What Was Done
Dr. Innes surgically removed a skin lesion (such as a mole, skin cancer, cyst, lipoma, or other growth) by making an incision around it and closing the wound with sutures.
🔬 About Your Results
If the removed tissue was sent to a dermatopathology lab, results typically take 7–10 business days. Dr. Innes or a nurse will contact you when results are available. If you haven't heard back within 14 business days, text 801-776-7129 for an update. If margins are not clear or additional treatment is needed, we will discuss next steps at that time.
Daily Wound Care
Keep It Clean
- Clean the wound once daily with soap and water or saline wound wash
- Pat dry gently — never rub
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor along the suture line
- Cover with a clean bandage or non-stick dressing
- Repeat daily until sutures are removed
💡 Why Keeping It Moist Matters
Keeping the suture line covered in Vaseline or Aquaphor prevents the wound from drying out, reduces crusting on the sutures, and produces a better cosmetic scar. A wound that dries out heals more slowly and with a wider scar. Do not let the wound "breathe" — keeping it moist is always the right call.
Showering
- Showering is fine — let water run over the wound gently, then pat dry and reapply ointment
- Do not submerge the wound (swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, baths) until sutures are removed and the wound is fully closed
Suture Removal
Sutures must be removed at Tanner Clinic. Timing depends on location:
| Location | Suture Removal |
|---|
| Face | 5–7 days |
| Trunk / arms | 7–10 days |
| Legs / feet | 7–14 days |
| Scalp | 7–14 days |
⚠ Do Not Remove Sutures Yourself
Unless Dr. Innes has specifically told you it's okay to remove them at home, please come in for your suture removal appointment. If you are not already scheduled, text 801-776-7129 to arrange it.
- Hair around the wound may have been trimmed or shaved — this will regrow
- Keep the wound clean and moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor daily
- You may gently wash your hair anytime after the surgery — use lukewarm water, apply shampoo gently, and rinse thoroughly
- Do not use a hair dryer on high heat directly over the wound until healed
- Scalp sutures are removed at 7–14 days — scalp wounds are under more tension and need more time than other sites
- Hats or caps may be worn for sun protection
Activity Restrictions
- Strenuous exercise: Avoid for 24–48 hours after your excision — increased blood pressure can cause bleeding
- Heavy lifting and bending: Any movements that stretch or strain the incision should be done slowly and deliberately. If it pulls or hurts at the wound, don't push through it.
- Gentle walking is fine from Day 1
⚠ Especially Important for High-Tension Sites
Wounds on the back, shoulders, chest, and legs are under the most tension. Pushing too hard too soon is the most common reason wounds open or scars widen. When in doubt, take it easy for a few extra days.
Scar Care — After Sutures Are Removed
Once the suture line is healed and closed (usually 1–2 weeks after suture removal), you can begin active scar care:
- Silicone gel or silicone strips applied daily have the best evidence for reducing scar thickness and redness — ask Dr. Innes for a recommendation at your suture removal visit
- Sun protection over the scar is essential for at least 6 months — UV exposure darkens immature scars permanently. Use SPF or cover with clothing.
- Massage along the sides of the scar line (not directly over it) once fully healed can help soften scar tissue over time
- Scars take 12–18 months to fully mature. If at 3–6 months you're concerned about appearance, contact us — there are treatment options.
Things You May Notice
✓ Normal — Expected
- Redness and firmness along the suture line for several weeks
- Mild swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks
- Itching as the wound heals
- A pink or raised scar line in the first 3–6 months — fades and flattens with time
- A dog-ear (small pucker at one or both ends of the incision) — often smooths on its own; can be corrected if persistent
! Contact Us If You Notice
- Bleeding — apply firm pressure for 15 minutes; contact us if it doesn't stop
- Wound edges separating or opening
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain after Day 3
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge
- Fever over 100.4°F
- A suture pulling through or coming out early
When to Contact Us
💬 Routine Questions, Suture Removal & Results
Text 801-776-7129 during business hours.
⚠ After-Hours Concerns
Text Dr. Innes directly: 801-414-8443