Zitelli & Brodland, PC

Welcome

Our Doctors / Staff

John A. Zitelli, M.D.

David G. Brodland, M.D.

Joy Kunishige, M.D.

Jonathan Soh, M.D.

Nicholas A. Taylor, M.D.

Michael Campoli, M.D.

E. Brent Kirkland, M.D.

Mark Burnett, M.D.

Vitaly Terushkin, M.D.

Michelle Brodland, PA-C

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FAQ's about bandaging and wounds
Skin Graft Care Instructions
Open Wound Care Instructions
Sutured Wound Instructions
Stapled Wound Instructions

Q. What should my dermatologist do at a bandage change appointment?

A. Your dermatologist will receive a letter explaining what was done the day of your surgery and what to do with you bandage.

Q. do I use ointment on the sutured wound after I take the bandage off?

A. No, you can use normal soap, water, moisturizers and sunscreen.

Q. How do I apply the ointment? How much?

A. You can apply the ointment with a Q-tip or your clean fingertip. You should use a liberal amount of ointment. You DO NOT want your wound to dry out/scab.

Q. Can I use non-sterile Q-tips?

A. YES

Q. Do I shower with the bandage off or on?

A. You can do either. After a couple days, a mild soap will not hurt your wound.

Q. When can I stop bandaging my open wound?

A. When there is no drainage. The skin will look pink and shiny.

Q. Can I use any other kind of tape besides paper tape?

A. This is not recommended. Paper tape is more gentle on the skin then regular Band-Aid or adhesive tapes. This skin will often break down or get irritated by using regular Band-Aids/adhesives.

Q. Where can I buy flesh colored tape?

A. We sell flesh colored paper tape for patient convenience. It is difficult to find a pharmacy that sells flesh colored paper tape.

Q. How long do I massage?

A. you should massage the wound until the area feels like normal skin. This will vary from two to six months. You should only start massaging the wound 4-6 weeks after the initial surgery.

Q. How long with the scar be visible?

A. Any time you cut the skin there will be a scar. Scars mature over a period ranging from six months to eighteen months. As time goes by the scar will become less noticeable.


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Mohs Surgery and Surgical Dermatology for Skin Cancer