Laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (PDT) in Birmingham

After treatment: healing and aftercare FAQs

• What will my skin look like afterwards?

  • First 24 hours: stinging, burning and heat, strongest during and just after the light treatment. Swelling is common. After facial treatment, the eyelids may swell.
  • Days 1–4: in most people, redness, swelling, oozing and crusting settle gradually.
  • Weeks 1–2: in some people, reactions last 1–2 weeks or longer, particularly on the legs. Crusts lift off as the skin heals underneath.
  • Months 1–3: the healed skin may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. This usually fades within about 3 months.

• How long will healing take?

  In most people, redness, swelling, oozing and crusting settle within 1–4 days. In some people they last 1–2 weeks or longer.

  A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may take longer to heal, because the laser treatment is deeper. This is expected and does not mean the treatment hasn’t worked. Facial lesions can take 4–6 weeks to heal fully, and lesions on the legs 8–12 weeks.

  Healing is usually quickest on the face and slowest on the lower legs. It may also take longer if you are older, smoke, have diabetes, have leg swelling or poor circulation, or take medicines that suppress the immune system.

• How do I protect the treated area for the first 48 hours?

  For 48 hours after each treatment, the treated skin burns easily in daylight, even on a cloudy day. Normal indoor lighting, televisions, phones and computer screens are safe. Sunscreen does not protect against this reaction, and you should not apply it until your skin has healed.

  Small or single treated areas

  • Keep the dressing we apply in place for 48 hours.
  • Keep the dressing dry.
  • Keep the area covered with clothing, a hat or a scarf when you are outdoors.

  Full face or large treated areas

  • Stay indoors for 48 hours, and plan to be at home for these 2 days.
  • Indoors, keep away from sunny windows, and close blinds or curtains if the sun is bright.
  • If you travel in daylight, wear a wide-brimmed hat and cover your face with a scarf.
  • If you must go outdoors, cover your face with a hat and scarf, and keep the trip brief.

• Can I breastfeed after treatment?

  If you are breastfeeding, stop for 12 hours after each treatment.

• How do I care for the wound after 48 hours?

  The aim is to keep the wound clean and moist until it has healed. Wounds kept moist heal faster and scar less than wounds left to dry and form a hard scab.

  • Remove any dressing and gently wash the area twice a day with a soap substitute and lukewarm water. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
  • Apply a thin layer of white soft paraffin ointment 4–6 times a day, and don’t let the wound dry out.
  • On the face and body, no dressing is needed after the first 48 hours. You may cover the area if clothing rubs it.
  • On the legs, cover the wound with a non-stick dressing, changed daily. Rest with your legs raised whenever you sit, and avoid standing still for long periods. If you are prone to leg swelling, wear a compression stocking if we have advised you to.
  • Don’t pick or rub the wound.

• When can I exercise, swim or wear make-up?

  • Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours.
  • Avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs until the wound has healed.
  • Don’t apply make-up, fragrance or active skincare to the wound until it has fully healed.

• How can I manage pain and swelling?

  • Take paracetamol if needed, following the packet instructions.
  • A cool, clean compress helps with heat and swelling.
  • After facial treatment, sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow for the first 2 nights.

• How should I protect my skin from the sun afterwards?

  • Avoid direct sun on the treated area for 6 weeks.
  • Once the wound has healed, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every morning, and reapply it every 2 hours when you are outdoors.
  • Continue to protect the area from the sun long term. This reduces the risk of uneven pigmentation and of new skin cancers.

• When should I contact the clinic?

  Please call the clinic on 0121 285 4540 if you notice:

  • pain that is getting worse after day 3, rather than better
  • increasing redness spreading beyond the treated area, or warmth and tenderness
  • thick or smelly discharge, or a fever
  • bleeding that doesn’t stop with 15 minutes of firm pressure
  • a wound on the leg that is getting larger rather than smaller

  Seek urgent medical help, or call 999, if you or someone with you notices sudden confusion or loss of memory. This is a very rare reaction to PDT.

• When will I be reviewed?

  Your first review appointment is 3 months after your last treatment, to check that the treated area has cleared. If any area has not cleared, we will discuss further treatment with you, and a small sample of skin (biopsy) may be taken. After this, your Consultant Dermatologist will advise how often you need further review appointments.

  Between review appointments, contact us if you notice a new spot, a scab that does not heal, or bleeding in or near the treated area.