CO2 laser procedures normally leave a wound which will usually heal over a period of 2-4 weeks, although healing can vary person to person
HOW DO I LOOK AFTER THE WOUND?
- From the day after your procedure you can gently wash the area in the shower with lukewarm water and lightly remove residual cream from the wound. Allow the water to penetrate the treated areas.
- After showering pat dry with a clean towel and apply a smear of antiseptic cream such as Savlon and/or Vaseline. Keep the wound moist, this will help prevent the wound from crusting. A crust or scab on the wound will slow down the wound healing and affect the cosmetic result.
- If scab forms, do not pick at it. Regularly soak the scab in Vaseline and wash in lukewarm fresh flowing water such as the shower. The scabs should eventually soften and come away.
- Throughout the day you will need to reapply Vaseline 3-4 times per day and when visiting the bathroom you can reapply it.
PAIN RELIEF
The local anaesthetic cream will wear off in the next 1 to 2 hours. You may want to take simple pain relief e.g. Paracetamol (as long as you do not take any other medicines containing Paracetamol) to maximum of eight 500mg tablets in 24 hours.
COMPLICATIONS
Redness and some discomfort with slight weeping is a normal part of the healing process. However if this occurs 1 or 2 weeks after the procedure, you may need to seek advice from Professor Madan’s Clinic or your GP surgery.
The signs of infection can be any of the following:
- Increasing pain at the site
- Increasing swelling
- Increasing redness
- A pus like discharge
If there is any bleeding, press on the wound firmly with a folded clean towel (without looking) at it for 20 minutes. If it is still bleeding after this time you should contact the Professor Madan’s team or seek medical attention from your local Emergency Department or Walk in Centre.