805-928-1000 Santa Maria, CA

Pre- & Post-Treatment Instructions

Laser Hair Removal

Prior to Treatment

  • Do not pluck, wax, use a depilatory or undergo electrolysis in the areas you wish to have treated for 4 weeks prior to
    laser hair removal.
  • Do not tan the areas to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Avoid using self-tanning products for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Shave prior to treatment

After Treatment

  • Some redness and swelling in the area is normal after treatment and may feel similar to a sunburn. This should resolve within several hours to several days after treatment.
  • Avoid irritants (glycolics, retinoids, etc.) for seven days after treatment.
  • Apply sunblock daily
  • Avoid exercising for 24 hours

IPL

Prior to Treatment

  • Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products for three days prior to procedure. This will help to minimize possible bruising.
  • Discontinue use of Tetracycline, Retin A/Renova (including Firm & Fade cream) three days prior to all treatments.
  • Sun protection with sunblock, protective clothing and sunglasses are essential prior to, in between, and following your treatments. If you are currently tan or using self-tanning products, you will need to schedule your treatment when the tan fades.
  • Apply topical cream one hour prior to treatment.

After Treatment

  • Quick warm (NOT HOT) showers are recommended. If areas treated are other than the facial area, hot baths are not advised for 24 hours.
  • Aerobic exercise, use of saunas and hot tubs should also be avoided for 24 hours.
  • If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply an antibiotic ointment and notify us. The area should be kept lubricated to prevent crusting or scabbing of tissue.
  • A cold compress, aloe vera, or any other cooling preparation may be used to ease temporary discomfort.
  • Prolonged sun exposure is to be avoided for 4 weeks before and after treatment. A total sunblock, not a sunscreen, should be applied. Sun exposure may cause certain complications, such as blistering and/or hyperpigmentation.
  • No waxing to the treated areas for one month after treatment.
  • Makeup can be applied as long as the skin is not broken. Makeup can also serve to protect the skin from sun exposure.

Chemical Peels

Prior to Treatment

  • Stop all skin drying and exfoliating agents 3-5 days prior to treatment (except for Vi peel).  This includes retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc.  If you are not sure about a product, please call.
  • No waxing for at least 7 days
  • No mechanical exfoliation for at least 2 days
  • No tan or sunburn
  • If you are prone to getting cold sores, begin taking medication for cold sores the day of treatment
  • Do not come to your appointment with a cold sore; please call to reschedule

You are not a candidate for a chemical peel if:

  • ŸHerpes (cold sores) are present
  • You have an immunosuppressive disease or condition
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to get pregnant in the next 30 days
  • You have any history of allergy to the ingredients

After Treatment Instructions
Post-peel instructions will vary depending on the type of peel that was administered.  Your clinician will advise you on post-peel care at the time of your treatment.  You can expect to take 2-3 days off from exercise.  You must avoid heat and sweat for a minimum of 72 hours. Make sure to have the right products at home to enhance and prolong your peel results.


Hydrafacial

Prior to Treatment

  • Discontinue Retin-A, Differin, and Tretinoin one week prior to treatment.
  • Discontinue retinol, benzoyl peroxide, AHA/BHA 3-5 days prior to treatment.
  • If you are prone to getting cold sores, begin taking medication for cold sores the day of treatment.
  • Avoid facial waxing for at least one week

After Treatment

  • Limit exercise for 24 hours.
  • Avoid retinoids, AHA/BHA products, scrubs, facial waxing, and any other exfoliating products or procedures for 5-7 days.
  • Avoid facial waxing for one week.
  • Use of cold compresses can provide relief from a temporary “windburn” sensation.
  • Avoid makeup the day of treatment, if possible.
  • Use sunscreen every day, whether sun is present or not.
  • Wash face with warm water, not hot.

