Laser-Skin-Resurfacing Surgery Pre and Post-Operative Instruction Sheet

Medications:

Zovirax: Take as directed. Begin 2 days before surgery and complete all medication. Keflex/Antibiotic: Take as directed. Begin 2 days before surgery and complete all medication. Pain Medication: Take as directed as needed for pain. You are advised to take your pain medication for at least the first 48 hours.

Preoperative Skin Treatment:

1) Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser: Use twice daily, in the morning and at night.
2) Conditioning Gel: Use in the morning and at night under moisturizer beginning two (2) weeks prior to surgery.
3) Face Cream: Use twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Postoperative Skin Treatment:

1) If gel dressing is applied, it may be removed at 48 hours following your surgery by using lukewarm water while in the shower. Allow the water to run directly over the face and the dressing will fall off.
2) Soak the treated areas eight (8) times a day using one (1) tablespoon white vinegar in one (1) cup cool water. Apply with a soft cloth and cleanse using a gentle circular motion. This will serve as your cleanser.
3) A very mild soap, such as Johnson’s Baby Soap can also be used to cleanse the face 6-8 times per day. You may use a soft cloth or your fingers and cleanse using a gentle circular motion.
4) Vaseline is applied evenly in a thin layer after each cleansing. Some patients find it helpful to bathe in the tub and continually apply a saturated cloth to the entire face.
5) A moisturizer recommended by our office may also be used.
6) Do not apply any creams, vitamin oils or other products to your skin without consulting with our office

Weeks 2-3:

1) Continue to cleanse with the mild cleanser as often as needed.) Continue to apply the recommended moisturizer.
3) We suggest that you do not expose your skin to direct sunlight. For traveling purposes, please protect
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your face with sunglasses and/or a hat, as well as applying sunscreen products. Please ask our office for
instructions regarding sunblock.
Once the redness has resolved, most patients are allowed to begin using glycolic acid products to help
maintain their result.

General Care for Laser Skin Resurfacing:

1) Do not pick or rub to remove dead skin or scabs, as this may increase the risk of scarring. Any scabs should be gently soaked off.
2) Do not apply Neosporin or any other ointment, including Vitamin E, to the face. This could increase the risk of infection.
3) Do not expose the skin directly to the sun for 2-3 months. It is very important to keep the area protected from the sun for the next several months to avoid changes in skin pigmentation and to minimize redness. For 3-4 weeks after surgery, a sunblock containing zinc oxide should be applied.
4) If the skin around the mouth is tight, you may use a straw for drinking.
5) Avoid strenuous exercise for two (2) weeks to avoid irritating the skin.
6) Avoid drafts, fans, or air conditioners, as air blowing on treated areas may cause stinging and dryness.
7) Mild to moderate redness is expected for 1-2 weeks and will fade gradually over 12-16 weeks.
8) Oozing of fluid from the treated sites may occur for 3-7 days.
9) Mild to moderate swelling is normal and may last for 3-7 days. Swelling and/or blistering may be the most severe for 3-4 days after the procedure.
10) Pulling, drawing, and itching of the skin will increase as healing occurs.
11) Frequently, the face will appear to “break out” approximately three (3) weeks after surgery with pimple-like raised areas. This is normal and is simply caused by clogged pores. Please notify the office for further instruction if this occurs.
Dr. Hamrah will instruct you when it is appropriate to begin wearing makeup. This usually falls between