What are the discharge instructions for a 6-year-old male with a small laceration repaired with 1 stitch to the upper left lip?

Discharge Instructions for a 6-Year-Old with a Lip Laceration Repair

For a 6-year-old male with a small laceration repaired with 1 stitch to the upper left lip, the suture should be removed after 5-7 days to minimize scarring while ensuring adequate wound healing. 1

Wound Care Instructions

First 24-48 Hours

• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Apply ice packs (wrapped in a clean cloth) for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
• Monitor for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever)
• Avoid activities that might cause trauma to the lip area

After 48 Hours

• Gently clean the wound twice daily with mild soap and water
• Pat dry with a clean towel (do not rub)
• Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if prescribed
• No bandage is typically needed for lip lacerations

Diet Instructions

• Start with cool, soft foods that won't irritate the wound (pudding, yogurt, applesauce)
• Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may cause discomfort
• Avoid straws, which can create suction that may disrupt the healing wound
• Ensure adequate hydration but be careful with drinking to avoid disrupting the suture

Pain Management

• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for pain according to package instructions for child's weight
• Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen if possible as they may increase bleeding risk
• Apply ice packs for pain relief as described above

Suture Removal

• Return to clinic in 5-7 days for suture removal 1
• After suture removal, applying wound tape (Steri-Strips) for additional support for 3-5 days can help promote optimal healing 1

Return to Activities

• The child may return to school when comfortable, typically 1-2 days after the procedure
• Avoid rough play, contact sports, or activities that could result in facial trauma for at least 1-2 weeks
• Swimming should be avoided until after suture removal

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever
• Bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure for 10-15 minutes
• Suture comes out before scheduled removal
• Wound edges separate or open
• Severe pain not relieved by recommended pain medications

Follow-up Care

• Schedule a follow-up appointment for suture removal in 5-7 days
• After healing, protect the scar from sun exposure with sunscreen (SPF 30+) for at least 6 months to prevent darkening

Special Considerations for Children

• Pediatric patients may require additional monitoring and support during the healing process 2
• Distraction techniques and child-appropriate explanations can help reduce anxiety during wound care 2
• Parents should be present during wound care to provide comfort and assistance 2

Scar Management

• After complete healing (2-4 weeks), gentle massage of the scar with moisturizer may help with scar remodeling
• Scar formation continues for up to 12 months; protect from sun exposure during this time
• For facial lacerations, early suture removal (5-7 days) is critical to minimize visible scarring 1

The lip is a highly mobile area that experiences significant tension during normal facial movements, making proper wound care essential for optimal healing and cosmetic results. Following these instructions will help ensure the best possible outcome for your child's laceration repair.