a further 24 hours after stitches have been removed.

• A copy of any histology results from the lab will be sent to your doctor in about 10-14 days.

As with any procedure, there is a slim chance that complications arise.

You can resume any regular medications after the procedure. If you are on any blood-thinning drugs (i.e. Warfarin, Dabigatran, Pradaxa, Aspirin, Disprin, Cartia etc), resume your normal dose the day after the procedure. If you are worried, consult your doctor for advice.