Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Aftercare

Thank you for attending Youth Lab for Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal. Please take the time to carefully read your post-treatment instructions below.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Leave the applied dressing on for 48 hours, and keep it clean and dry.
• If the dressing becomes soiled or is falling off within this time, remove the dressing and clean the wound gently with tap water and allow it to dry. Betadine may also be used. You can apply a new dressing if required.
• Keep the face clean, especially immediately post-treatment.
• Wash your face gently and avoid using make-up or beauty products post-treatment
• Avoid activities that may infect the skin such as swimming or intensive physical activity post-treatment and the days following. 
• Apply Vaseline daily when the dressing is removed to prevent crusting of the wound and continue to do this until the scab has fallen off. 
• Avoid the use of active ingredients, scented lotions or soaps, deodorants, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels.
• Avoid scrubbing around the area for a minimum of 7 days post-treatment. 
• Do not rub the skin for 5-7 days following the treatment. 
• Minimise excessive movement of the area for the first 8 weeks.
• You may use mineral make-up when the dressing is removed.
• Avoid any excessive heat such as steam as this may also stimulate an inflammatory response.
• Do not shave the area until the wound crusts fall off.

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

The listed below are all normal side effects and should self-resolve within a few days. 

• Crusting
• Occasional Bleeding

For further information on how to manage these side effects, please see ‘Management’. 

More severe complications may include:

• Wound becoming red, painful and warm to the touch
• Discharge or pus
• Fever

If you experience any of the above severe complications, please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross).

If it is after hours (between 5pm and 9am) please email our emergency email at emergency@youthlab.com.au. This email address is only to be used in cases of severe side effects. 

Please note this email may not be seen between the hours of 9pm and 7am so if any concerns arise during this time or if there is a high level of concern after hours present to your nearest emergency department or call 000.

MANAGEMENT:

Crusting 

Crusting is a normal result of the treatment and will generally disappear within a few days to a week.

Crusting Relief

• Do not pick at or scratch the wound. Picking and scratching of the skin can lead to infection, scarring and pigment changes
• Be gentle and treat the area with care
• Apply Vaseline daily when the dressing is removed to prevent crusting of the wound and continue to do this until the scab has fallen off. 

Bleeding

The treatment site can occasionally bleed. This is a normal part of post-treatment healing.

Bleeding Relief

• Change the dressing
• Apply pressure and a cold pack for 10 minutes.
• If the bleeding continues, please contact the clinic.

FAQs 

How long until I see results?

Immediately post-treatment. Removing the skin lesion with a shave and cautery technique involves shaving off the visible part of the lesion with a sterile blade, then using electrocautery equipment to ablate the remaining tissue so as to prevent bleeding.

Please note, that a shave removal of the lesion only removes the visible part above the surface of the skin, and it has not been completely excised as it would be with a surgical procedure. This procedure is therefore not suitable for lesions concerning skin cancer – these will be appropriately referred on by your doctor.

Will I need another treatment? 

The number of treatments required will vary from client to client and your practitioner will personalise a treatment plan based on the level of improvement you desire.

Occasionally a small part of the lesion can remain, and a repeat procedure can be performed at 6-8 weeks. Lesions can occasionally grow back due to the “roots” of the lesion still being present. If this occurs they can be removed with a repeat procedure or referred on if required.

How long do the results last? 

Individual results will vary and depend on your skin type, the size of the lesion and its location.

Smokers will generally experience poorer healing and suboptimal results so cessation is recommended.  

It is imperative that you treat the skin with care. Avoid excessive sun exposure and always apply SPF50+ to the area to avoid hyperpigmentation.

Please contact the clinic on (08) 9324 1604 (West Perth), (08) 9260 6800 (Claremont), (08) 9260 6880 (Joondalup), or (08) 9260 6820 (Applecross) if you have any questions about your treatment or aftercare instructions.