Incision & Surgical Wound Care: Sutures, Stitches, Steri-Strips & Staples

What is incision and surgical wound care?

Incision and surgical wound care are instructions that you follow to prevent infections and help your body heal. You get these instructions after a surgery or procedure where a surgeon or healthcare provider made an incision (entry point) to access the inside of your body. You’ll need to clean and protect your incision site until it heals completely. If you notice any pain, swelling, warmth around the site or fluid oozing out of your wound, visit a healthcare provider, as you may have an infection.

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What is an incision?

An incision is a cut that’s made in your skin during a surgery or procedure. This is also known as a surgical wound. The size, location and number of incisions can vary depending on the type of surgery you receive. When a surgeon closes the incision, your surgical wound will need special care and time to heal.

How are incisions closed?

Your surgeon or healthcare provider will close an incision with one of the following:

• Sutures: Sutures, or stitches, hold your tissue together using surgical thread. A surgeon will use a surgical needle to sew your skin back together in the same way that you’d sew two pieces of fabric together. Your surgeon may choose dissolvable stitches (absorbable stitches) that disappear into your skin when your surgical site heals. Nonabsorbable stitches are stronger but your healthcare provider will have to remove those when your wound heals.
• Staples: Surgical staples close line-like (linear) wounds on your scalp or arms and legs. A healthcare provider can apply staples quickly to stop bleeding with a special surgical stapler that isn’t the same as a paper stapler that you have in your home or office. Surgical staples are made of stainless steel and titanium, or plastic if you have a metal allergy.
• Adhesives: Adhesives include special tapes and glues that use their stickiness to hold your skin together. A healthcare provider may choose adhesives to close wounds from needles (percutaneous wounds), pediatric wounds or apply them in addition to deep sutures. Adhesives are painless. A common adhesive tape is Steri-Strips®.

What is a dressing?

A dressing is another name for a bandage. A sterile dressing keeps your surgical wound clean and dry while it heals. This bandage protects your incision, creating an ideal environment for healing.

How often should I change my dressing?

You can change your wound dressings according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. The length of time varies based on the type and location of your wound. You may need to change the dressing daily or every few days.