An incision is a "cut" through the skin that is made during
surgery. It also called a "surgical wound." Some incisions are
small, and others are very long. The size of the incision will
depend on the kind of surgery you had. Do not wear tight
clothing that rubs against the incision while it is healing.
Sometimes, a surgical wound will break open (wound dehiscence).
This may happen along the entire cut or just part of it. Your
doctor may decide not to close it again with sutures, or
stitches. If your doctor does not close your wound again with
sutures, you will need to learn how to care for it at home,
since it may take time to heal. The wound will heal from the
bottom to the top. The dressings help to soak up any drainage
and to keep the skin from closing before the wound underneath
fills in. It is important to clean your hands before you change
your dressings. You may use an alcohol-based cleaner like
Purell, or you may wash your hands using these steps: Take all
jewelry off your hands. Wet your hands, point