bannerbanner
KTPH: Postoperative Neck Wound Care Guide
Overview

Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) | Head & Neck Surgery, KTPH

ktph-hl-postopneckwound1.jpg

Basic Wound Care

  1. Keep the wound clean.
  2. Don't scratch or scrub the wound for 1 month after surgery.
  3. After showering, pat the area dry gently.
  4. Avoid heavy lifting (over 5kg) and strenuous activities for 1 month.
  5. Don't smoke as it slows wound healing.
  6. Apply prescribed antibiotic or scar ointment after stitch/glue removal.
  7. Protect the scar from direct sunlight for the first year, by covering with clothing or scarf and using sunscreen regularly.
  8. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Scar Massage

When your doctor approves:

• Use fingertips to massage the scar in circular motions.

• Apply steady pressure.

• Do this for 5 minutes, twice daily.

Postoperative Amenity Kit

A postoperative amenity kit may be purchased for use in neck wounds, where stitches or surgical glue have already been removed. Please discussed with your main surgeon if this may be beneficial for your wound care.

What to Expect

• Scars take 12-18 months to fully mature.

• Most scars improve naturally over time.

• Some scars may become thick (hypertrophic) or form excess tissue (keloid)

• Contact your doctor if you notice unusual scarring.

ktph-hl-postopneckwound2.jpg

1 month after operation

ktph-hl-postopneckwound3.jpg

1 year after operation

To make an appointment with C62 ENT Clinic.

ENT.PE.19.1125

This article was published by Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and updated in 2026.