Aftercare

Introduction

Aftercare refers to what you should and should not do immediately after receiving a treatment. Below are some general measures to supplement the advice your doctor or therapist has given you. If you are not sure or have any questions about what to do, please do not hesitate to call the practice on 02 9984 7277 during business hours or 0414 509 581 after hours.

Skin Cancer Treatments

The most common treatments we provide for sunspots and skin cancers consist of: 

Cryotherapy Aftercare

Cryotherapy is using a spray of freezing nitrogen gas to destroy abnormal tissue. Redness, swelling, and blistering may occur.  If you have pain at the site, take 1 or 2 paracetamol (Panadol, Tylenol) tablets every 4 hours.

Avoid soap, and rinse daily with clean water or liquid iodine (Betadine liquid).  After rinsing, cover any significant wounds with a clean dressing. Repeat this procedure daily until the wound is healed. Wounds on the head and neck may take 4 to 6 weeks to completely heal, but other sites may take longer.

Surgical Excision Aftercare

After your doctor removes a cancer or other lump, you may have stitches.  Immediately after surgery it is ideal to rest. Also try to raise the wound site, if possible, to reduce swelling and bleeding. For example, if you have had an operation on your face or scalp, you may wish to sleep with the head of the bed raised or propped up with pillows. After leg surgery, apart from when you are walking, try to put your leg up on a lounge, a chair or a bed.

Leave any dressing on for 24 hours after surgery.  Upon removing the dressing, apply some iodine liquid (Betadine) either full strength or diluted 1 part Betadine to 10 parts sterile water.  (Sterilise water by boiling it for a few minutes.)  After rinsing with Betadine, apply another sterile dressing.  Do this daily until you are due to have your stitches removed.  Stitches on the face usually stay in for 5 to 7 days, and those on the body for about 10 days or so, but check with your doctor.

After the stitches are removed, applying Micropore tape over the scar for 4 to 5 days at a time for 6 to 12 weeks helps support the scar to heal nicely.  It will stay on in the shower if you are careful. 

Laser Aftercare

Avoid direct sun, wear a hat and apply sunscreen every 2 hours, at least for the next few days but preferably for the rest of your life.  If you have a minor wound, rinse with sterile salt water or Betadine daily and apply a Bandaid or equivalent larger dressing to significant wounds.

Cosmetic Injection Aftercare

It is best to avoid vigorous activity and rubbing the site for the next 4 to 6 hours.  Ice packs will reduce swelling.  Avoid bending over, straining and drinking the dreaded alcohol.

Microdermabrasion

Avoid direct sun and excessive alcohol for the next 6 hours.

Facial Peels

Avoid direct sun, excessive alcohol and harsh cosmetics and creams.