Newer Hemostatic Agents Used in the Practice of Dermatologic Surgery

Table 6

Postoperative recommendations.

Postoperative recommendations

(i) A pressure wound dressing should be applied for at least 24 hours, providing adequate compression to the tissues [10, 63].; (ii) Activity should be limited during the first 48 hours due to the increased risk for bleeding complications. Small blood vessels are vulnerable to rupture with minor activity. Strenuous activity should be limited until the wound regains tensile strength (up to 2 weeks for facial/neck wounds and up to 6 weeks for lower extremity wounds) [10].; (iii) Elevation of the operative area within the first 24 hours of the operation is important to decrease the amount of gravity and pressure on the tissues. For procedures of the face, scalp, or neck, placing pillows underneath the head and neck areas while lying down can help to alleviate pressure [64].

(i) If bleeding is apparent, ice and cool compresses can be applied to the surgical area to vasoconstrict the blood vessels and decrease bleeding [64].; (ii) Manual compression can be applied externally to the wound area for up to 20 minutes to control minor bleeding.; (iii) If the gauze and current wound dressing appear to be saturated in blood, a clean dressing should be applied to the area to allow for better absorption and compression of the tissues.; (iv) If the patient begins to experience throbbing pain, increased pressure sensation, or heavy bleeding that is uncontrollable, they should return to the office immediately for further intervention and treatment [63].