Post Operative Care

Mr Sawyer will usually tape your surgical wounds using surgical tape. This should stay in place for up to 2 weeks and is shower-proof.

You can shower after the operation, as long as the shower does not spray directly onto the surgical tapes (otherwise these may lift off early) or dressings. Ideally, you should use a handheld shower if you have had surgery to your breasts or abdomen.

After showering the tapes may be dried by dabbing gently with a clean towel or kitchen towel, or alternatively a hairdryer on a cool setting may be used.

Any tape that starts to peel off may be trimmed back with a clean pair of scissors.

If you are worried about a dressing then please contact either:

• During normal hours - the outpatient department of the hospital in which you have had your operation.
• Out of hours  - call the main hospital number and you will be put through to the nurse or doctor on call.  The hospital is manned 24 hours a day.
• Mr Sawyer' secretary

There are several important signs that may suggest problems with your wound. These include:

• Increasing pain at the wound site
• A red colour developing around the wound
• A discharge from the wound (not including the minor bleeding that virtually always occurs a few hours after your operation)
• A generalised feeling of being unwell
• A rising temperature above 38°C
• Feeling nauseous and vomiting

Should you notice any of these symptoms you should contact:

• During normal hours - the outpatient department of the hospital in which you have had your operation.
• Out of hours  - call the main hospital number and you will be put through to the nurse or doctor on call.  The hospital is manned 24 hours a day.
• Mr Sawyer's secretary

Please click here to find out.

The best place to call in an emergency is the hospital at which your operation was performed and you will be put through to the nurse or doctor on call.  They will then be able to contact Mr Sawyer directly.  The hospital is manned 24 hours a day.

If for some reason you are unable to contact the hospital or you have travelled away, please contact the nearest accident and emergency department.