Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia

Minimise discomfort, swelling & bruising

• Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the treated areas on and off for 24-48 hours following treatment to help minimise discomfort, swelling and bruising.

ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR SKIN BY WRAPPING THE ICE PACK IN A WASHER OR CLOTH

• Ensure you apply SPF30+ sunscreen to the treated area before leaving the clinic to avoid sunburn from direct sunlight.
• Remain indoors and avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours due to photosensitivity.
• If you have had treatment to the face, sleep with an extra pillow so that your head is slightly above your waist level to help reduce swelling in the eye area. Continue to do this until swelling subsides.
• If it becomes necessary to stoop, bend from your knees only. Do not lower your head. Do this for the first 48 hours.
• It is best to avoid excessive aerobic activity or flushing triggers for at least one week following treatment.
• The area will be slightly red for 1-2 weeks.
• The skin will feel dry and tight, and will peel up to a week.

• It is best to use gentle cleansers and moisturisers (e.g. Cetaphil cleanser, lotion and cream) during the healing phase.
• Avoid toners, facial scrubs, and potentially irritating creams (for example those containing retinoid / retinol and AHA) for  seven days.
• If you develop any blistering and crusting, do not pick the scabs off. Gently clean the areas and apply a thin smear of Vaseline twice daily until healed. Make sure you let your doctor know at the next consultation that this has occurred.
• It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure for 8 weeks following the treatment to minimise side effects.
• SPF 30+ should be worn daily during this time (even on cloudy days). This helps to reduce the risk of brown pigmentation (increase in skin colour.) If it does occur, it is usually temporary, but can take a few months to fade.

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