INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE OF THE SKIN FOLLOWING
DERMABRASION

As you reach home:

* Use sterile gauze to pat under the chin if dripping occurs.

* Patients with long hair should wear hair nets or tie their hair back.

What to expect after surgery:

SWELLING

* General swelling may occur.

* As swelling occurs on the face, you may even look asymmetrical, i.e. one side may swell more than the other. This is normal.

* It is not unusual for the eyes to be closed shut, due to swelling, especially the morning after surgery. This normally subsides in 24-48 hours.

* The majority of swelling will have subsided in 2 weeks.

ITCHING & TIGHTNESS

* Itching and tightness of the skin may occur as the skin weeps for the first 3-5 days

* Do not scratch or rub the skin while healing is taking place.

* A soft diet is best for 2 weeks e.g. yoghurt, mashed vegetables, soups, juices, scrambled egg, omelettes.

* Try to cut food up into small pieces to avoid vigorous chewing and opening of the mouth.

* This prevents premature cracking of the dry skin and allows healing to take place. Keep lips moist with Vaseline.

REDNESS

* You may have tape on your face for 3-7 days. When this is removed your face will be red for 1-3 months. Make-up can be used to cover this redness once the skin has healed.

* It is not uncommon for it to take up to 3 months for redness to fade and the skin to return to its normal skin tone.

* A small percentage of people with very fine skin may develop broken capillaries. This can be treated.

COLD SORES

* This is extremely rare. If however, you develop any blistered, itchy sores, contact the surgery for review.

* Use single cotton buds for cleaning to avoid spreading the cold sores.

SLEEPING

* Do not sleep on your side as it will cause the skin to rub.

* It is best to sleep at 45? on a few pillows.

* Use a fresh pillow-slip on the top pillow under your head each night.

* Do not lie flat as it can increase swelling.

HYGIENE e.g. SHOWERS

* You can wash you hair on the day after surgery - using a mild shampoo e.g. babies’shampoo or Ego shampoo from the chemist.

* Avoid hot showers as it will increase redness.

HAIR

* Use the hair dryer on low heat if you must use one - try to avoid this for a couple of weeks.

* Avoid dyeing, streaking or using chemicals on your hair for 4 weeks. Please check with the nurse prior to using any chemicals.

BEARDS

* Beards may be shaved 10 days after surgery although you should not shave closely.

* An electric razor used lightly is preferable.

SKIN

* It is not uncommon for the area to become oily several weeks after laser/dermabrasion. This needs to be reviewed by the office if this occurs.

* For several weeks following surgery, a few acne-like papules may appear.

* After 2 weeks you can commence using skin care, make-up and sun protection. These must be non-medicated, non-irritating and non-scented.

* Use hypoallergenic foundation.

* Your skin is going to be like a baby’s skin, that is very sensitive for the first 3-6 months. Following this period, you may commence using your normal creams.

* No glycolic containing products may be used for 3 months.

SUNLIGHT

* It is very important not to expose the operated area to direct or indirect sunlight as the skin may burn and develop hyperpigmentation ( i.e. brown areas). This can be rectified if treated immediately with a cream.

* The first 2 weeks you should remain indoors out of the sun and wind.

* You cannot wear a sun protection blockout until the skin has healed as it is sensitive for 2 weeks.

WOUND CARE.

* Leave the special tape (Flexipore) intact as long as possible, approximately 3 to 7 days.

* As the skin weeps, you may develop some crusting and scabbing. This should be cleaned as it crusts even if the tape is not off.

* To clean this crusting or lasered areas:

(i) Trim the Flexipore tape with fine scissors.

(ii) The lasered areas crusting or exposed new skin should be cleaned 4-5 times daily or more if required.

(iii) Apply normal saline using gauze and cotton buds.

(iv) Apply a thin smear of Vaseline with cotton buds to cover lasered areas

(v) CONTINUE the above for 10 days or until reviewed by the Nurse.

CLEANING AT 10-14 DAYS (Please check with the Nurse).

* Wash your skin with a cleanser for sensitive skin, e.g. Cetaphil lotion or Glymed Oxy Radical Daily Skin Cleanser, Ego cleanser (available at the surgery).

* Apply a sun protection blockout e.g. Ego Sun Sensitive blockout or Glymed photo-age protection cream, available at the surgery.

* Apply hypoallergenic cover make-up oil free e.g. Glymed if desired.

NIGHT - 10 - 14 DAYS

* Wash with a cleanser ( as for day).

* Apply Sorbolene cream lightly or Glymed Oxy radical daily skin repair cream or serum for oily skin. (This depends on your skin type).

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings (available at a chemist).

Note: You can purchase a post-operative pack at the rooms.

• Normal Saline - 500 ml - 0.9%.
• Cotton buds - 1 packet.
• Vaseline.
• Gauze - packet of 100, 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm approx.

Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036