For children going home after having laser surgery.

Eating and drinking

• After the anaesthetic, your child can start eating a light diet such as sandwiches, pasta, soup or jelly.  Avoid fatty or junk food.
• Babies can breastfeed or have formula feeds as usual.

Nausea and vomiting

• Do not worry if your child feels sick or vomits once or twice after leaving hospital.
• If they vomit or feel sick, stop giving food for about one hour.  Then try a light diet if your child can manage it without feeling ill.
• If your child keeps vomiting, please call the hospital (the telephone number is at the end of this page), or your nearest hospital emergency department.

Skin care

• The area where your child had laser treatment may look patchy blue/black for at least the next one to two weeks – This is normal.
  
• There may be some swelling, burning or stinging of the area after treatment.
• Some children might like ice wrapped in a tea-towel or tissue paper if the treated area is painful.
• Your child's doctor may prescribe some Bactroban ointment which should be put on two times a day as directed, particularly if there is any blistering or scabbing.
  
• Avoid being in direct sunlight for at least six weeks or more. Put sunblock on the affected area.
• Make sure your child wears sunblock, a hat and protective clothing at all times when outdoors.

Treatment of brown birthmarks and other problems

Aftercare varies on an individual basis. You will be given instructions by the doctor before you leave.

Activity

Because your child has had an anaesthetic, they should rest for the next 24 hours with an adult taking care of them. After a day they can continue their normal activities.

Pain relief

• Paracetamol can be given at home every four to six hours for one to two days if needed. Read the packaging for the correct dose for your child according to their age. Ask for help if you are unsure. Do not give any medicine with paracetamol in it more than four times in 24 hours.
  
• For more severe pain call your child's surgeon or see your family doctor.

Follow-up

• You may be given a follow-up appointment on the day of your child's procedure. If not, an appointment notice will be posted by the Dermatology Department within one to two weeks of your child's surgery/treatment.
• Please call the laser unit on (03) 9345 6441 if you do not get the appointment notice in the mail after two weeks.
• Contact the Dermatology Registrars at RCH if you have any questions or concerns about their care at home.

Contact details

• The names of the Dermatology Registrars (Contactable via the RCH Number) are:
  
  _______________________________________________
  
  
• Your Treating Dermatologist was -
  
  _______________________________________________
  
  
• The Royal Children's Hospital
  T: (03) 9345 5522 (24hrs) and ask for the Dermatology Registrar
  
  
• Surgery Centre
  Monday to Friday 7AM - 7PM
  T: (03) 9345 6570

Call an ambulance (000) immediately in an emergency.

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Paediatric and Neonatal Surgery department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed April 2023.

This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.