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Key Information:

  • Do Not Panic: If your wound starts to bleed, stop what you are doing. Sit or lie down immediately to lower your blood pressure.
  • Gravity Helps: If possible, raise the injured area so it is higher than your heart. Gravity will help slow the flow.
  • The “Glue” Analogy: Think of a blood clot like drying glue. If you were gluing two heavy things together, you would need to hold them tight until they set. If you let go too soon, the bond fails.

The Golden Rule: 15 Minutes, No Peeking

Take a clean tissue or gauze and press firmly directly over the bleeding point.

  • The Timer: You must hold this pressure for 15 continuous minutes. Look at a clock to be sure.
  • The Mistake: The biggest mistake people make is checking too soon. If you peek after two minutes to see if it worked, the “glue” will never harden. You will rip the clot apart.
  • Restarting: Every time you peek, you must start the clock from zero. Trust the time, not your eyes.

The Step-by-Step Protocol

Follow this exact process to manage the bleeding:

  1. First 15 Minutes: Apply continuous pressure. Do not lift your hand.
  2. Check: After 15 minutes, lift your hand.
    • Stopped? Put on a clean plaster and rest.
    • Still Bleeding? Go to Step 3.
  3. Second 15 Minutes: Apply pressure for another 15 minutes. Do not peek.
  4. The 30-Minute Mark: If the bleeding has not stopped after 30 minutes of continuous pressure, you need help.

When to Seek Help

Standard Bleeding (Over 30 Mins).

If the bleeding has not stopped after 30 minutes of pressure:

  • Call the surgery immediately.
  • Important: Please DO NOT use our online service for this. We need to speak to you urgently.

Medical Emergency (999).

If the blood is spurting or pumping out:

  • Do not call us.
  • Call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

What Happens Next?

If the bleeding has stopped and you have general questions about wound care or need a follow-up, you can use our online service. Remember: Do not use this link for active bleeding.

Discuss Your Concerns

Further Information

Understanding Minor Surgery
Understanding Joint Injections
Removing Lumps and Bumps: Understanding NHS Funding
Minor Surgery Recovery: Is My Wound Infected?


For more information on bleeding after minor surgery, please visit the NHS website.

Learn more about bleeding after minor surgery

Last reviewed: 27 December 2025
Next review due: 27 December 2028