What kind of incisional care is most appropriate?
A. It is imperative that you keep your incisions clean. You may shower with mild soap. You should avoid tub bathing until specifically instructed to the contrary. Do not apply lotions, powders or creams to your incisions. Please notify your physician if you experience a persistently elevated temperature of greater than 101.5°F lasting longer than 24 hours, and immediately if associated with chills, nausea, or substantial fatigue. Increasing redness of the incision, particularly if accompanied by warmth, pain or swelling along the incision is also concerning and must be brought to your physician’s attention. Notify your physician immediately should you develop drainage from the incision, especially if this is colored or foul smelling. Please notify your physician should you feel clicking along your chest incision. Incisions in the lower extremities should be inspected carefully. Please contact your surgeon should any of the above findings also occur.
