Post Operative Care: Dermabrasion
OINTMENT: In most cases, antibiotic ointment is the only medication applied to the treated area after surgery. Apply it lightly two or three times daily after washing the area with water and patting it dry.
POSITION: Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling.
DRESSINGS: If a medicated gauze is applied to the dermabraded area, lubricate the gauze with antibiotic ointment two or three times daily and trim the loose edges of the gauze with scissors as they separate from healing areas.
WEEPING AND CRUSTING: You can expect serous fluid (yellow to pink) to “weep” from the area for several days. If a crust develops, DO NOT PICK IT OFF until it becomes extremely light and “flaky.”
SCRATCHING AND PICKING: Please avoid scratching or picking the dermabraded area, as such behavior may cause scarring or infection.
HEALING: The crusting is usually gone in 4-6 days and the “new” skin appears pink. Once the surface has “healed,” you may apply makeup.
SUN EXPOSURE: Dermabraded areas are very sensitive to the sun. Either stay out of the sun or be very careful with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 for several months.
LONGER TERM POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS*
ACTIVITY/SPORTS: We want you to avoid straining or any aerobic activity for at least 3 weeks after surgery. This is to avoid bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Do not resume strenuous exercise for 3 to 4 weeks. Dr. Zubowski will give you clearance to increase your activities according to the progress of your recovery.
DRIVING: You may resume driving when you feel you are able, but wait at least 2 days after surgery. Keep in mind that you must have full use of your reflexes. If pain will inhibit them, don’t drive!
SEXUAL ACTIVITY: You may enjoy sexual activity as your body allows with the following restriction: please reread Activity/Sports above and apply the same concept to sex.
SUN EXPOSURE: If fresh scars are exposed to the sun, they will tend to become darker and take longer to fade. Sunscreen can help. Take extra care and precautions if the area operated on is slightly numb — you might not “feel” a sunburn developing!
WORK: Follow whatever plan you and Dr. Zubowski have agreed upon.