Skin care for Posterior approach
(Surgical Incision on Back)

1. The surgical incision(s) on your back is to be washed daily with soap and water.  This may require the help of another person.  Follow the recommended procedure:
• While lying on your side in bed, open the back of the  jacket.  Pull up your T-shirt.
• Have someone gently wash your incision with mild soap and water.
• Rinse the incision and gently pat dry.  A small towel placed on the bed helps to keep the bedding dry.
• Do not rub the incision.  Do not apply lotion or powder to the incision.
• This may be a good time to air the incision.  See #2
2. Air the incision(s) for approximately 1 hour three times a day.  This is done while lying on your side in bed, opening the back of the jacket, and pulling the T-shirt up to expose the incision.
3. You may shower three days after surgery.  Do not soak in a bathtub for 3-4 weeks, or until all the "scabs" have fallen off.  You must shower with the back brace on.  This is very important.  You would not think of removing a cast from your broken leg to shower!  Procedure for showering is outlined below:
• Lying on your side in bed, open the back of your jacket and remove your T-shirt.  This requires assistance.  Close the back of the jacket
• Shower with the jacket on.
• After shower, towel dry, and return to bed.  While lying on your side, remove the back of jacket.  Have someone wash your incision following guidelines in #1 above.  This may be a good time to air your incision.
• The inside of the jacket may be dried with a hair dryer if desired.
• Put on a clean T-shirt and close the back of the jacket.