Post-Operative Period

There will be a stinging in the treated areas for the first six to eight hours. This will be managed with the proper analgesics. If the entire face is treated, a significant amount of swelling and soupiness are expected – some patients will decide to spend the first night with a registered nurse to assist with the wound care. Do not consume any alcoholic beverages while on the prescribed medications. A variety of products are available and appropriate products will be recommended to each patient depending on their skin type and healing ability.

Beginning the morning after your procedure, you are to wash your face gently with water and cleansers recommended by our skin care specialists, our aesthetician or registered nurse, a minimum of twice a day. You may shower. Crusting can be expected throughout the treatment areas. Do not rub the crusts and dead skin too vigorously as this may cause bleeding and subsequent scarring. Apply a generous layer of the recovery complex ointment as directed by your physician or the office skin care specialists. In general, products recommended by the office staff or products such as Aquaphor or Vaseline work well for this purpose – we recommend that you avoid medications such as Neosporin, Bacitracin and Polysporin ointments as some patients will have serious allergic reactions to these. Specific instructions on care of the treated area will be given at each office visit.

You are to go home and rest for the first few days. During these first few days you may even require assistance walking to the bathroom because of the effect of the medication and because of swelling around the eyes.

If the treatment has been around the mouth, you may prefer a diet through a straw initially (until you can chew comfortably). You can expect severe swelling in the area of the treatment. If the laser treatment or peel has been to the eyelids, the lids may be swollen shut and the eyelashes stuck together for the first one to three days. This can be relieved by having your caretaker cleanse the lashes with hydrogen peroxide on Q-tip® applicators. As you are healing you will receive instructions to apply various medications and ointments to the treated areas. The swelling will subside gradually over a few days. The crusts usually come off within seven to ten days after the initial procedure.

The skin will initially appear quite pink and have the appearance of sunburned skin. This color is normal and will fade with time. You must avoid tanning your face for six months or until the redness fades, and preferably forever! A sun block (SPF 20 or higher, reapplied every 90 minutes while outdoors) MUST be used whenever you are going out in to the sun. With the sun block in place, however, there is no reason not to continue enjoying outdoor activities. Excessive sun exposure in the early post-operative period could lead to noticeable pigmentary changes.

Soon after the crusts have come off, you may resume wearing hypoallergenic makeup. The office will be glad to assist you in makeup and sunscreen application. The office staff can also help you establish a long-term skin care program employing glycolic acid and other products. You are encouraged to call the office, should any questions or problems arise.