Unless your surgeon has given you specific instructions on when to change your bandage, plan to do it daily or more often if it is visibly dirty or wet. If it’s difficult for you to do this on your own, ask for help.

Be sure you have access to soap and a sink and, if you are changing someone else’s bandage, three set of gloves. Then follow the step-by-step instructions on how to properly change bandages after surgery covered here.

Most people think they wash their hands properly, but most do not. For example, to get your hands truly clean, you need to lather them with soap for no less than 20 seconds.

Consider reviewing proper hand-washing techniques before you begin.

Put on a clean pair of sterile gloves after washing your hands.

If you notice redness in the area of the skin that was taped, you (or the person you are helping) may have a sensitivity to the tape itself. Paper tape has less adhesive than other types of bandage tapes. While it doesn’t provide as strong a seal, it may be less irritating.

If you are wearing gloves, dispose of them once you’re done.

If you are going to shower before replacing the bandages on your own incision, you can wash your hands in the shower before you clean your incision.

Put on new gloves once you’re done washing (if needed).

Pat the incision dry or allow it to air dry. Do not put a bandage on a damp incision unless you are changing a “wet to dry” dressing, which has its own method not discussed here.

If you are providing this care for a surgery patient who cannot move to the bathroom, be sure to use a fresh and clean washcloth to gently clean the incision and another clean cloth to pat the incision dry.

An incision may be red, but it should become less so as it heals. It should also be “well approximated,” meaning that the sides join together neatly without gaps. It should not look as though it is beginning to pull apart.

At this time, check for any blood, pus, or other fluid draining from the incision. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice changes to your incision, you are concerned about drainage, or the wound is not showing signs of improvement.

If you are wearing gloves, throw them away once you are done with this step.

Another round of washing your hands helps prevent any material that was cleansed from the incision from being reintroduced into the area. This is especially important if an incision is showing any signs of infection.

If you are assisting someone, put on a new pair of gloves before moving on.

Open the sterile bandage and place it directly on the incision. If possible, avoid setting the bandage on another surface like the sink or a table. This will help prevent contaminating the dressings.

Position the bandage over the incision with at least a half inch of extra bandage on each side. Tape all four sides to seal it in place. You may need to use a few extra pieces of tape if the bandage is thick.

If your incision has drainage, you may need to place several layers of bandages and plan on changing it more often. This is also true if you have a surgical drain in place. 

Pets can be drawn to soiled bandages. If you have a pet, you may want to dispose of the bandage outside or in a container with a lid.

Do not flush bandages; it could clog the plumbing.

Once you’re done, throw away your gloves if you are wearing any.

This last wash ensures you can go about your day without spreading any germs to things you come in contact with.

By performing tasks in the right order and washing your hands throughout the process, you can help your incision stay clean and reduce risks of infection.