Wound care after necrosis. How long should keep gauze on while it's stuck to wound? (Photo)

Question

Thank you to the doctor's that commented on my last question. I know that what I experienced was necrosis. My doctor told me to change the gauze everyday and make sure I take showers to keep area clean. Now while I agree with cleanliness, it just seems that if I changed/pulled off the gauze everyday (specifically when it's stuck to wound), I feel like I'm delaying the healing process. For me, I feel like allowing the gauze to stay on the wound until it falls off on it's own makes the most sense.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Minor wound healing issues are not uncommon after breast reduction. Proper wound care generally results in an uneventful recovery. In my practice I have the patient's wash was soap and water the open area 2 to 3 times per day. This is an covered with a clean dressing. You should however follow only the instructions of your surgeon.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has his or her own protocol in terms of wound care. So, I would definitely advise you to follow your surgeon's, who has seen and assessed you in person, wound care protocol. In terms of taking off the gauze, it can actually help remove the necrotic tissue and induce healing. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Everyone will have differing opinions on this question!  As your wound looks very clean, with no redness & no obvious discharge - I agree with your observation.  I, personally, would leave this gauze until it was ready to come off on its own (as it is part of the scab now).  It is best to have ongoing follow up with your own doctor & take their advice.  Do they have a nurse that can review you a couple of times a week?  I'm sure ultimately your result will not be significantly affected.  All the best

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Dressing changes allow for cleaning of the wound.  This can be done as a wet to dry or removed gently in the shower. Best to ask your surgeon his preference.

Randolph Smith, MD (retired) · Answer

Allowing the wound to dry as you are makes it more susceptible to infection. I would strongly suggest removal of the gauze and applying vaseline to the wound daily allowing the healing wound to stay moist and clean. You may use gauze over the vaseline to keep the ointment off your clothes. I would change the dressing daily. Good luck!

Ashok Govila, FRCS, MCh, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

I think you are right if the gauze is stuck then the wound is clean and is healing well .There is no point in removing it forcefully and make the surface to bleed this would be counterproductive.I can see you are healing well dont worry so much.I wish you all the best.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There are many different ways to handle this (of course your surgeon should dictate yours).You can, for example, use a piece of non-stick gauze (such as Telfa) and use the smallest amount of tape to hold it in place.  Rotate the locations of the tape so that the remainder of the skin does not get overly traumatized.You can also use regular gauze and wash it off in the shower.  It may seem that it's delaying the healing but as long as white, necrotic tissue is there, the gauze is actually helping to pull it off.  Once that's done, a non-stick alternative may be better.But check this with your own PS.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

Wound care after necrosis. How long should keep gauze on while it's stuck to wound? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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