What to Do After Your Surgery
Affinity Dermatology offers a wide range of cosmetic and medical dermatology procedures. In order to keep our patients as safe and healthy as possible, we’ve provided some after-care instructions. Depending on your specific procedure, the aftercare instructions will vary, but we’ve included instructions for a wide range of both cosmetic and medical procedures completed in our office. If you have any questions about aftercare or would like to schedule an appointment with us in Frisco, reach out to our experienced team today!
Post-Surgery Care
Our team at Affinity Dermatology will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incision after your procedure, but below you will find answers to commonly asked questions. Download our full surgery wound care guide for more information.
For any questions regarding incision care, contact our office in Frisco!
Post-Biopsy Care
If you have recently had a biopsy, caring for the wound is important. Be sure to keep it dry and remove the bandage after 24 hours. Then, you can shower normally, allowing soap and water to run across the wound, without scrubbing. You can use any soap as long as it does not have exfoliating beads.
Be sure to keep the wound moist with ointment such as Aquaphor or Vaseline, and cover it with a clean bandage daily. It’s critical that you avoid touching or picking at the wound to prevent irritation or infection. Allow several weeks for the wound to heal, and take over-the-counter pain medications for any wound discomfort. For any questions about post-biopsy care, reach out to our Affinity Dermatology team!
Post-Cryotherapy Care
If you have received cryotherapy (cold spray or liquid nitrogen treatment), you will likely notice that the area treated will become red and inflamed, potentially developing a scab or blister. Should a scab or a blister form, allow it to heal without removing it.
It is okay to bathe normally after your treatment, gently cleaning the area with warm water and a mild soap. Apply an ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, one to two times daily. Be sure to monitor the treated area closely for any signs and symptoms of infection. It should resolve within two to four weeks. If you have any questions about the healing process, reach out to our team at Affinity Dermatology.
Post-Laser Treatment Care
Laser treatments are one of the most common treatments completed in our Frisco office. They can be used for a variety of reasons, including hair removal, blemish and scar treatment, and more.
After your laser treatment, it may feel like you have a sunburn. The area may be red, swollen, and itchy for a few days. Redness and swelling can be reduced with ice packs and cool compresses. To treat the area, be sure to clean it regularly with soap and water. Be sure to use the right sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to help your skin heal quickly and protect it from sun exposure.
Moisturize the area regularly to keep your skin from drying out. Contact our office if you have significant redness, peeling, or discomfort.
Post-Microneedling Care
Microneedling, otherwise known as collagen induction therapy, uses devices with tiny needles that work to make microchannels in your skin to stimulate additional production of elastin and collagen. It offers many amazing benefits for your skin, but does require a bit of aftercare.
Since the procedure creates micro-wounds in your skin, it’s important to follow the skincare regimen recommended by the dermatologist or aesthetician for best results. Use a gentle cleanser, such as EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, and water to clean the area for 72 hours post-treatment. We recommend Revision D.E.J. Face Cream after your procedure as a moisturizer. Any post-treatment moisturizers will be recommended at the time of your procedure.
Avoid applying makeup for 72 hours post-treatment. Your aesthetician will discuss with you when you can resume your regular skincare regimen.
Post-Botox and Filler Care
Neuromodulators, such as Botox and Dysport, and cosmetic fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane are injectable treatments that offer many benefits for your skin. In order to properly care for the areas treated after your procedure, our team at Affinity Dermatology is here to provide you with some simple aftercare tips.
Utilize the muscles that have been treated for the first four hours after your procedure. Practice frowning, raising your eyebrows, etc. to ensure that the treatment is sufficiently worked into the muscles of your face.
For Botox and Dysport, avoid facials and massages on the treated area for at least 24 hours after treatment. For cosmetic fillers, avoid massages for at least two weeks. Physical activity, exercise, and the use of saunas and hot tubs may resume the day following treatment.
Keep an eye on injection marks throughout the healing process. A small amount of bruising is normal, but please call us if the bruising seems excessive. If you have any questions, please call our team.
Care After Sutures
After sutures are placed, proper care is crucial to support the healing process and minimize the risk of complications. Ignoring your sutures can lead to issues such as infection, delayed healing, and poor wound closure, which may result in unsightly scars or other complications. Following the recommended care instructions provided by your healthcare provider ensures that the wound heals properly, reduces the risk of infection, and promotes optimal healing outcomes.
Download our care instructions or consult your healthcare provider for guidance on caring for your wound after sutures.
Post-Care Instructions for Pearl Laser Treatment
Skin resurfacing is a delicate procedure that requires careful post-care. Failure to adhere to post-care instructions can lead to adverse effects such as prolonged redness, swelling, increased risk of infection, and delayed healing. Improper post-care can also compromise the long-term effectiveness of the treatment and result in suboptimal outcomes. By following the recommended post-care instructions provided by your physician, you can minimize these risks and enhance the success of your Pearl laser treatment, ultimately achieving smoother, rejuvenated skin.
Download our post-care instructions for pearl laser treatment for detailed guidance on how to optimize your healing process.
Post-Glytone Chemical Peel Care
After your Glytone chemical peel, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure optimal results from your facial treatment. For at least four hours post-procedure, avoid wetting your skin. This allows the treatment to set effectively and promotes healing. It’s also essential to refrain from sun exposure, vigorous exercise, or activities that could elevate your heart rate for 24 hours after your procedure.
You can apply makeup after 24 hours of your chemical peel treatment. It’s best to use clean brushes when applying makeup and mineral or non-comedogenic makeup during the healing period to ensure the best results. You can use a mild non-medicated cleanser on your skin twice a day. However, it’s important to avoid any exfoliating, scrub, retinol, or retinoid products for seven to ten days post-treatment to ensure the peeling process occurs naturally.
Also, do not use additional skincare products for the first 48-72 hours following your cosmetic dermatology treatment unless your clinician advises it. We will also recommend appropriate aftercare products to enhance your skin’s health and achieve the glowing results you desire.