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Warning-sign checks

Incision care after surgery: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe bleeding that will not stop, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, or another rapidly worsening symptom.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical team promptly if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or drainage.

    Also call for pus-like or foul-smelling drainage, fever, chills, a new gap between the wound edges, or a dressing that repeatedly becomes soaked.

    Seek urgent medical advice if bleeding continues despite firm, steady pressure, the wound opens significantly, deeper tissue is visible, or a drain comes out unexpectedly.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    These are not routine follow-up concerns.

    For routine questions about dressing supplies, showering, scar care, or returning to activities, contact the team during normal office hours or discuss them at your scheduled appointment.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Incision care after surgery. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.