Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # 6 incision-care questions to ask before going home Incision care depends on the closure, dressing and operation you received. Before going home, ask for instructions specific enough that you and anyone helping can follow them without guessing. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Identify the dressing and closure](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-1) 2. [Get the cleaning and changing instructions demonstrated](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-2) 3. [Clarify showering and soaking separately](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-3) 4. [Know which changes to report promptly](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-4) 5. [Keep the follow-up and removal plan clear](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-5) 6. [Make the contact plan usable at home](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#guide-section-6) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/#consultation-questions) ## 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](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-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](https://www.cdc.gov/surgical-site-infections/index.html) ## 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](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-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](https://www.cdc.gov/surgical-site-infections/index.html) ## 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](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-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](https://www.cdc.gov/surgical-site-infections/index.html) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - What closure and dressing do I have? - Should I change the dressing or leave it in place? - What supplies and hand-cleaning steps should I use? - When may I shower, and when may I soak or swim? - Which wound changes require a prompt call? - Who removes sutures or staples and checks healing? - What is the after-hours plan if the wound changes? ## Sources & further reading - [AAOS — Patient Guide to Safe Orthopaedic Surgery](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/patient-guide-to-safe-surgery/) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - [CDC — Surgical Site Infection Basics](https://www.cdc.gov/surgical-site-infections/index.html) cdc.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. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/incision-care-after-orthopedic-surgery/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Evish Kamrava, MD** Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) [More about Evish Kamrava ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-m-d/) [**Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [More about Prem N. Ramkumar ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [**Richard Ahn, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [More about Richard Ahn ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [**Sanjay Khurana, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [More about Sanjay Khurana ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Excerpt > I was completely off crutches after about 2 weeks, much faster than my last surgery. Overall I’d highly recommend Dr. Ramkumar! K. Klein Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 23, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114062425382363403000/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Made me feel like I was at home the whole time I was there getting my surgery. V. Blackburn Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 22, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105185308151723390669/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) ## [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) Excerpt > Courteous, knowledgeable and approach regarding how much surgery I needed made a lot of sense. A. Cohen Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 3, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109987510798924393396/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > Superb care. Excellent Doc and Staff. E. P Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 20, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115946555855040238187/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/richard-ahn-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) ## [Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Excerpt > Amazing, talented and expertise surgeon who fixed my metacarpal fracture with zero pains after surgery. Complete full recovery in 6 weeks! C. D Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 4, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105388189786427281599/place/ChIJ5ZcieJcz3YARAmR7mrBZU7Q) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Richard Ahn, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/evish-kamrava-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) ## [Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-m-d/) Excerpt > Great care and advice! Very much appreciate Dr K, Nora and staff. B. Moretski Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 19, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117866290675332699973/place/ChIJi_9WeE-7woARVE5YYjWvq60) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Evish Kamrava, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. 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[Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/return-to-work-after-orthopedic-surgery/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/evish-kamrava-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management ### [Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) Santa Monica · Long Beach – Douglas Park · Westlake Village [Meet Evish Kamrava](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Prem N. 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