Postoperative care after abdominal incision suture removal

What does it mean when sutures are removed from an abdominal incision?

The removal of sutures from an abdominal incision is a crucial recovery milestone, indicating that the skin layer has begun to heal and the sutures have fulfilled their supporting function. However, this does not mean the wound has returned to its pre-operative strength and condition. At the time of suture removal, although the skin has fused together, the healing of the internal fascia, muscle layer, and subcutaneous tissue is still ongoing, typically taking weeks or even months to reach sufficient strength. At this stage, the incision's tensile strength is only about 20%-30% of that of normal skin. Therefore, the core goal of post-suture care is to provide external, continuous mechanical protection to prevent the incision from reopening or widening due to tension generated by abdominal activity, while actively preventing scar hyperplasia and promoting further healing of internal tissues.

How should the wound be cleaned and protected after suture removal?

For 24 to 48 hours after suture removal, keep the wound area absolutely dry. At this time, the puncture site is not completely closed, and contact with water increases the risk of infection. Afterward, you can shower normally, but avoid tub baths or soaking in a bath. When showering, the water temperature should not be too high, and the water flow should not directly and forcefully impact the wound. Limit showering time to 10 minutes. After showering, immediately and gently pat the skin around the wound dry with a clean, soft cotton towel; avoid rubbing back and forth. Keep the area breathable and dry; routine gauze covering is not necessary. However, if clothing may rub against the wound, a thin, breathable sterile gauze can be used for protection. Wear loose, soft, breathable cotton underwear and trousers daily, avoiding direct pressure or friction from belts or elastic bands on the incision.

Why is it still necessary to use an abdominal binder or tension-reducing tape after suture removal?

Continuing to use an abdominal binder or tension-reducing tape after suture removal is a crucial step in abdominal incision care. Its main purposes are threefold: First, it provides external support, reducing lateral tension on the incision during abdominal activities (such as coughing, sneezing, getting up, and walking), effectively preventing incision dehiscence or widening after healing. Second, for patients with loose abdominal walls or mild ascites, the abdominal binder helps increase abdominal wall stability and provides comfort. Third, even pressure helps reduce subcutaneous fluid accumulation and hematoma formation. Abdominal binders are generally recommended for use during daytime activities and can be loosened when lying down for rest. Tension-reducing tape should be applied vertically to the incision and typically changed every 5-7 days, requiring continuous use for at least one month. The specific type and duration of use must be strictly followed according to the individualized recommendations of the surgeon.

How to scientifically manage pain and engage in activities after suture removal?

After suture removal, it's common to experience dull pain, pulling sensation, or occasional tingling in the wound area, which will gradually lessen over time. If the pain is mild, it can be relieved by rest and changing positions. If the pain interferes with rest, over-the-counter pain medication can be taken under the guidance of a doctor. Activity management should follow a gradual approach. In the initial period after suture removal, avoid any movements that require abdominal exertion, such as bending over to lift heavy objects, coughing violently, or doing sit-ups. When coughing or sneezing, gently press your hand or a pillow on the incision site for support. Daily walking should be slow and pain-free. Usually, 2-4 weeks after suture removal, after evaluation by a doctor, light physical activities such as walking can be gradually resumed, but heavy physical labor and core strength training are generally recommended to begin 1.5 to 3 months after surgery. The core principle is: any movement that causes significant pain or pulling sensation at the incision site should be stopped immediately.

How to effectively prevent scarring after suture removal?

Scar prevention for abdominal incisions should begin immediately after suture removal, with the goal of achieving a smooth, soft, linear scar close to the skin's color. First, about a week after suture removal, once all needle marks have completely healed and the epidermis is intact, anti-scar products can be started. Silicone gel or silicone patches are internationally recognized first-line options; they provide hydration to the stratum corneum and regulate collagen arrangement, requiring daily application or application for at least 3 to 6 months. Second, strict sun protection is crucial. Newly scarred skin is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light, and exposure can easily lead to permanent pigmentation, darkening the scar. For at least six months post-surgery, regardless of the season, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever the incision is exposed, and prioritize clothing coverage. Finally, gentle scar massage can be helpful. After the incision has completely healed and there is no redness or swelling, gently press and massage the scar with your fingertips perpendicular to its direction for several minutes each time. This helps soften the scar and prevent adhesion.

What signs indicate that you should contact a doctor immediately?

Although most abdominal incisions heal well, patients and their families should remain vigilant for signs of complications. Contact your doctor immediately or return to the hospital if any of the following occur: Increased redness, swelling, heat, or pain at the wound site, or discharge of yellow or green pus with an unusual odor or fever, suggesting possible infection; Dehiscence of the incision site, persistent fluid oozing, or visible internal tissue; New, gradually enlarging lumps or abnormal bulges around the wound or in the abdomen, potentially indicating hematoma, seroma, or incisional hernia; Sudden change in the nature of abdominal pain, with severe pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting; Unilateral swelling, pain, or redness in the lower leg, raising suspicion of deep vein thrombosis. Furthermore, if, after months of routine scar treatment, the scar continues to thicken, become raised, red, itchy, and extend beyond the original incision area, it may be a hypertrophic scar or keloid, requiring consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for further intervention. For more information on Innomed®Silver Ion Dressing Foam, Refer to the Previous Articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; You Wholeheartedly. At longterm medical, we transform this data by Innovating and Developing Products that Make Life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia