Following any surgical procedure, it’s essential for the patient to follow their physician’s post-op instructions to the letter in order to ensure the long-term success of the procedure. In this article, we are going to discuss some wound care tips following your shoulder surgery. Keep these in mind as you recover from your procedure.
After Your Shoulder Surgery
After surgery, a large bulky dressing is applied to the shoulder area prior to leaving the operating room. Leave the dressing in place. This dressing will be removed by the physical therapist. If you are not scheduled for post-op physical therapy, you may remove the dressing as instructed in 48 hours. For arthroscopy procedures may redress with bandaids. For total shoulder, fractured shoulders and open incisions the steri-strips or Prenio mesh dressing need to stay in place until first postoperative visit and does not need to be covered with any dressings after showering.
You may shower 3 days after surgery for scope patients. Do not immerse the wound in water (bath tub, hot tub, etc.) and dry the area thoroughly. The sutures will be removed in the office at your first post-operative visit.
Should you develop any disturbing problems after surgery such as difficulty breathing, fever of 101 degrees or above, excessive bleeding, or unrelieved pain – notify your physician.
Shoulder Surgeon in Knoxville, TN
If you are considering shoulder surgery, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. G. Brian Holloway is a board-certified shoulder surgeon with decades of experience. We will work with you throughout the entire process to make sure that you feel comfortable and understand everything that’s happening. Contact Dr. Holloway and his team today to learn more about the full range of services we offer and to set up your appointment at one of our Tennessee clinics.
