6 incision-care questions to ask before going home

1. Identify the dressing and closure

Ask whether the incision has sutures, staples, skin adhesive or another closure and what dressing covers it. These details affect what should be left in place and who removes or changes it. Do not treat every bandage or strip as interchangeable. Have the team show you the area you are responsible for observing and explain what should remain untouched. If you cannot see or reach the incision, identify a helper or another arrangement before discharge rather than trying to manage it alone.

If you have several small incisions or a separate drain site, ask whether they need the same care. Labeling the instructions by location can help a caregiver avoid confusion. Mention a history of skin irritation from tape or dressings so the team can advise on an appropriate response. If itching or a rash develops, contact the team rather than removing a protective dressing or applying a new product without guidance.

Sources: AAOS — Patient Guide to Safe Orthopaedic Surgery

2. Get the cleaning and changing instructions demonstrated

Ask whether you should change the dressing, which supplies are needed and how often the team wants that done. If the instruction is to leave it in place, ask what to do if it becomes wet, loose or soiled. The CDC emphasizes clean hands before and after caring for a wound and avoiding unnecessary touching. Do not add ointments, disinfectants or home remedies unless the surgical team recommends them. A short demonstration can resolve uncertainty that a general handout leaves behind.

Sources: CDC — Surgical Site Infection Basics

3. Clarify showering and soaking separately

Ask when showering is allowed, how the dressing should be protected if needed, and how to dry the area afterward. Bathing in a tub, swimming and using a hot tub are different exposures from a brief shower. Get separate instructions for them instead of assuming one permission covers all water activities. Consider whether getting into the shower is safe with your movement and weightbearing restrictions. Wound care and fall prevention need to work together, particularly if you are using a brace, sling or walking aid.

Sources: AAOS — Patient Guide to Safe Orthopaedic Surgery

4. Know which changes to report promptly

Increasing redness, drainage, worsening pain or fever can signal a surgical-site infection and warrant prompt contact with the treating team. Ask what changes they expect during ordinary healing and which should trigger a same-day call. A wound that opens or bleeding that does not settle according to your instructions also needs advice. Describe when the change began and any associated symptoms. Do not rely on a photo alone to rule out a problem, and do not take leftover antibiotics without assessment.

Sources: CDC — Surgical Site Infection Basics

5. Keep the follow-up and removal plan clear

Ask whether anything needs removal, who performs it and when the wound should be checked. Do not remove staples, sutures or adhesive products early because the skin looks closed. If you will travel or see another clinician, arrange the handoff and share the operation details. Tell the team about diabetes, smoking or nicotine use, skin reactions and other factors they ask about. Follow the individualized instructions for supporting healing; a general list cannot replace assessment of your wound and health.

Sources: AAOS — Patient Guide to Safe Orthopaedic Surgery

6. Make the contact plan usable at home

Save the routine and after-hours numbers and ask what to do if you cannot reach the office. Severe illness, rapidly worsening symptoms or other emergency signs require urgent assessment rather than waiting for a portal response. Keep your procedure date, medication list and current wound instructions together. At Commons Clinic, tell us if reaching or observing the incision will be difficult so that the preparation discussion can include practical support. Before leaving, explain the plan back in your own words and ask the team to correct anything you have misunderstood. Include the person helping with your dressing in that demonstration.

Sources: CDC — Surgical Site Infection Basics

Sources & further reading

• AAOS — Patient Guide to Safe Orthopaedic SurgeryAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• CDC — Surgical Site Infection Basicscdc.gov

We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences.

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