Surgical wound healing and aftercare: post-surgery care tips

Published: October 2025

Last Reviewed: November 2022

Correct post-surgical wound care is essential to support healing, prevent surgical wound infection, and minimise scarring. Surgical wounds, also known as post-operative wounds, are intentional incisions made during surgery and usually closed with stitches (sutures), staples, or surgical glue. 

This guide explains how to clean, protect, and monitor your surgical wound, with practical tips and recommended Elastoplast products.

A surgical incision wound is created intentionally during an operation and will vary in size and complexity depending on the procedure. Generally, a surgical wound will be closed with:

• Stitches (sutures) - either dissolvable or non-dissolvable
• Staples - which are typically removed after 10–14 days
• Surgical glue - often used for smaller, low-tension wounds

Surgical wounds are usually classified into one of four categories, according to cleanliness and infection risk:

• Class I (clean wounds): Low infection risk, no signs of inflammation
• Class II (clean-contaminated): Slightly higher infection risk depending on the wound’s location
• Class III (contaminated wounds): Higher infection risk, often caused by environmental exposure
• Class IV (dirty wounds): High infection risk, often from trauma or prior infection

A healthy surgical wound should be closed and free from excessive redness, swelling, discharge, or odour. Regular monitoring of the wound will help you identify any changes early and catch potential signs of infection.

Effective surgical wound aftercare is essential to help your wound site heal efficiently, reduce the risk of surgical site infections, and support healthy tissue repair. Inadequate care can slow the healing process, increase scarring, and, in some cases, lead to more serious complications.

Factors that may delay surgical wound healing include:

• Weakened immune system
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes 
• Obesity or poor nutrition
• Smoking or exposure to contaminants

Following a structured care routine will help your wound heal safely and naturally. Using an appropriate dressing, such as Elastoplast Sensitive Dressing XXL or Elastoplast Sterile Waterproof XL MED+, helps protect the wound from bacteria, absorb excess fluid, and maintain optimal conditions for recovery.

Proper care of a surgical wound is essential to prevent infection, protect delicate tissue, and support efficient healing. Whether your wound has stitches or not, following a careful cleaning routine can reduce the risk of complications, promote faster recovery, and help minimise scarring.

Steps for safe surgical wound care:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly or put on disposable gloves before touching the wound.
2. Gently cleanse the wound with warm water and mild soap, or a sterile saline solution. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol, iodine, or antibacterial soaps, which can irritate the skin and delay healing. For extra safety, Elastoplast Wound Spray can be used to gently cleanse the area while maintaining a sterile environment. 
3. Dab the wound dry with sterile gauze. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can damage new tissue.
4. Cover the wound with a suitable dressing to protect it while it heals:
• Elastoplast Sensitive Dressing XL – suitable for sensitive skin, and ideal for small to medium surgical wounds
• Elastoplast Flexible Fabric XL – perfect for larger or more mobile areas
• Elastoplast Sterile Waterproof XXL Dressing - water-resistant protection for added confidence

After cleaning, monitor the wound for persistent redness, swelling, discharge, or discomfort. Contact your doctor promptly if any of these changes occur, as they may indicate an infection.

Following a few simple post-operative care tips can help your wound heal safely and comfortably. These tips help protect the area, reduce irritation, and support a smoother recovery.

• Keep the wound dry initially and avoid showering or submerging the wound for 24-48 hours after surgery, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Use waterproof dressings during showers to protect the wound from water.
• Avoid tight clothing around the wound area to prevent friction or irritation.
• Change dressings regularly once it’s safe, usually every 24–48 hours, to keep the wound sterile and allow for inspection.
• Itching is normal during healing  but avoid scratching or rubbing the wound.
• Once the wound is ready, applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a prescribed antibiotic ointment can help maintain a moist healing environment and prevent scab formation.

By keeping your wound clean, protected, and comfortable, you’re supporting the best possible healing process.

Simple lifestyle choices can make a big difference in how well your wound heals. The following tips can help to support a healthy recovery:

• Rest and activity: Avoid strenuous activity that may stretch or reopen the wound.
• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with sufficient protein and vitamins to support tissue repair.
• Hygiene: Wash hands before touching the wound and avoid direct contact with pets or unclean surfaces.
• Clothing: Loose-fitting clothing prevents friction and irritation around the wound area.

Healing times will vary depending on the type of surgery, wound size, and individual health. Most surgical wounds heal within 6-12 days, progressing through the normal stages of surgical wound healing:

1. Inflammatory stage: The body responds to the surgery with redness, warmth, swelling, and mild discomfort as it begins the repair process.
2. Proliferative stage: New tissue and blood vessels form, the wound edges start to close, and the area begins to strengthen.
3. Maturation stage: The newly formed tissue continues to strengthen, scars begin to form, and the wound gradually regains durability.

After surgery, it’s important to check your surgical wound regularly. Early signs of infection can slow healing and increase complications, so recognising the warning signs allows you to seek prompt medical care. Monitor your wound carefully and look out for the following signs:

Look out for the following signs:

• Increased redness or swelling
• Discharge or pus
• Foul smell
• Pain, heat, or fever

Tip: Using sterile dressings and Elastoplast Wound Spray during dressing changes reduces the risk of infection and protects your surgical wound.

Once your surgical wound has fully closed, you can shift your focus to minimising scar formation. Early scar care helps improve the appearance of the healed skin, keeps it hydrated, and supports the natural repair process.

• Apply Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment - Helps keep the wound area moist, which supports natural tissue repair, prevents scab formation, and reduces the chance of the scar becoming raised or dry.
• Use Elastoplast Scar Reducer XL Patches - These transparent patches hydrate and protect the scar, improving skin elasticity and reducing the visibility of raised or red scars. Noticeable improvements can be seen in as little as 3-4 weeks with consistent use.

Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches are available in a range of sizes, from smaller patches for minor incision scars to larger patches for longer post-operative scars. This ensures complete coverage of the surgical wound scar, supporting consistent hydration and protection throughout the healing process.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for concerns about your surgical wound.