Skin and Cancer Foundation Australia

Dressing

• The area treated is dressed with Silon and it has to stay in place for 5 days.
• DO NOT GET IT WET.
• DO NOT RUB.
• Apply Vaseline to the exposed skin, such as your lips and around the eyes.
• Use the bath or tepid showers to avoid the dressing lifting off.
• Replace Combine pads (provided) under your chin when necessary, keeping the “netting” in place.
• You may be instructed to remove the “netting” and combine pads in 2-4 days – this may vary according to each patient.

Pain relief

• A script for Panadeine Forte will be provided. Taking Panadeine Forte on an empty stomach can cause nausea, so have something light to eat first.
• Sleep with an extra pillow so that your head is slightly above 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 for the first 48 hours.
• If you are told to come in the next day for a review of your dressing do not take the dressing off. Please make an appointment with our reception.

Removing the Dressing

Cleaning the area

• Spend 30-45 minutes in the shower, washing your hair and face and removing all crusts.
• Use gentle cleansers (e.g. Cetaphil cleanser) to cleanse your face and apply a thin smear of Vaseline before coming to your dressing appointment.
• Continue to cleanse and moisturise 4-6 times a day.
• Avoid toners, facial scrubs, and potentially irritating cream (for example those containing retinoid/retinol and AHA) for 14 days.
• It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure for 8 weeks following treatment to minimise side effects.
•  SPF30+ sunscreen 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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