Skin camouflage service

Transcription

1 Skin camouflage service Exceptional healthcare, personally delivered

2 Welcome to the Laser Centre of the South West We are part of the Plastic Surgery Department at Frenchay Hospital and were set up in 1992 as one of the first UK centres to offer skin laser treatments. We treat patients from all over the South West area, both private and NHS referrals. All our staff are fully trained doctors and nurses who have received specialist training in skin laser treatment. A variety of lasers are available for different skin conditions and we are able to treat babies and children, as well as adults. We also provide non-laser treatment via our camouflage clinic and Outlook clinic offering emotional support and counselling services. What is cosmetic camouflage? Cosmetic camouflage creams and powders are used to conceal or reduce the noticeability of blemishes, birthmarks or scars. The creams and powders are available in a wide range of shades, which are matched to your skin tone. The products have been clinically tested for skin sensitivity. They are not the same as ordinary cosmetics. They are lightweight but have a far greater covering quality and stay in place for much longer. Who uses camouflage creams? Men, women and children use skin camouflage. Some people use camouflage every day, some just for special occasions. It is a personal choice, just like choosing what you wear. Using camouflage does require time and patience. 2 Skin camouflage service

3 What can you camouflage? You can camouflage most types of skin discolouration, for example scars, portwine stains, vitiligo (loss of pigment colour in the skin) and tattoos. The creams can be used on face, body or limbs. Is there anything you can t camouflage? It is not advisable to use camouflage creams over broken or inflamed skin. Scars should be fully healed before using camouflage. Some tattoos with very dense colours cannot be fully concealed. If the area is in a place that rubs, the creams may wear off. The creams cannot correct an uneven skin texture. How long does the cover last? On the face the cream will last for hours. It must be removed each night with cleansing cream. On the body or limbs cream can be safely left in place for 2-3 days. The cream is fully waterproof, so you can swim with it in place. What will happen at my first appointment? You will see a trained beauty therapist who specialises in skin camouflage and has experience in the Burns and Plastic surgery department at Frenchay. The cover creams are tested directly on your skin to help you choose a suitable skin colour match. Sometimes more than one colour is needed. A special powder is applied over the creams to make them waterproof. You will be shown step by step how to prepare and apply the products. The aim is to give you the skills and confidence to apply the creams yourself. Your first appointment will take minutes. Skin camouflage service 3

4 What happens if I forget how to apply the creams? Before you leave you will be given an advice sheet to take home. If you need further advice, or your condition changes, an additional session can be arranged. How can I obtain the products? All the products can be obtained from a pharmacy or on prescription from your GP. We will give you a letter to take to your doctor stating which products have been recommended. Your doctor will give you a prescription to take to your pharmacist who will order the creams for you. It can take up to 2 weeks for the creams to arrive. Other support Sometimes people find having a visible difference distressing, and other people s reactions can be difficult to deal with. We can put you in touch with organisations that can help. Frenchay Hospital also offers a service called Outlook, which offers counselling to adults and children. Could I get advice about camouflage nearer to my home? The Red Cross Camouflage service has been transferred to Changing Faces - a leading charity which supports people with conditions affecting their appearance. To find out if there is a clinic in your area visit www. changingfaces.org.uk or call or skincam@changingfaces.org.uk 4 Skin camouflage service

5 How can I make an appointment? The Laser Centre offers both an NHS and private service. For NHS patients a referral letter from your GP or hospital consultant is required before an appointment can be arranged. A referral letter may not be necessary for private treatment. Some treatments are only available privately. Staff at the centre can give you further details. Please see back cover for contact details. Skin camouflage service 5

6 Sources of Further Information and Support The British Association of Skin Camouflage The Skin Camouflage Network NHS Constitution. Information on your rights and responsibilities. Available at [Last Accessed November 2012] 6 Skin camouflage service

7 How to contact us: Laser Centre of the South West North Bristol NHS Trust Frenchay Hospital Frenchay Bristol BS16 1LE If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice. North Bristol NHS Trust. First Published June This edition November Review due November NBT002019