After Cosmetic Skin Resurfacing

Wound Care

Apply Aquaphor or Copper Peptide ointment to the treated area 4 to 6 times a day after rinsing and cleansing area with water. There is no need to cover with a dressing. Keep the crust clear, soft and lubricated at all times.

Saline (water) soaks.

Gently rinse (pat) area to remove excess Aquaphor or Copper Peptide. Dampen gauze and place on surgical area. Leave on for 5 minutes. Gently lift gauze off surgical areas then gently reapply Aquaphor or Copper Peptide. Repeat this step 4-5 times a day.

Pain Relief

Pain is uncommon after laser treatment. The treated area will feel similar to a sunburn. It will “tingle” or “sting” for a few minutes. Applying ice may alleviate any discomfort, which does occur. Significant pain should be reported to Dr Jensen.

Bathing

The skin treated with the laser is now “thin” and needs to be treated delicately. You may wash, bathe or shower normally and gently massage the areas treated. Be careful to avoid over-scrubbing the treated area so as not to rub the new skin off. If you see a spot of bleeding, do not be alarmed, just back off of the intensity of the massage. Pat dry with a clean towel.

Exercise

Mild to moderate physical exercise is permitted, but heavy perspiring should be avoided. In addition, swimming should not be done for at least 2 weeks. Rest for 24 hours- Keep your head elevated. Sleep with 2-3 pillows.

Sun Protection

When the crust has fallen off and new pink skin is exposed, it needs to be protected from the sun. Unprotected exposure to the sun may cause the area to heal darker than normal skin. Use a sunscreen preparation above 25 SPF such as Sundown. Pre-Sun, Eclipse, or Shade UVA-UVB for at least one year. Don’t sunbathe. Wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun.

Infection

This is unlikely to occur if the area is properly cared for. Notify your physician immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or signs: sudden increased pain, fever or the development of small pustules. Note: A soft, moist scab is yellow and is normal. It is not infection. However this is exactly what needs to be cleaned away in the first 4-7 days.

Diet

A light diet is better after surgery. Avoid heavy chewing. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours following surgery and while taking pain medication.

Typical Course of Healing

Treatment of the skin by a laser causes a minor “burn” reaction. The immediate response may be slight “whitening” of the surface and redness in the surrounding skin. Swelling and redness may increase 24 to 48 hours after treatment, depending upon the size and location of the treated areas. Eyelids will generally have more swelling than other areas. There will likely be some flaking and superficial crusting for the first week. Areas that were treated for deeper wrinkles will have a heavier yellow crust and will take up to 2 weeks to reach the smooth, red stage. If the perioral area was treated do not use straws. If the periocular was treated do not use contacts until the time at which make-up can be applied. Apply a cold washcloth over the eyes to reduce swelling and bruising. Change the cloth every 20 minutes while awake and every 2 hours while sleeping.

Make-Up

Can only be applied once the area is smooth and red or pink and not crusting. Do not apply makeup until you are told to do so. A green foundation is recommended to cover the redness.