Caring for Your Surgical Incision: A Guide to Post-Operative Wound Care

The main goals of post-operative incision care are straightforward:

• Keep the wound clean and dry to create the first line of defence against bacteria
• Prevent infection, as this is a top priority for a healthy recovery
• Promote natural healing by allowing your body to recover efficiently and effectively

For a general overview, check out this NHS guide¹.

Your care team will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your procedure, but here are some general best practices for looking after your incision. 

In the Initial Post-Operative Period:

For the first 24 to 48 hours, your surgical incision will likely be covered with a sterile dressing. It is important to keep this dressing in place and dry. You may be advised to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area to help manage swelling and pain.

Keeping it Clean and Dry:

• Showering: You will be advised when it is safe to shower. In most cases, you can shower with a waterproof dressing in place. Once the dressing is removed, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean towel.
• Bathing and Swimming: Avoid soaking your incision in a bath, hot tub, or swimming pool until your surgeon gives you approval. This is typically after the incision has fully closed and all scabs have fallen off.

Dressing Changes:

You will receive specific instructions on when and how to change your dressing. This is a vital step in keeping the wound clean. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing a dressing to prevent the spread of bacteria.

What to Avoid:

To ensure your incision heals properly, it is best to avoid:

• Scratching, rubbing, or picking at the wound or any scabs that form
• Applying lotions, creams, or powders to the incision unless instructed by your care team
• Wearing tight or restrictive clothing that could rub against the incision
• Exposing the wound to direct sunlight for a prolonged period, as this can cause it to become discoloured

While your care team takes every precaution to prevent infection, it is important for you to know the signs to look out for. 

Contact your care team immediately if you notice any of the following around your incision:

• Increased redness or warmth in the skin around the wound; which may feel hot or inflamed
• Significant swelling in the area around the incision
• Unusual discharge; such as pus or a yellowish fluid leaking from the wound
• Fever; or if you feel generally unwell
• Increased pain; where the discomfort becomes more intense instead of subsiding over time

For more detailed information on identifying the signs of a surgical wound infection, the Royal Devon University Hospital² provides a helpful PDF.

A key feature of the Kley Rapid Hip is the size of the incision. Our approach uses a minimal incision, typically only 8-10cm in length.

This is a significant advantage as a smaller incision is associated with less tissue disruption, reduced blood loss, and a faster initial recovery. This careful surgical technique (0% infection rate), coupled with our proven post-operative care, is what helps patients get back on their feet so quickly.