Surgical wounds

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Male with surgical wound

ABOUT SURGICAL WOUNDS

When you have an operation, or if you cut yourself accidentally, the cut is closed using stitches (sutures), clips glue or tape, depending on the site and depth of the cut.

Wound healing

Closing a wound with stitches, clips, staples, glue or tape encourages the wound to heal faster.

Sometimes, the cut (or surgical wound) is left open because there is a risk of infection, or there is not enough tissue to bring the wound edges together, or because the stitches/staples have been removed because the wound became infected. In this case, the wound will be treated with special dressings.

Dressing

The dressing used will depend on the type of wound and the condition of the wound. The aim of care is disturb the wound as little as possible, preventing infection and making the wound as painless as possible. Your healthcare professional will advise you.

Male with surgical wound

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Before you have your operation, you can take some steps to reduce the possibility of complication such as a wound infection. For example, you should stop smoking for at least three weeks before your surgery, and if you are overweight, try to lose a little.

You should receive instructions from your doctor or nurse on how to care for your surgical wound. The dressing selected should prevent infection, absorb wound fluid and protect the wound. It is important to keep the wound clean to avoid infection and minimise pain.

Watch the wound for signs of infection which include:

  • An increase or a change in pain
  • Increased redness
  • Swelling
  • An increase in the amount and colour of exudate (fluid) from the wound
  • Odour from the wound
  • A high temperature


If you have dissolvable stitches, they will usually disappear between one and three weeks, but may take longer. Non-dissolvable stitches are usually removed after seven to 10 days, by your healthcare professional. Remember, don’t be tempted to pull on or touch any part of the stitches as you could cause an infection, or the wound to open.

A number of suitable dressings can be found if you click on the ‘our solutions’ tab.

Male with painful surgical wound

MINIMISING PAIN

Surgical wounds are not generally painful unless they become infected. However, it is important to use a dressing that protects the wound and doesn't harm the surrounding skin.

Dressing changes

Some dressings can stick to the wound between the stitches and to the skin around the wound, so use a dressing that protects the wound and the surrounding skin.

Help

Mölnlycke Health Care dressings have a special, gentle adhesive which means that they cause little or no pain when they are taken off. This is called Safetac® technology. Click here to learn more about Safetac technology. Your doctor or nurse will know which of the dressings are best to use for your wound.

If you want to learn more about pain and how you can minimise it, please visit our Pain centre by clicking the button.

GET MORE INFO ABOUT WOUND DRESSINGS FOR SURGICAL WOUNDS

Mepilex Border

Mepilex®Border

  • Use on wounds with moderate to high exudate (wound fluid)
  • Is soft and comfortable
  • Keeps the wound moist which makes it heal faster
  • Has a Safetac layer making it less painful to remove
  • Is shower-proof
  • Does not harm the surrounding skin

Mepilex®Border Ag

  • Use on wounds with moderate to high exudate (wound fluid)
  • Contains silver which kills bacteria
  • Use if silver is indicated as a preventive action or to manage signs of infection
  • Has a Safetac layer making it less painful to remove
  • Keeps the wound moist which makes it heal faster
  • Is shower-proof
  • Does not harm the surrounding skin
Mepore® Film & Pad

Mepore® Film & Pad

  • For wounds with low exudate (wound fluid) or bleeding sutured wounds
  • Is waterproof 
  • Protects the wound from infection

Mepilex® Ag

  • Use when signs of infection 
  • Contains silver which kills bacteria
  • Has a Safetac layer making it less painful to remove
  • Is very soft and comfortable 
  • Absorbs exudate (wound fluid) 
  • Keeps the wound moist which makes it heal faster
  • Does not harm the surrounding skin
Mepore

Mepore®

  • Use on sutured wounds with little exudate (wound fluid)
  • It is skin friendly
  • The woven fabric allows the wound to ‘breath’
  • Stays securely in place

Melgisorb® Ag

  • Use when signs of infection 
  • Contains silver which kills bacteria 
  • For wounds with moderate to high exudate (wound fluid) 
  • Reduces odour 
  • Ideal for deep wounds
Mesorb

Mesorb®

  • Use on wounds with a lot of exudate (wound fluid) 
  • Cushions the wound 
  • Can be used with Melgisorb Ag

Mefix®

  • Use to keep your dressing in place
  • Skin-friendly adhesive
  • Available in many sizes
Tubifast™ with 2-Way Stretch

Tubifast™ With 2-Way Stretch Technology  

  • Use to keep your dressing in place if adhesives are not wanted 
  • Is easy to put in place
  • Available in many widths

Mepiform®

  • Use for prevention and treatment of scars  
  • No extra fixation is needed; stays in place  
  • Is thin, flexible and discreet  
  • Can be worn in all daily activities  
  • Can be reapplied and be used for up to 7 days  
  • UV-protection
Mepitac

Mepitac®

  • Gentle fixation tape for sensitive/fragile skin
  • Minimises pain and skin damage at removal due to a Safetac layer close to the skin
  • Is soft and comfortable
  • Water proof
  • Low risk of skin irritation and allergy
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CONTACT US

Welcome to contact us about surgical wounds and our solutions!
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