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The anaesthetic lasts about 4 hours – when the anaesthetic wears off the wound can sting or bleed.
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The anaesthetic has adrenaline in it which constricts the blood vessels. This means there is often little or no bleeding during the procedure. When the anaesthetic wears off the blood vessels can re-dilate and sometimes sting and or bleed.
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If the wound stings, take 2 panadol 4 hourly (don’t take an aspro based product or an anti-inflammatory as they can exacerbate bleeding)
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If the wound bleeds, apply pressure and elevation for about 15-20 minutes.
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If the wound does sting or bleed, it is generally on the day of the procedure or overnight on the first night. The discomfort will usually settle after the first day.
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Occasionally wounds can become infected. This is generally a delayed reaction several days after the procedure – particularly if the dressing has come off. If the wound becomes red, hot, swollen or tender you may need antibiotics – contact the clinic to come back in for review.
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Wounds heal best when kept covered.
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Shave scars are an ulcer – like a gravel rash scar and are usually covered with hypafix tape. They need to be covered for a couple of weeks to allow the new skin cells to grow over the ulcer. Sometimes these cells look like a yellow film – they are not pus or infection. They heals best in a damp or humid environment under the hypafix tape. The tape is ok to get wet under the shower – just pat it dry. Twice a week change the tape. Take it off before a shower, wash it with soap and water, pat it dry and put on a new tape.
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Deeper wounds such as punch biopsies or excisions which are sutured normally have a water-proof island dressing applied. This dressing should stay intact until removal of sutures – generally about 7 days for the face, 10 days for the torso and up to 14 days for lower legs.
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Wound infections can occur after a wound has been exposed during a change of dressing or when the dressing has been left off altogether. Please be careful with hand washing and hygiene if the dressing needs to be changed.
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Keep the wound covered for as long as possible. If the dressing is problematic sometimes a smear of Vaseline will do the trick
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Silicone scar gel rubbed into the scar twice daily for 2 months will help cosmesis. A thickened or hypertrophic scar can occur on some areas (chest and shoulder) as a delayed reaction about 6 months after the procedure and can be treated with cortisone injections if need be.
