What is expected after the laser treatment:
- Laser treatment would leave an open wound which will then become moist similar to a moderate burn.
- After treatment an antibiotic ointment (usually Bactroban or Fucidin) is applied and the wound covered with a non-adherent dressing for at least 24 hours.
- The wound healing times will vary depending on the treatment however we estimate around 3-4 weeks for this procedure.
- Avoid direct sunlight, keep skin moist and cool to aid healing.
- Avoid environmental irritants during the healing process (e.g., dust, dirt, aerosols, cleaning agents).
- Avoid dryness and excessive heat (e.g. do not use high heat on hair dryer).
- Avoid any vigorous exercising for at least 2 weeks.
- Stay hydrated, eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol.
- Once the wound is fully healed the treated area will be pink, again depending on the procedure this can take up to 6 months or more to fade.
On the day of treatment:
- Keep the dressing dry and in place for 24 -48 hours – as advised by your practitioner
- You may take pain relief (e.g., Paracetamol) for discomfort.
Day 1 (the day after treatment):
- The dressing can be gently removed - the treatment area will look red, sore and swollen, like severe sunburn. There may also be may also be some dark crusting. This is because the top layer of the skin has been removed, the swelling usually subsides within 4-5 days. It is normal for the treated area to leak a serous fluid (pale yellow and transparent). This is the healing process beginning to work.
If crusting is experienced, DO NOT pick at the crusts as this may scar the delicate skin underneath. Instead, please bathe/cleanse the area very gently with fresh flowing water e.g., in a tepid shower to soften the crusting and help it to naturally lift off.
- Begin bathing/cleansing the area very gently with fresh flowing water e.g., in a tepid shower twice a day
- Pat dry with a clean towel – Do not use cotton wool
- Apply a generous amount of the topical treatment as advised by your doctor (Lynton Light soothe/Vaseline/Prescriptive medication) to treated area. Ensure skin remains constantly moist.
- If desired, you may spray water mist on skin using distilled or spring water.
Day 2 – 10
- Continue with homecare as above
- Swelling should subside and skin may bronze and feel gritty.
- You may experience some itching, this is normal
- If the skin is broken, continue as above (Day 2-10 ) for a further 7 days
- Continue appropriate moisturiser until skin has hydrated back to its normal level (3-4 weeks).
- To minimise the risk of pigmentation once your new skin has formed, use a non-irritating broad spectrum (UVA & UVB) sun block SPF 50+ when going outside. It is extremely important that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for at least six weeks to protect the skin.
- It is quite usual for the treated area to remain red for several weeks after the procedure. This is normal, eventually the redness will fade. This may take between 6 weeks and 4 months (in exceptional cases)
- You can now begin to use mineral make-up to cover any redness
- Itching has usually subsided
Day 28+
- You may restart your regular skin care program if the treated area is healed this however excludes any exfoliation (acids, retinols etc)
- Avoid exposure to excessive sun for at least 6 weeks (a hat or clothing must be used to protect treated areas).
- You may return to exercise programs.