Laser Resurfacing in Philadelphia

These post-operative care instructions are for laser resurfacing procedures and are designed to help patients achieve the best results. Patients are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Ho or her staff with any questions before or after surgery.

Activity Instructions and Restrictions:
– Patients are advised to resume walking promptly after surgery to prevent blood clots and aid recovery.
– Heavy lifting over 10 pounds, strenuous activity, bending, and straining should be avoided for one week (or two weeks if additional surgical procedures were performed).
– Constipation can be managed with over-the-counter stool softeners like Colace.
– Activities like hot yoga, saunas, and swimming are prohibited for four weeks post-surgery.
– Use of a CPAP machine should only resume after clearance from the surgeon.

Head Positioning:
– To minimize swelling, patients are recommended to keep their head elevated at a 30-degree angle for the first week after the procedure.
– Sleeping in a recliner or with two pillows propped up is advised.

Cool Compresses:
– Cool compresses (ice packs or frozen vegetables) should be applied to treated areas for 20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Diet:
– Patients are encouraged to resume eating and drinking as tolerated after the procedure. Drinking plenty of fluids helps rehydrate and reduce swelling.
– After general anesthesia, start with gentle, bland foods that encourage appetite and do not upset the stomach.

Bathing:
– Showering can be resumed the day after surgery, but treated areas should not be saturated with water.
– Face washing with a gentle cleanser and tepid water should start the day after the procedure.

Skin Care:
– Occlusive ointment (like Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Alastin Skin Nectar) should be reapplied generously to treated areas four times daily for one week, then tapered to three times daily the second week.
– Face washing should occur 5 times daily for the first two days, then taper to 1-2 times daily, with reapplication of the occlusive ointment after each wash.

Pain Management and Itching:
– Tylenol or prescribed pain medication can be used for pain relief.
– Over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief for itching.
– Patients are advised not to pick the skin to prevent scarring.

Sun Protection:
– Direct sunlight should be avoided for the first week after the procedure.
– A broad-spectrum sunblock moisturizer (minimum SPF 35) should be applied daily starting one week after the procedure for 6 to 12 months.

Medications:
– Antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral medications should be taken as prescribed, starting the day before the procedure.
– Completing the entire prescription is crucial.
– Medications should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.

Self Care:
– Eye glasses and contact lenses can be resumed the day after surgery (one week after eyelid surgery).
– Patients may place gauze between the bridge of the nose and glasses to avoid irritation.
– Lubricating preservative-free eye drops can be used if experiencing eye irritation.
– Makeup application can begin on areas that have healed over one week after the procedure.
– Tweezing eyebrows should be avoided for two weeks.

Driving Restrictions:
– Patients can drive to their first post-operative visit unless taking narcotic pain medication on that day.

Work and Social Activities:
– Return to work or social activities depends on the level of physical activity and public contact involved, but the average patient can do so 3 to 5 days after laser resurfacing.

Follow-up Appointments:
– The first follow-up appointment is scheduled with Dr. Ho to check treated areas and any associated surgery sites.
– Subsequent follow-ups occur at one, three, and six months after the laser resurfacing procedure.

What to Expect After the Procedure:
– Swelling, stinging, and peeling may occur, with improvement typically observed after the skin has healed.
– Pain and discomfort can be managed with Tylenol or prescribed pain medication.
– Treated skin may initially resemble a sunburn, with redness, peeling, and serum exudation.
– Healing generally occurs within one to two weeks, with final results visible at three to six months.
– Any symptoms such as fever, infection signs, fever blisters, nausea, vomiting, drainage, open wound areas, difficulty breathing, or chest pain should prompt immediate contact with Dr. Ho’s office for further evaluation.