Skin Resurfacing

 

Day of Surgery

During the first six to eight hours following a skin resurfacing procedure, you may experience a burning sensation on the treated area(s).  This is relieved very effectively by the following:

1. Apply Xylocaine (Lidocaine) 5% ointment as necessary to remain comfortable.  Apply Aquaphor ointment over this to keep the skin moist.
2. Take pain relievers as directed.

 

Week One

1. Maintaining moist coverage of the skin is absolutely essential to promote good healing.  Starting the day after surgery, begin washing the resurfaced areas with water.  Do this in the shower or with a "sprayer" at the kitchen sink (3) three or more times per day.  The spray helps loosen surface debris, but should not be forceful enough to sting. 
   
   Using only your fingertips, rub the treated areas.  Do not use a wash cloth. Gently massage a light layer of Aquaphor ointment over the resurfaced area to maintain moisture and prevent crusting.  This gentle massage is strongly recommended throughout the day.  Be sure to wash your hands before applying Aquaphor or doing any treatments to the resurfaced areas.
2. If you awaken at night with your face feeling dry, one more "washing" and Aquaphor application will help you sleep better through the remainder of the night.
3. NEVER pick at crusts.  The washings and ointment will help the crusts separate from the skin at the correct time.  There is no prize for getting skin & crusts to come off earlier.
4. You may shampoo your hair with baby shampoo starting the day after surgery.
5. It is important to protect the delicate new skin during the first two weeks.  If  eyeglasses must be worn, ask us to demonstrate a special way which will protect the delicate skin.  Do not wear a hat, shower cap, or hair piece that contacts any area which has been resurfaced.  This may result in delayed healing and jeopardize a good result.
6. Do not wear contact lenses for two weeks. (you may wear glasses).
7. Be sure to drink lots of fluids (water, juice, etc.) and eat plenty of protein (meat, fish, chicken, eggs, etc.) during your healing period.  The fluids help keep your tissues moist and the protein helps to provide the building blocks for tissue to heal.  Do not diet!  This can significantly prolong the healing phase and cause complications.

 

Week Two

1. Continue the above routine until all the skin is healed and bright pink.
2. DO NOT INITIATE THE USE OF MAKE-UP WITHOUT OUR DIRECTION.

 

Special Considerations

Within twenty-four to thirty-six hours, chemically peeled and/or lasered areas resemble a deep sunburn or blister. This is expected.   Dermabraded areas resemble an abrasion or a "skinned knee" in appearance.  You may notice a yellow-colored fluid oozing from the skin.  This is a part of the normal healing process.  During the first two to three days after surgery, your skin will be quite swollen.

As the skin layers separate or peel, delicate new skin is exposed, and must be kept moist for the best healing.  Premature removal of surface debris by picking at crusts may damage tender new skin, causing bleeding, or delayed healing.

Between the seventh and fourteenth day post-operatively, most of the debris should have disappeared and the new skin will appear intensely pink.

Early in the healing process, exercise, emotional upset, or exposure to heat, cold or wind will cause the skin to temporarily become intensely pink.  This is due to increased blood flow or "blushing".  After three to four months, this should gradually improve.

Occasionally, small "white cysts" or milia may appear in the treated areas several weeks after surgery.  These are clogged oil glands and usually disappear in two to three weeks without specific treatment.  If they persist, contact us.  We can demonstrate a technique to eliminate them.

It is common to develop fever blisters or cold sores post-operatively.    To help avoid an outbreak, you will be taking an anti-viral medication (valtrex) prior to surgery and during your healing process.  Should fever blisters or cold sores appear, or if you experience a significant increase in pain or skin redness, call the office.  Although fever blisters may prolong the healing period, it is rare that they cause any permanent skin defects.

If you experience a significant increase in pain, increased skin redness or persistent itching, please call our office.