I had TKR on 5/22 and seem to be progressing well. When can you start applying lotions etc. to the incision? My surgeon used glue only, no stitches or staples. What have you found to be effective and is it too soon to start applying creams, lotions? Thanks
Hi, My surgeon used glue , I just waited till it looked fully healed, no weeping or anything and used coconut oil, I think it's a matter of preference a lot of people use bio oil.
Ask your physician. All the best to you on your recovery.
I had a partial knee replacement, and I got my massage therapist to start as soon as my dressing was removed and the incision line was clear of infection. That was about 2 weeks post op.
I forgot to mention, my stitches were the self dissolving staple type.
Used Aloe Vera Gel
I had staples so it is different for me, but, I bought some Vitamin E Cream and as soon as my staples were removed I started using it. My scar is varely noticeable. Vitamin E is soothing and healing.
Whatever u choose, aloe vera,cocnut oil, vit e cream or breaking capsules,regular lotion- just make sure its 100% closed or the moisture will open it up and make for an ugly scar. Ck w ur MD but 2-3wks is average for glued incisions
I had the same glue. I was told one month for no soaking or lotions.
Greetings. Try a blend of organic essential oils in a cream base. They are available at pharmacies and health food shops. I used an organic sorbelene base with lavender oil for its infection fighting properties. I don't like oil on my skin and preferred a cream type base. The soothing feeling of a light massage over the scar area later is soooo good. My physio massaged both my knees to release scar tissue and it really helped me. At 15 months post op on both knees scarring is hardly noticeable. I wear shorts 8 months of the year. Happy healing.
Forgot to say do not touch any weeping area and ask your local GP or nurse to inspect wound site before you use any product on the area. I washed my hands in antibacterial soap whenever I touched the wound site. I knew people who were less vigilant and managed to get infections. The wound site may look healed but may not be fully closed. I had stitches both self dissolving inside and external ones which needed to be removed. Keep wound away from dirt, animal hair etc and I washed my sheets every few days for two months. I was paranoid about staph infections. Be kind to yourself and be patient. x
I would not put anything on it yet, you do not want to get it infected. Mine did get infected. Just ask surgeon first
Bathe with antibacterial soap always!! Also now that the weather is warm, let the air get to it to help dry out and heal. Best wishes.
I was very careful using anti bacterial gel and only using Bio oil when it had helped but one of the stitch holes was very deep and got infected. I would let the shower water run on it and then thouroughly dry it softly with a towel. Then massage around the scar but not on it until about a month. Hope it goes well.
Hi, last time I had surgery it was on my face, but the plastic surgeon said as long as the wound has closed and healed, ie no weeping of any kind, you can apply creams or oils. His recommendation was to break open Vitamin E capsules and apply the oil directly to the wound. This worked a treat and I don't have a scar at all. He also advised against Bio Oil as it is a petroleum based product which isn't a healthy option. Hope this helps
I disagree with this. You have to remember you did not have face surgery, you had hardware put in your leg. I ended up with a staph infection and was on IV for 7 week and and another 30 days or oral meds, So Please do not put anything on it for several months after surgery.
Thanks April,
Won't apply anything until checking with Dr in 3 weeks.
I used Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for stretch marks. This was recommended by my Physio who had recently had a baby. It was very good and much cheaper than Bio Oil. Not sure if it is available in US.
I too had TKR on 5/19 and was told to wait till 6 wks post op to apply anything to my scar. Not sure which to try or when but I do massage the scar to break down the tissue. On another note, has anyone's physical therapist forced your knee when measuring your flexion when you aren't able to get to the degree they want? I am six weeks post op and they "forced" it to 114 degrees. (3 degrees each visit) I have cried tears but was only told to just to bare the pain and bend it more. I fear going to pt because of this. I do my excercise's each day but have a lot of swelling still around my knee and pain in my ankle and calf of my leg. Icing the knee a lot too. A good nights sleep is very rare and the recliner has become my bed for the most part. Anyone else having issues with pt?
Tell them you do not want them to force it. They should not do this without your permission, withdraw the permission. Tell them you will work on your bend by push in it gently yourself. Simple as that. Shouldn't be allowed, in my opinion! Post this up as a new discussion maybe, with a title you may get more responses.
Take a peek at my profile and maybe visit my blog. I have devoted one of the pages to my own story. It is very long. Skim reading recommended! But I write a lot about my physical therapy! That was the main activity and preoccupation for weeks!