| Home Care Instructions » Laser Rejuvenation |
Please read these instructions several times and make sure all of your questions are answered prior to surgery. We will give you specific instructions if we make any changes in these directions.
Daily Activities
Since you have just undergone a major surgical operation, use good common sense in the first 7 days after surgery in restricting your normal activities, exercise regimens, and any activity requiring heavy lifting or straining for at least one week or longer. It is acceptable to do some light walking on the day of surgery. Jogging and light non-contact exercise should not be resumed for two weeks. You can resume more strenuous activities as your condition improves.
You may be up and around on the day following surgery but some natural fatigue may persist for two to three days due to the normal effects of the anesthesia and surgical procedure. Use your best judgment and do not ignore signs from your body of overdoing.
Diet and Fluids
Soft foods will generally be easier to chew for the first few days. Protein in your diet is very important to help you heal and to prevent swelling. Be sure to eat 60 grams or more of protein per day. Protein supplement drinks like Ensure, Boost and Carnation Instant Breakfast, dairy products, meats and fish are excellent sources of protein.
You must drink at least 2 quarts (64 ounces) of fluids each day to prevent dehydration.
If you feel nauseated, it usually means that you are dehydrated. Drinking more fluid will help to eliminate the nausea. In moderation, talking and smiling are perfectly acceptable, however excessive smiling and talking may increase your swelling. Start drinking as soon as you get home after surgery and keep a written record of your intake to be sure you are getting enough fluid. If the skin around the mouth is swollen or tight, drink using a straw.
Facial Bandage
The treated areas may be very painful if they are not covered with 2nd Skin or Vaseline. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the treated skin to help avoid infection.
Apply Vaseline ointment to all treated areas not covered by 2nd Skin every 4 hours, or more often if needed, to prevent drying out.
On the day after your laser rejuvenation, you will come to our office to have the 2nd Skin dressing changed. You will be shown how to cleanse your face and replace the bandage. You should bring a friend with you to this appointment so that person can learn how to help you change your dressing. You may be able to do it by yourself, but some assistance is very helpful.
Each day you should remove the 2nd Skin after cutting off the net stocking. You should wash your face with disposable cotton pads soaked in a solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar in one cup of cool water. Any soft white-yellow fluid should be gently soaked off, if possible. DO NOT PICK OR RUB TO REMOVE DEAD SKIN OR SCABS, as this may cause bleeding and increase the risk of scarring. You should not use your normal facial skin care products until instructed to do so by Dr. McBride.
After washing, let the skin air dry, and apply a layer of 2nd Skin (for the first 4 or 5 days). Remove the blue plastic protective layer from the 2nd Skin and place the sticky side of the 2nd skin against your face. Leave the clear plastic layer on the outer surface of the 2nd skin. Make sure the edges of each pad overlap the adjacent pads. Apply Vaseline petroleum jelly (non-medicated) over any treated areas not covered with 2nd Skin. Re-apply the ointment whenever the skin feels dry. Do not apply any other ointment or medication unless we prescribe it.
(See the information sheet "Changing Laser Dressings" for more information)
Avoid drafts, fans, or air conditioners, etc., as air blowing on the treated area may cause stinging and will also dry out the skin.
Medications
Take pain medication with food or liquid as prescribed. Take the antibiotics as prescribed.
You may take any of your regular medications as usual unless instructed not to take them. Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.) for seven days after surgery, these medications can increase bleeding and bruising. Other routinely taken medications may be taken as necessary. Take the Medrol Dosepack as directed on the package, except do not take any pills before bedtime. They may keep you awake.
General Care and Expectations
Your head should be elevated a little during sleep for the first 2 days. This keeps your head higher than your heart and helps facilitate the resolution of swelling. Do not sleep face down. Sleep on your back or side.
Facial and neck swelling are normally present after laser rejuvenation but the degree of each varies widely from patient to patient. The worst swelling usually occurs on the third day after treatment. Do not be concerned if you have more or less swelling than others who have undergone the "same" operation. Generally, most patients appear quite socially acceptable within 10 to 14 days following surgery.
You may gently shampoo your hair 3 days after surgery but don't let the soapy water run onto your face. Use no conditioners that are left in, or styling gels for one week. Blow dry only on "cold" or "warm" setting for five days and postpone any permanent waves or hair coloring for four weeks following surgery.
Any unexplained pain, facial swelling, bruising or fever should be reported to us immediately.
Skin Care
You should avoid all sun exposure during the first three months because excessive exposure to sun (including sun tanning parlors) after surgery may result in prolonged facial swelling and injury to the skin.
Sun exposure may cause abnormal irregular pigmentation of the skin which may last for a long time. Therefore, you should always protect your skin with an SPF 25 or stronger sun-block in order to decrease the irritating effects of the sun on your skin. Sweating will irritate the treated skin. You will notice that the treated skin gets red and itchy very easily for the first two months.
It is very important that you follow all instructions given to you by our office and that we check your progress regularly following surgery.
Please report any of the following to our office: · Excessive bleeding or drainage.
· Itching, redness or rash.
· Temperature above 101 degrees.
· Excessive, sudden swelling or discoloration.
· Excessive fatigue.
Any other unexpected symptoms or problems Please call our office if you have any questions or problems. |