Can I put neosporin on my stitches after 8 days?

Question

Can I put neosporin on my stitches after 8 days? Does this help the scaring and make it easier to pull out the stitches?

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

You should be able to put a light coating of neosporin onthe healing suture line. Be sure all of your sutures are out before starting.You don’t mention the type of surgery you had. Be sure to talk to your surgeonbefore doing anything.

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

When discussing postoperative care of the incision with my patients, I ask them to shower with everyday household soap once daily followed by topical neosporin ointment. They will do this for two weeks then start the scar cream we provide.

Kenneth Bermudez, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, most patients can put antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Polymixin, Bacitracin) on their incisions after 8 days. Be careful of an allergic reaction, especially if you have an allergy to antibiotics. As with any treatment, please consult with your surgeon before doing anything.Good luck.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I recommend asking your chosen surgeon this questions. Each surgeon has their own preferences when it comes to post operative care. Best of luck.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear zebraheadYou should consult your surgeon. Sometimes its beneficial and sometimes it builds debris on incision. At 8 days, unless there is a wound healing problem, there is little role for an antibiotic ointment. Your incision should be fuly sealed.

Carrie Houssock, MD · Answer

Hello and congratulations on your procedure!  You may certainly place an antibiotic ointment on the suture line during the first few days of healing.  I  usually suggest this for the first week or two and then switch to silicone scar gel once the wound has primarily healed.  I would definitely discuss with your surgeon any ointments you wish to use however.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

While the short answered to his question is, most likely, yes, it depends on why there is a discussion for utilizing the ointment.  I tend to only use absorbable sutures in my breast augmentation and don't see the need for applying antibiotic ointment to these areas.  Overall, it is always best to work with your surgeon who knows his/her plan and recovery pathways the best.

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.As this is in the breast augmentation section I’m going to assume the incision is at the inframmamry fold and is 8 days old.  I see no reason why you couldn’t use neosporin on an incision.  It’s not going to make any difference when it comes to infection but can certainly provide some moisture which typically is a more favorable wound healing environment.  The strongest evidence for improved scarring is with topical silicone.  Touch base with your surgeon and follow their instructions to optimize your results.Dr. L

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

When do you plan to have your sutures removed?  After a certain period, if still present, there is a tendency to leave stitch marks that may persist.  As for ointment, my patients are instructed that they should use ointment on their sutures as long as there is crusting or drainage.  If there is none, they can stop the ointment.  Finally, my patients are told to avoid Neosporin as there is a greater chance or rashes developing... but if that is what you have in your cabinet, its not worth going out to buy some other brand.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

Neosporin or plain Vaseline help the wound to stay moisturized and help wound healing. Continue applying Neosporin until the wound is completely closed

Can I put neosporin on my stitches after 8 days?

Answers (12)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?

I was denied breast augmentation surgery for elevated liver levels. Are there any natural ways to bring these levels down?

Subglandular or submuscular ? (photos)

What happens if you get a hematoma after breast augmentation?

How long should I keep my tape in place to reduce scarring?

How long after surgery can I be out in the sun for long periods of time?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS