Care of your wound following even the most minor procedure is important. Different wounds are closed in different ways, so Dr Marucci’s team will give you specific written instructions regarding how to manage your wound in the days after the surgery at the time of your procedure.

Here are some general instruction which apply to most minor procedures Dr Marucci performs

• The local anaesthetic will wear off in the hours after the procedure. When the local anesthetic has worn off, you may need some panadol, maybe some panadeine, but you shouldn’t need anything stronger than that.
• If there is any bleeding from the wound, put firm pressure directly over the wound with clean tissues. You can’t do any damage with some firm pressure. Look at the clock and hold the pressure for at least 10 minutes. Normally this is enough to stop any bleeding. You may need to repeat this. If the bleeding continues, contact Dr Marucci at the rooms.
• If there is excessive redness, irritation or any signs of possible infection, please ring the rooms. You will be provided with an after-hours number at the time of your procedure.
• If your wound is on the arm or leg, it will probably be wrapped up in a bandage. Keep the bandage dry and intact as instructed. You can shower with your limb in a plastic bag. Often Dr Marucci will ask that you take the bandage off after a few days and shower over the wound.
• NO swimming and NO heavy exercise for at least 1 week after the surgery – no exceptions! (Sorry!)

Some wounds can be closed with dissolving stitches under the skin. These tend to be wounds on the neck, back, chest or abdomen. Dr Marucci will normally dress these wounds with micropore tape – this is a paper tape which you can buy over the counter at the chemist. You will usually be allowed to shower lightly over the paper tape from the day after your procedure and then pat the tape dry. Leave the tape on. DO NOT PEEL IT OFF. If it falls off, then replace the tape with some new clean paper tape.

Some wounds are closed with stitches which need to be removed a week or so after the surgery. Dr Marucci uses these external stitches particularly on the face and scalp. You will allowed to shower straight over the stitches from the day after your procedure. Please apply Vaseline (available from your chemist) to wound twice a day. This keeps the wound moisteurised.

Download Minor Procedures Information Sheet