Postoperative dressings protect the incision, manage minor drainage and may support the corrected toe. The timing of the first dressing change and stitch removal varies with the wound, closure method and surgeon’s protocol. Many incisions are reviewed within the first one to two weeks.
Do not apply antiseptics, creams, powders or home dressings unless advised. Shower covers can reduce splashing but are not completely waterproof. Immersion in a bath or pool is avoided until the wound is fully closed and cleared.
Contact the clinic if the dressing becomes wet, loose, contaminated, excessively tight or saturated.
Do not remove steri-strips, glue or sutures yourself.
Protect the foot from pets, floor contamination and accidental impact.
After the wound closes, scar care may be introduced gradually if clinically appropriate.
What can normal wound healing look like?
Mild bruising, local swelling, tenderness and a small amount of initial staining can occur. Spreading redness, pus, malodour, wound separation, fever or escalating pain is not routine.