Recovery Update: 6 Weeks After Bunion Surgery
Hello everyone, I wanted to share a quick update on my recovery journey. It's been six weeks since my bunionectomy, and I noticed that the scab on my surgical incision came off a bit earlier than expected. I’m hoping to get some feedback on its appearance. I have been diligently cleaning the area with iodine each night and replacing the bandage on a daily basis. As for my discomfort, it remains consistent with what’s normal for post-operative healing—I haven’t experienced any significant changes in pain. Additionally, I’m relieved to report that I haven’t developed a fever. If you want to see how it looks, I’ll post a picture in the comments!
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 6:20:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you are keeping up with your post-operative care after your bunion surgery! At six weeks, it's common for the scab to come off as part of the healing process. It's reassuring that you haven't noticed any significant changes in pain or developed a fever, as those are important indicators of your body's recovery.
Understanding Your Recovery:
- The surgical site may continue to heal for weeks to months after the scab has fallen off. It's important to keep the area clean and covered until the skin is fully healed.
- Consistent pain and discomfort can be typical after bunion surgery, but you should always monitor for any signs that could indicate complications, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision site.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Incision: Keep an eye on the appearance of your surgical site. If you notice increased redness, warmth, or any pus, these could be signs of infection that may need to be addressed.
- Continue Cleaning: Continue your routine of cleaning the area with iodine as recommended and change your bandage daily to avoid infection.
- Follow Pain Management Guidelines: If your discomfort increases or becomes unbearable, utilize any pain medication as prescribed or recommended by your surgeon.
- Keep Moving Gently: If your surgeon has encouraged mobility, incorporate gentle range-of-motion exercises within a pain-free range as tolerated, but avoid putting too much weight on the affected foot unless instructed.
- Check for Signs of Complications: If you start to experience a fever, increased swelling, or severe pain, consider re-evaluating your recovery strategy and seeking further guidance.
Feel free to share the photo if you'd like feedback on the incision’s appearance. Remember, everyone's healing process is unique, and it's normal to have questions along the way. Keep up with your care, and best wishes on your recovery journey!
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