Preparing for Laser Surgery with Local Anesthesia



Instructions

 

• If your child will be treated for a birthmark on the trunk or extremities please have your child wear clothes that button-up and are loose fitting.
• For neonates and infant patients, please bring a bottle of juice or formula if not breast feeding.
• Bring toys or a favorite book or tape.
• For 5-10 days after the laser surgery, the site will be very bruised and purple.
• Do not schedule if you have family photos or special events planned in the 2 weeks after your child’s laser surgery.
• Your child's procedure is done with local anesthesia.  No lab work is needed.
• If EMLA^® has been prescribed, apply it to your child’s lesions one hour before surgery and cover with a Tegaderm^® dressing or Saran-wrap.

 

Remember

 

• Swelling and even blisters may form in the first few days.
• Many treatments (6-10) are needed for the best looking results.
• It will keep improving for 2 months after laser treatment.
• Avoid direct trauma (falls, incidental scratch etc) and sun exposure to treated areas. Have your child’s nails trimmed before the procedure. Use sun screen with SPF 30 or above.
• Your child may bathe, swim, and return to normal activity right after surgery.
• Tylenol^® may be given for pain, but there is rarely much pain.
• Over the counter hydrocortisone ointment or anti-itch cream may be used if it itches.
• You will need to keep the treated skin moist with Vaseline^® ointment until the bruising has gone away.
• Please contact our clinic if you have any questions about the response from the procedure.

 

It is your responsibility to tell your insurance company about your child’s surgery. If prior authorization is needed, please contact Cathy at (608) 263-6420 or Jamie at (608) 287-2450.

 

 

UW Dermatology Department 1 S. Park St 7th Floor Madison, WI 53715 Clinic: 608 287-2450

American Family Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dermatology Specialty Clinic 1675 Highland Ave. Madison, WI  53792 Clinic: 608 263-6420

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/25/2010

Copyright © 06/25/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6489

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