What to expect after your laser scar remodelling procedure

There may be bleeding from very small spots and redness or bruising around the treated area.

Over the next 1-2 days, a thin crust will develop over the top of the scar. It will separate from the wound over the next 1-2 weeks, leaving a pink mark. This will gradually fade over the following weeks, together with any bruising.

By 4-6 weeks after your initial treatment, it will be possible for your doctor to examine the scar to decide if further treatment is required.

How to manage the wound

For 1 day:

Keep the wound covered and dry.

It’s unlikely that you will need pain relief, but paracetamol,naproxen or ibuprofen should be sufficient.

If the area becomes red, sore or sensitive to touch, apply acool compress or ice pack (a bag of frozen vegetables, covered in clean plasticwrap, works well if you don’t have an ice pack). If redness and sensitivitycontinue for more than 12 hours, contact the clinic on 03 9098 7474 or info@spotcheck.clinic.

For 2-3 days:

If there is a dressing over the wound, leave it there and keep the wound dry for 2 days.

Avoid heavy exercise and sweating for 2 days following treatment.

If the scar was on your face and you have a history of coldsores, your doctor may have prescribed anti-viral medication such as famciclovir. You may need to continue taking it for 3 days after your procedure.

For 4-6 weeks:

After removing the dressing, clean the area daily using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Daily Facial Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

Don’t pick at or peel crusts over the wound. This increasesthe risk of further scarring.

Apply a tiny amount of Epicyn or silicone gel in a thin film to coverthe wound twice daily. After it’s dried, you can apply sunscreen or make-up.For best results, we recommend that you continue twice-daily Epicyn for 3months after your procedure.

Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area for at least 2 weeksafter treatment. When going outside, wear clothing that covers the wound or abroad-brimmed hat. If you can’t cover the wound with clothing, use a Band-Aidor SPF 50 sunscreen.

Don’t use any topical products that will irritate the wound.This includes:

• AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, tretinoin, Retin-A orother retinoids or other cosmeceuticals.
• Antiseptics such as iodine, Dettol or tea treeoil. These products can be toxic to new skin cells.
• Vitamin E cream. Vitamin E commonly causesirritation to healing skin.
• Fragrances, essential oils, toners andalcohol-based products
• Soaps

Your next appointment

Return to the clinic after 6 weeks. Your doctor will examine the scar to assess the treatment results and decide what further treatment may be required.

Usually, 4-6 sessions of treatment are necessary for maximum effect.

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