Post-Procedure Instructions for Biopsy, Excision & Electrosurgery

Post-Procedure Instructions for Biopsy, Excision & Electrosurgery Introduction You have just had a procedure done.

This leaflet provides information on the care of your procedure site.

Punch Biopsy or Excision 1. Keep the wound clean and dry for 24 hours.

2. Remove the dressing after 24 hours.

3. Clean the sutured wound using soap and water. While cleaning, apply firm, gentle pressure in order to remove the crust or dried blood.

Clean the sutured wound and its edges.

4. Dab the wound area dry before applying the ointment with a cotton bud.

5. Cover the sutured wound with a clean dressing eg. gauze, plaster or Melolin® non-adhesive dressing and then secure with micropore tape, Opsite® or Tegaderm®.

6. Keep the dressing clean and dry.

7. Repeat the dressing twice a day, depending on the cleanliness of the wound until the stitches are removed.

8. Avoid strenuous exercise or activity for the first 2 weeks as this may delay healing.

9. Avoid swimming until the wound has completely healed.

10. See your doctor at a later date for review and removal of stitches.

Please take note of the given appointment date and time.

In case of bleeding after surgery: •

Apply continuous pressure for 20 minutes.

•

If the bleeding continues after 20 minutes of pressure, notify your doctor or call the Dermatology Nurse at Clinic C51 at 6602 3051.

•

Please inform us if there is any discharge, swelling, bleeding or pain around the wound.

•

In case of any complications after office hours, go to the nearest general practitioner or hospital for advice.

Shave Biopsy or Electrosurgery 1. No suturing is required.

2. Clean the affected area with soap and water. Apply topical ointment twice daily, unless other instructions have been given by the doctor or nurse.

3. Scab formation may develop after the surgery and it may take 5 to 10 days to drop off.

4. Avoid peeling the scab; let it drop off by itself.

5. Avoid excessive sun exposure to the wound(s) during the healing process. This is to minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or darkening that may occur after the procedure.

6. Frequent use of a sunblock is encouraged after the healing process is completed.

7. You may wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

8. Do not apply any other medicated lotion or cream when the crust is still present. This is to prevent skin irritation.

If you have further queries or concerns, please call the Dermatology Nurse at Clinic C51 at 6602 3051.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

SOC.TS.05.0918