Once the surgery is completed the skin will be treated with an ointment, a wet or waxy dressing, dry treatment or a combination of these. You can expect the skin to be red and swollen following surgery. The swelling will go down within 2 to 3 weeks. Patients will experience some aching, itching, tingling, or burning after surgery as new skin begins to grow. A crust will form over the area as it begins to heal, however, if ointment is applied to the area immediately following surgery, there will be little or no crust formation. As healing continues, the crust will fall away revealing a new layer of tight pink skin.

If the area remains red, swollen and itches after healing has started this may be a sign that abnormal scars are forming. Inform your surgeon if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Following the operation, you can expect to return to your normal activities such as work in about two weeks. You will want to avoid any activity that could cause a bump to the treated area for about two weeks. Sports should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. It is important to protect the skin for 6 to 12 months until the pigment has completely returned. The skin pinkness will take about 3 months to fade. When full re-pigmentation has returned the skin should closely match the surrounding skin.