DR SANDY STEELE
For most biopsies, please leave the dressing on clean and dry until tomorrow morning, then gently remove dressing after or in the shower. Adhesive remover such as remove wipes or even baby oil can assist in removing dressing or medical tape. Cleanse gently with salty water or saline.
Gently pat the wound dry and
apply a wound ointment ( such as petroleum jelly (vaseline) or Stratamed silicone gel or Chlorsig ointment or Elastoplast wound ointment or Savlon or Bepanthan cream).
Apply a new Band-Aid/dressing.
Repeat daily until wound is healed and sealed. Try to keep wound as clean as possible
Potential Complications and side effects
BLEEDING: Careful attention has been given to your wound to prevent excessive bleeding. Your dressing has been applied with some pressure to also prevent bleeding. You may notice a small amount of blood on the edges or centre of the dressing on the first day.
A small amount of bleeding is part of normal healing, but if bleeding seems persistent and saturates the dressing, apply firm, steady pressure over the dressing for 30 minutes by the clock. This usually is adequate treatment, but if bleeding persists come back for assessment or notify Dr Sandy immediately.
PAIN: Postoperative pain is usually minimal, but it is normal to have a small amount of discomfort for 48 – 72 hours after a procedure. Avoid movements that trigger pain or stretch the wound. Paracetamol tablets are a good choice for pain relief; take as per the instructions on the packet and if you have no known adverse reactions to them. If this does not control your pain, please contact Dr Sandy.
WOUND INFECTION: If the wound becomes increasingly painful, inflamed (red, tender, swollen), warm, drains a pus-like substance, or if you develop a fever or chills, please call our surgery or notify Dr Sandy immediately.
REST: it is very important to minimize activity. You need to relax and minimize physical activity after any procedure for ~48 hours. If your procedure was on your foot or lower leg it may be beneficial to avoid weight bearing or use crutches temporarily.
ICE: apply ice packs on your wound to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Wrap the ice pack in a clean tea towel and apply for ~5 - 10 minutes hourly for the first 1-2 days post-procedure.
ELEVATION: Where possible put your wound (leg or arms) higher than your heart (nipple line). For procedures on the face try to keep your head elevated to reduce bruising and swelling.
Some wounds, such as shave biopsies or curettes, can seep a small amount of clear fluid, and appear yellowish or white even up to the end of the first week post-biopsy. This is likely normal, but if it feels worse instead of better or you have any signs or symptoms of a wound infection, please call the office for review.
We aim to contact you regarding your results within ~10-14 days of the biopsy. Please provide up to date contact details including mobile number, email, address, emergency contact number and GP information. If we are unable to reach you: you are required to book an appointment to collect your results to ensure you and no one else receives the results and there is no confusion. → If it is important enough to have the biopsy, it is important that you get your results.
We aim to contact you regarding your results within ~10-14 days of the biopsy. Please provide up to date contact details including mobile number, email, address, emergency contact number and GP information.
If we are unable to reach you: you are required to book an appointment to collect your results to ensure you and no one else receives the results and there is no confusion.
→ If it is important enough to have the biopsy, it is important that you get your results.