Post-operative Laser Vessel Treatment Instructions

You have been treated with the Lumenis One Nd-YAG Laser. The treated area is very delicate and should be treated gently. Many patients develop immediate redness and swelling of the treated area which feels like a sunburn. Occasionally, blisters and crusts may form. Please read and follow these instructions.

Cold compresses (ice packs) should be applied immediately after treatment and may reduce postoperative pain and minimize swelling.

Wound care: wash the treated area with a mild soap twice daily. Emollients such as B. Kamins Revitalizing Booster Concentrate, Aloe Vera gel or petrolatum ointments can be soothing when applied 2-3 times daily until healing is complete. If blistering occurs, a topical antibiotic ointment applied twice daily is helpful. A bandage is not required, however, applying a non-stick bandage or band-aid may help protect a particular area from being irritated by clothing or jewelry.

If crusts or scabs develop, be careful not to scratch or pick at the treated area. Allow them to fall off on their own.

Sometimes as a result of the treatment, red blood cells may become irritated and may cause staining of the skin appearing as a bruise or as a pigment change. It is rare (less than 1%) that these changes will be long term. Most of these effects will resolve within 1-6 months.

It is recommended that supportive hosiery be worn 3 days following the treatment. Pantyhose that have at least 10% lycra spandex in the legs are preferred. An alternative to pantyhose is lycra running pants. It is not necessary to wear the pantyhose or lycra pants at bedtime.

Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken if necessary to reduce discomfort. Additional application of ice or cool compresses in the first 24-36 hours may also be helpful.

Make-up may be applied on the next day unless blistering or crusts developed. Crusts usually disappear within 1 week.

Exercise – you may continue to exercise after the treatments, however, it is best if you do not engage in any high impact aerobics for 3 days following the treatment (e.g. running, step aerobics).