IN ROOMS PROCEDURES

AFTERCARE INFORMATION

DO NOT GET THE WOUND WET 

AVOID SMOKING/VAPING AS THIS SLOWS HEALING

If you experience any:

• fever
• heavy oozing or bleeding
• increased swelling
• increased pain
• difficulty breathing or passing urine
• spreading redness or foul odour around the wound 
• contact us on 02 9387 2110 or your GP or emergency department.

DO NOT GET THE WOUND WET

Sutures (stitches) are removed at your first post op visit around 5-10 days (unless dissolvable).

If you have steristrips on your wound, do not get the strips wet.   If they falls off start using the Chlorsig (eye) ointment 3 x per day.     

If you don't have steristrips do not get the wound wet and use Chlorsig ointment 3 x per day.

CAN I TAKE THE TAPE OFF?

Leave the tape in place as long as possible until your sutures are removed.   

FACIAL PROCEDURES

Shower from the neck down, wash your hair from the back as you would in a hair salon and wash your face and neck with a cloth.  The surgical site should not contact water.

IF YOUR WOUND STARTS TO BLEED

Apply gentle pressure for 5 minutes, sit down and relax, repeat if necessary.  If the bleeding continues contact our office or in an emergency situation your GP or local hospital

IF YOUR WOUND IS ITCHY

This is a sign of healing and is normal.  Do not scratch the wound.   Gentle pressure may help.

STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH SCAR MANAGEMENT DURING THE FIRST 3 MONTHS WILL ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULT

ACHIEVING THE BEST POSSIBLE SCAR IS MY GOAL

During your procedure I use techniques to optimise your final scar.  Once the wound has healed and the sutures are removed, the scar goes through multiple phases or re-modelling before it settles, usually 12-18 months.

first 3 months

The scar is prominent, red, raised and lumpy.   This is normal and a natural part of the re-modelling process and is due to increased blood vessel growth and collagen.

3-12 MONTHS

The scar changes colour from red to blue and bluish grey and finally pale white.   The scar feels softer and becomes less prominent and eventually becomes barely noticeable.  

SILICONE  

A lot of scar activity can be modified by using pressure therapy using silicone or Micropore tape.  This is done twice a day for the first three months ensuring a constant contact of silicone with the scar.   Silicone gel can be purchased from a chemist without a prescription.  Two good brands are Strataderm and Dermatix.  Wearing Micropore tape 24/7 is another good option.

SUNBLOCK

It is important to protect the newly formed scar from the harmful effects of UV rays of the sun, especially in the first 3 months.   I strongly encourage you to use a sunblock after applying the silicone gel so that the scar can be the best it can be.  Regular moisturising and massaging is also beneficial.