Postoperative Wound Care Instructions Superior Capsular Reconstruction

• A sling/immobilizer will be placed on your  shoulder at the conclusion of your procedure.  The incisions (4-6 separate incisions each approximately 1cm in length) will be closed with sutures under the skin that are absorbable and do not require removal.  Small thin white strips (Steri-Strips) will cover the incisions, followed by several layers of white absorbable gauze and tape.  It is OK to remove all of your dressings on post-op day 3 (except the Steri-Strips which should not be removed until post-op day 7 or later).  It is OK to begin taking brief showers beginning post-op day three, or when your indwelling nerve block (On-Q pump) has been removed.  Please keep the incisions clean and dry at all times except when bathing.  Please do not soak your incisions in the bathtub, pool, hot-tub, lake, etc.  After you have showered allow the shoulder to air dry, then cover the incisions with a thin layer of gauze and tape.  You may stop covering the incisions on post-op Day 7 if there is no longer any drainage.  Please do not use any scar treatment creams (such as Mederma or Vitamin E) until one month post-op.  

 

• Clear and/or bloody drainage from the incisions will occur for several days and is normal.  If there is any significant redness surrounding the incisions or yellow drainage please monitor closely and contact our office if you have any concerns.  Warmth and swelling is normal and part of the healing process. 

 

• Apply Ice to the shoulder intermittently to help control pain and swelling, 15-20 minutes at a time and repeat 5-10 times daily.  Place a thin towel between the ice pack and skin to prevent frostbite injury.   

 

• You can anticipate bruising and swelling after surgery, which may extend out onto the chest wall, abdomen/back, and down the arm even into the hand.

 

• Your shoulder may appear “swollen” until the soft tissue healing process is complete, which can take 1-2 months from the time of your surgery.

 

• There will potentially be numbness immediately surrounding the incisions.  Small superficial sensory skin nerves will occasionally be cut through to perform your surgery.

 

• At your two week follow-up further wound care instructions will be provided if necessary. 

 

Please contact our office through MyChart or by calling our office at 270-417-7940 if you have any concerns and our office staff will be happy to assist you.