Even when the operation is performed using minimally invasive techniques, you’re going to need to care for a fresh wound site once the procedure is complete. These smaller incisions will take less time to close, but you still need to be careful during this healing period to avoid setbacks or the possibility of an infection. In today’s blog, we share some tips for effectively managing your incision site following shoulder surgery.
Wound Management Tips After Shoulder Surgery
Please remember that the following is just general advice, and the specific care guidelines you receive from your treating surgeon will take precedence over the general tips provided below. Each surgery and recovery is unique, and while many of the following tips will be helpful for patients recovering from shoulder surgery, there’s no guarantee that this is the best protocol for your situation, so always default to the specific instructions you receive from your surgeon and their care team.
- Leave Bandages In Place For 24-48 Hours – It is typically recommended to leave any bandages that have been put in place following your operation on the area for 24-48 hours after your operation. Changing bandages frequently right after surgery can irritate the incision site and increase the likelihood that bacteria makes its way into the wound site. Plan on keeping your surgical dressings in place for a day or two unless advised otherwise by your care team.
- Keep Dressings Clean And Dry – Your goal is to provide the right type of environment for your incision site to close, and that means keeping the area clean and dry. You’ll likely have some discharge around your wound site during your initial stages of recovery, and you’ll want to change your dressing as recommended in order to keep the site clean and dry. The wound site is more likely to remain open if the area is wet or moist, so changing your gauze and bandages each day can help limit dampness around the surgical site.
- Don’t Mess With Sutures Or Stitches – If the wound has been closed with medical tape, adhesive strips or stitches, do your best to avoid touching these areas when cleaning the site. A gentle dab with a sterilized wipe shouldn’t cause any harm, but do not try to adjust or remove these sutures unless you have been told to by your physician. These sutures are holding your skin in place so that your body can close the incision site, and if they are damaged or removed, your incision site may not heal quickly or as expected.
- Enlist An Ally – There’s a very good chance that your incision site will be in an awkward position, especially if shoulder movement is restricted after your operation. Ask a friend or family member to assist with your wound care. It will only take a couple of minutes and will greatly reduce your likelihood of an infection developing. Most people would be more than willing to lend a hand if you simply ask for assistance. We understand that it can be hard to reach your incision site, but don’t let pride get in the way of keeping the area clean.
- Avoid Submerging It – Follow your doctor’s specific advice in regards to getting the area wet in the shower. They may tell you to avoid getting the area wet at all for a specific amount of time, or they may say that some contact with water is fine after a certain period. In most cases, your doctor will want you to avoid submerging the incision site in water for at least 2-4 weeks depending on the size and healing rate of your wound. Do not submerge your incision site under water until you receive clearance from your physician, as this can cause healing to regress and infections to develop.
At the end of the day, wound management really comes down to listening to your doctor and following smart tips to keep the site clean and dry so that healing can run its course. Dr. Holloway is careful to always explain best practices for wound management and answer any questions that patients may have, so speak up if you want more information or have questions at any point during your recovery.
For more information about caring for your shoulder incision after surgery, or for help managing a different shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s office today at (865) 410-7887.
