COBLATION™ (VISAGE System™) SKIN RESURFACING - POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

NORMAL SYMPTOMS

q       The COBLATION process treated area will be covered with a surgical dressing following surgery.  Leave this dressing in place; it will be removed on your first post-operative visit.

q    Swelling varies from person to person and may occur on the face, eyelids, neck, or cheek.  This is normal with deep peels and will disappear gradually within 3-4 days.

q       Discoloration is normal and should be temporary.  Deeper peeled areas may appear more red than lightly peeled areas.

q       Peeling is usually painless.  Your skin may feel very tight (as if you are wearing a mask).  If pain or severe burning appears, call the office immediately.

q       Healing is complete for a mild peel in an average of  7 days and for deeper peels in an average of 10-14 days.  People heal faster or slower, depending on age, sun damage, depth of the peel and strict adherence to the instructions. 

SLEEPING

q       Rest on your back to avoid the pillow from rubbing against your face.  A semi-reclining position will aid in the reduction of swelling.

BATHING

q       You may bathe, but do not shower.  DO NOT get any water on the COBLATION treated area except when you are cleaning your face – see HYGIENE below.

FOOD

q       Eat normally, but take small bites to avoid stretching the lips. 

q       Do not chew gum

HYGIENE

q       After your surgical dressing is removed, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with one cup of water.  Soak gauze pads (not cotton) in the solution; apply pads as compresses (compresses should be wet, but not dripping) for 10 minutes.  Next, you will wash the COBLATION area with a gentle cleanser and apply Aquaphor to the COBLATION area.  Follow this routine 5 times daily.

q       Brush teeth normally without stretching the lips; avoid the use of dental floss.

q       Keep your hair off of your face to minimize the risk of infection.

q       Avoid wearing glasses or contact lenses to avoid impressions on the nose or pulling down the eyelids.  You may use a magnifying glass to read.

q       Never peel, rub off or scratch the skin or scabs.  Loose skin can be trimmed off with small scissors that have been swabbed with alcohol.

ACTIVITY

q       Minimize facial expressions to prevent stretching and cracking of the new skin.  Minimize talking, rough chewing and laughing.

q       You are not a bed patient, but don’t overdo it.  Quiet activities at home are best for the first few days following surgery.  Avoid sweating if at all possible.  Jogging, aerobics, swimming and other such activities should be avoided until your doctor gives you permission.

q       Avoid kissing to reduce the risk of infection or cold sores.

q       Avoid sun exposure for at least 6 months post-operatively.  Do not expose the COBLATION area until it whitens.  Wear a sun block at all times.  Makeup containing sunscreen agents is NOT sufficient!  Tanning of red or pink skin may cause a permanent change in pigment.

CLOSING

q       Wear clothing that does not pull over the head to avoid touching the COBLATION areas with your clothing.

DRIVING

q       Someone should drive you to your first postoperative appointment.  You can drive when you are no longer taking prescription pain medication and your doctor gives you permission.