Pre- and post-procedure instructions for laser treatment
of vascular lesions, pigmented legions and tattoos
Pre-procedure instructions
- Purchase a tube of Polysporin or Bacitracin ointment prior to the procedure. Do not purchase ointments with neomycin (Neosporin) since they may cause itching and redness in some people.
- When exposed to the sun, apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to the lesion(s) which will be treated.
- Tell your physician if you have a history of herpes simplex virus (cold sores or fever blisters) occurring on the lips or on other areas of the face. This is especially important if you are having laser treatment around the mouth or on the face.
- Do not take medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen for 1 week prior to your laser treatment. If these medications are taken regularly for a medical reason, discuss with your physician prior to the procedure. Anticoagulants (blood thinning medications) such as Coumadin must be discontinued at least 3 days prior to laser treatment.
Post-procedure instructions
- Do not rub, scratch or pick at the treated area while a blue-gray discoloration (purpura) is present.
- If the treated area becomes tender, reddened or shows signs of infection (for example, pus), please call the office immediately.
- If you apply make-up to the treated area, be sure to remove it gently.
- Avoid swimming and contact sports while the purpura is present.
- Avoid rubbing or pressure caused by clothing or jewelry on the treated areas. Apply a dressing to the treated area to prevent this.
- For one to two months following treatment, apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to the lesion or lesions whenever exposed to the sun.
- Do not take medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen for one week following your laser treatment.
Care of the treated area
- Apply Polysporin or Bacitracin ointment to the treated area twice a day while the purpura is present.
- Showers are permitted, but gently pat the area dry. Do not rub with a towel or washcloth because the area is delicate while the purpura is present.
- If the area develops a crust or scab, allow it to fall off on its own and do not pick at the area.
- Keep the area moist with ointment until the crust or scab falls off.
- Any discomfort that you may have will usually subside after several hours. You may use Tylenol as needed.
- If swelling occurs, you may apply an ice pack. Wrap the ice pack in a soft cloth and apply to the treated area for 10-15 minutes several times daily.
After the purpura disappears, the treated area will look as it did before treatment. A few weeks after the disappearance of the purpura, complete fading of the lesion(s) should occur.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at (203) 792-4151 in Danbury.
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