Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions exactly
Keep the area clean and dry unless told otherwise
Avoid picking, pulling, or cutting the stitches
Do not apply ointments, creams, or oils unless approved by your doctor
Use warm compresses only if your doctor says it is safe
Keep up good hydration and nutrition to support healing
Reduce friction or tension on the wound
Avoid soaking the area in baths, pools, or hot tubs unless cleared
Contact your doctor if stitches seem stuck, painful, infected, or not dissolving as expected
Ask your doctor before trying anything to speed up dissolution