Advice Following Skin Resurfacing
When sun damaged or acne scarred skin is treated with our special resurfacing procedures, our patients are given complete instructions concerning post-operative care. Here is a reminder of the important changes that may occur during the healing phase.
- OOZING
- When the old skin is removed and before the new fresh, smooth surface is restored, there is a measure of oozing and draining for the first one to four days. Most of the fluid is either clear or slightly yellow tinged over a surface which is moist and light pink. Because we apply ointments to keep the skin moist, this drainage is entirely appropriate.
- SWELLING
- Swelling occurs and is most intense between day two and five. For some, the swelling occurs most intensely around the eyes and upper cheeks. At times, for a day or so, the eyes may be swollen and almost shut. This is an entirely natural phenomenon and is in no way detrimental to healing or harmful to you, the patient.
- A ROSY HUE
- When the skin has finished growing, usually by day six to ten, the skin takes on a rosy or pink colour. This pinkness is the new fresh skin before it assumes its natural colour tones. The pinkness fades a lot over the first several weeks, but some people will note a measure of pinkness for some months. The rosy or pink tones can be easily camouflaged with appropriate foundation or make up and will not be a problem with daily activities.
- ITCHINESS AND DISCOMFORT
- Some patients note a degree of itchiness during the healing phase, totally normal, for skin which is regrowing or healing. However, increased pain after the first 48 hours is an important sign that there may be a problem. While rare, increasing pain after 48 hours should be reported immediately to the doctor in charge of your case.
- RESIDUAL LINES OR SCARS
- Your doctor has discussed the fact that not every scar or wrinkle line will be removed by our resurfacing procedure. This is because each scar and wrinkle is a separate problem and some are far more resistant to our treatment than others. While we enjoy a high degree of patient satisfaction, some measure of disappointment may occur when the patient recognises that not every line or scar has been removed. As we discussed, we then can further improve those residual wrinkles and scars by a Òtouch upÓ procedure at a later time, but there can not be a 100% eradication.
- CHANGES IN PIGMENTATION
- In spite of appropriate preparation, some darker skinned patients will recognise a measure of deeper pigmentation after the resurfacing procedure. This darkening, which may occur at any of the resurfaced areas, will be treated and fade over time.
An occasional patient, in spite of our efforts to test beforehand, may note over some months the occurrence of a lighter than normal spot in the resurfaced skin. This occurs in a few because of an unusual response to the healing process. Whilst this is rare, it can occur and remain permanently. These areas can be covered with make up and at times can be blended satisfactorily to the surrounding skin.
