After Bypass Surgery: Caring for Your Incision

Your incisions may itch or feel sore, tight, or numb for a few weeks. These are all normal signs of healing. Some bruising around the incisions is also normal.

To care for your incisions:

• Wash them gently with warm water and a mild soap. Don't soak the incisions or keep them in water as in a bathtub.

• To help prevent infection, don't use any lotions or creams near the incisions unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

• You can trim off the loose edges of any tape covering the incisions. But don't remove the strips.