As part of the surgical procedure, your child's suture line
will have been closed with either dissolving sutures or sutures
that require removal, or a combination of both. It is
important that the suture line is adequately protected for the
appropriate length of time.
Dressings
At the end of surgery, a dressing will have been applied. Usually this consists of:
A steristrip which has been placed over the sutures
A pad of gauze placed over steristrips
A strip of micropore, elastoplast or crepe banadage to hold
the gauze.
The outer layer of tape and gauze is used to absorb any oozing
or bleeding that may occur within the first few hours of
surgery.
Bathing
The suture line should remain dry until the gauze is
removed. The steristrips may get wet but this should be kept
to a minimum, and should be patted dry or dried with a hair dryer
as soon as possible. It is unlikely that the water will
dislodge the steristrips. It is important that the gauze is
removed before the area does become wet as moist gauze left in
place over a wound can lead to infection.
Tape removal
In the case of sutures that require removal, the suture line
should be covered until the sutures are removed. If dissolving
sutures have been used, the steristrips should remain in place for
a period of 6 days. The steristrips may then be removed and
the suture line left exposed. If the steristrips become dislodged
they can be replaced with a strip of micropore.
Suture removal
After the sutures have been removed and the wound is clean and
dry your child can wash as normal. It is advisable to
keep the suture line moisturised and to gently massage the area 4-5
times a day. Any moisturising cream will be adequate,
eg: Sorbolene. Initially the suture line will be pink or red,
this will fade over the next three months and eventually should be
a fine pale line.
Medical attention
Seek medical attention in the event of:
- Increasing pain or pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent fever
- General unwellness
- Wound discharge or increasing redness
Follow-up
Your first review appointment will be approximately one week
after discharge for dressing/wound check. Your follow-up
appointments will be at one of the following:
- Plastic Surgery Outpatients (Registrar Clinic), Blue Desk,
Ground Floor, The Royal Children's Hospital (morning appointment)
- Consultant Clinic
- Consultant Private Rooms
- Local doctor
If you are unable to keep your appointment please call to
reschedule.
Contact
Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345
5522
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed November 2015.
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.