Minimise Discomfort, Swelling & Bruising
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the treated areas on and off for 12-24 hours following laser treatment to help minimise discomfort, swelling and bruising.
ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR SKIN BY WRAPPING THE ICE PACK IN A WASHER OR CLOTH
- 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 24 hours.
- It is best to avoid excessive aerobic activity or flushing triggers for 24-48 hours following treatment.
- Patient undergoing pigment treatment will develops fine dark freckling which lasts typically 7-10 days.
- Vascular and hair treatment will cause redness and some swelling, lasting typically a day or two.
Cleansing & Protective Care
It is best to use gentle cleansers and moisturisers (e.g. Cetaphil lotion and cream) during the healing phase. Avoid toners, facial scrubs, and potentially irritating creams (for example those containing retinoid / retinol and AHA) for up to seven days.
If you develop any blistering and crusting, do not pick the scabbing 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.
An 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.
Queries
If you have any concerns at all related to your laser treatment, please do not hesitate to call us on (02)8833 3000 and ask to speak to one of the nursing staff.