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 30 minutes 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 5-7 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 prior to treatment.
- You are not a candidate for a chemical peel if:
- Herpes (cold sores) are present
- You have an immunosuppressive disease or condition
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to get pregnant in the next 30 day
- 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 the first few days.
SilkPeel Dermalinfusion
- Prior to Treatment
- Discontinue Retin-A one week prior to treatment.
- Discontinue retinol, benzoyl peroxide, AHA/BHA 3 days prior to treatment.
- If you are prone to getting cold sores, begin taking medication for cold sores the day of treatment.
- After Treatment
- Limit exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid Retin-A, AHA/BHA products, scrubs, facial waxing, and any other exfoliating products or procedures for 3 days.
- Use of cold compresses can provide relief from the temporary “windburn” sensation.
- Normal use of makeup is acceptable.
- 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.
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 2 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.
- After Treatment
- No exercise for 24 hours
- No dental procedures for 2 weeks
- 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
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.
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