Aftercare & Wound Care
These are Mr Sam Nahas' standard instructions for wound care after knee surgery. Always follow the discharge information you received on the day of surgery; if anything differs, use the plan given to you.
Dressings — Do Not Remove Before 10–14 Days
Do not remove or change your dressings for 10–14 days after surgery.
No one else (including community nurses) should change them in this period unless:
- a dressing comes off accidentally, or
- it is soaked and cannot be reinforced.
If either happens, contact the clinic for advice.
Wound Review at 10–14 Days
Your wounds should be checked at 10–14 days.
Mr Nahas often uses cutting-edge antimicrobial dissolving stitches where possible; in some cases non-dissolving stitches are used.
We can arrange a wound check and stitch removal (if required) at Circle Reading Hospital at this time point.
Book/Confirm Your 10–14 Day Wound CheckKeeping the Wound Dry
Many post-op dressings are manufacturer-approved as waterproof, but Mr Nahas recommends keeping everything very dry.
If water gets under the dressing and wets the wound, this is a significant concern — please contact the clinic.
Showering:
Keep the leg dry (e.g., seal above the dressing). Do not soak the wound (no baths, pools, or hot tubs).
Helpful aids:
Waterproof limb covers (e.g., Limbo) can reduce splash risk. No financial affiliation.
Activity and Protection
- Avoid direct pressure or friction over the dressing.
- Keep pets and dirt away from the wound area.
- Hand hygiene before touching anywhere near the dressing.
- Wear clean, loose clothing; avoid creams or ointments on or near the dressing unless advised.
When to Contact Us
Issues are unlikely, but if they occur, contact Mr Nahas' practice manager as soon as possible so we can organise a rapid review.
Contact urgently if you notice:
- • Dressing lifting with visible wound edges or strike-through that cannot be reinforced
- • The wound becoming wet under the dressing
- • Increasing redness, heat, pain, swelling, or discharge from the wound
- • Fever, feeling generally unwell, or new foul odour from the dressing
- • Calf pain/swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness (seek urgent care)
Your 10–14 Day Appointment Typically Includes
- Wound assessment and dressing change
- Stitch removal if non-dissolving stitches were used
- Check of swelling, range of motion, and early rehab milestones
- Confirmation of next steps and any changes to your exercise plan