*Additional notes:

    Acne may temporarily look worse after first treatment, but will improve after additional treatments.

skinpen microneedling

Prior to Treatment

      • Stop all skin drying and exfoliating agents 2 weeks prior to treatment. This includes retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. If you are not sure about a product, please call.
      • No waxing
      • Do not exercise the day before treatment
      • Avoid medications such as Aspirin, ibuprofen, cold remedies, and certain supplements like high-dose fish oils for 5 days. If you are not sure about a medication or supplement, please call.
      • No tan or sunburn
      • If you are prone to getting cold sores, begin taking medication for cold sores the day of treatment
      • The procedure cannot be performed if you have open cuts, wounds, abrasions, or are currently experiencing any acne or cold sore breakout

You are not a candidate for microneedling if:

      • ŸHerpes (cold sores) are present
      • You have an immunosuppressive disease or condition
      • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

After Treatment Instructions

  • Do not exercise for at least 2 days
  • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths for 1 week
  • Wash with a gentle cleanser using your fingertips only; do not scrub or use a washcloth
  • Do not use drying or exfoliating products for 5-7 days
  • Avoid facial waxing and other facial treatments for at least 2 weeks
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Day 1: Skin will be red and flushed, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Pinpoint bleeding may occur during treatment. Do not apply makeup for at least 12 hours. Mineral makeup may be applied on Day 2.
  • Day 2: A red or pink hue may persist, like a moderate sunburn. Swelling and slight bruising may be more noticeable on the second day. Minor scratches may be visible on the skin. Apply moisturizer as needed.
  • Day 3: Skin may be pink or normal color. Swelling subsides. The skin may feel dry or tight. A slight outbreak of acne or milia (tiny white bumps) is possible. Light peeling may occur.
  • If skin becomes painful, swollen, red or inflamed please notify us immediately as this may represent an infection or allergic reaction that may require treatment.

Dermal Filler

Prior to Treatment

  • Arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time if you would like to apply topical numbing cream in the office.
  • ARRIVE WITH NO MAKEUP, OR WASH OFF ANY MAKEUP UPON ARRIVING.
  • Do not have any dental procedures for 4 weeks.
  • If you have a history of cold sores please let us know and we will provide Acyclovir that you may begin taking the day of treatment.
  • Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen (and other NSAIDS), high dose Vitamin D or E, fish oils, and turmeric for one week prior to minimize risk of bruising.
  • Begin Arnica Montana tablets 3 days leading up to treatment to decrease bruising (optional).
  • No alcohol for 24 hours
  • If you develop a cold sore, blemish, rash, or are sick prior to your appointment, please call the office as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
  • If you have a special event coming up, have  your treatment at least 2 weeks before the event.
  • Do not have any vaccinations (pneumonia, flu, Covid-19, etc.) for 4 weeks.

After Treatment
Treatment Considerations:  The most commonly reported side effects are temporary injection site redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, and bruising.  Exposure of the treated area to excessive sun and extreme cold weather should be minimized until any initial swelling and redness have resolved.  After a treatment with dermal fillers, patients should wait at least 2 weeks before having any laser treatments, chemical peels, or any other skin procedures, as there is a possible risk of an inflammatory reaction at the treatment site.  Patients who are taking Aspirin or any NSAIDS may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site.

  • No exercise for 24 hours
  • No dental procedures for 4 weeks
  • No vaccinations for 4 weeks (pneumonia, flu, Covid-19, etc.)
  • No alcohol for 24 hours
  • No topical applications for 12 hours (i.e. makeup, lipstick, sunscreen)
  • No extended exposure to sun or heat (avoid sunbathing and jacuzzi)
  • DO apply cold compresses to injection site to reduce possible bruising
  • May take or apply Arnica Montana (pills/cream) or Vitamin K cream; both can be found at local health food stores or pharmacy
  • No massages for 1 week

BOTOX®

Prior to Treatment

  • No aspirin or ibuprofen 1 week prior to injections (Tylenol is okay)
  • No alcohol for 24 hours
  • No high-dose fish oils or Vitamin D for 1 week

After Treatment

  • Refrain from vigorous exercise for the remainder of the day
  • Do not lie down for 3-4 hours following treatment
  • Do not massage or manipulate the treated area for one week
  • You may wash your face normally
  • Do not ice the area
  • No heavy lifting for 12 hours
  • Some patients develop a headache, which can be treated with Tylenol
  • Mild bruising or swelling may occur at the site but will resolve within a few days
  • In rare cases, the side effects of Botox can include the eyebrow or upper eyelid to droop, but this condition is temporary and corrects itself in 2-3 weeks
  • Takes 3 days until onset of action, 7-10 days to reach optimal results
  • Benefits last an average of 3-4 months

Payment Options

Cancellation Policy

It is very important to us that we are able to give each patient our full attention during scheduled appointments. Due to the high demand for appointments, we must charge a No-Show/Rescheduling fee of $50 if you fail to call and cancel your appointment.