Pre and Post Care Instructions

Below you will find pre- and post-care instructions for common treatments. If you have any concerns, or want more information about a treatment not listed here, please call the office using the button below.

To minimize the potential for side effects and complications, carefully consider each aspect related to your particular treatment. The outcome and duration of the treatment results hinge on various factors, including age, gender, tissue conditions, overall health, lifestyle, and sun exposure. It is crucial to provide a comprehensive medical history and address any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider.

Adhere to all instructions and recommendations specific to your treatment. Should you have any reservations about the Pre-Treatment Care guidelines for your particular treatment, reach out to us and consult with your treatment provider for guidance.

In the post-treatment phase, if you are worried about any symptoms possibly linked to your treatment, contact us promptly. For life-threatening issues, dial 911 immediately. Please note that certain treatments may not be suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have open sores in the treatment area.

Pre Care Instructions

Chemical Peels

You may not be treated within three months of using Accutane.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Treatment may not be done on sunburned skin.
You may not be treated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid products with active ingredients for 48 hours prior to treatment.
If you have active cold sores or fever blisters, you may not be treated until the sore is healed.
You may not have facial hair waxed/lasered 48 hours prior to the peel. Avoid facial hair shaving 8 hours before treatment.
For best results, it is advised to avoid sun exposure and the following products & procedures at least 3 days prior your treatment:
• Electrolysis
• Waxing
• Depilatory creams
• Laser hair removal
• Any products that may be drying or irritating, including products containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin c, hydroquinone, retinoids, and prescription medications.

Dermaplaning

Refrain from using retinols, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids or any other exfoliating products one week prior to receiving this treatment.
Avoid sun exposure prior to your treatment. Sun burned skin cannot be treated.

Dermal Fillers

Schedule your dermal filler appointment at least two weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending.
Cease use of any blood thinning products for one week prior to treatment (example: Aleve, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, etc.). PLEASE DO NOT STOP THE USE OF PRESCRIPTION BLOOD THINNING MEDICATION WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
To reduce the likelihood of bruising, do not consume alcohol for 24 hours prior to your appt.
You should not schedule any invasive procedures for two weeks before or after your treatment. These can include but are not limited to dental work, including dental cleaning, any lesion excisions/biopsies, surgery of any kind, internal device placement, tattoos, or permanent makeup.
If you are anxious or worried about your procedure, feel free to talk to the healthcare practitioner who will perform
your procedure. Our practitioners are highly experienced and may have suggestions that will help.
Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, St. John’s Wort, oral Vitamin E, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in
the 2-7 days prior to your treatment as they may promote the risk of bruising and bleeding in the injection area.
If you are currently taking anti-coagulation medications (Warfarin, Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Enoxaparin,
Lepirudin, Refludan, Ticlopidine Ticlid, Clopidogrel, Plavix, Tirofiban, Aggrastat, Eptifibatide, Integrilin), discuss the use
of these medications with your healthcare provider prior to your treatment.
If you are prone to cold sores (oral herpes simplex), take your prescribed medication (Famvir, Famciclovir, Valtrex,
Valacyclovir, Acyclovir) as prescribed in the 24 hours prior to your treatment.

Laser Hair Removal

• You must shave the hair of the body part to be treated. If you cannot shave yourself, then advise the technician and our staff prior to treatment in order schedule extra time in the appointment and we can do it for you for a fee of $50 per area per occurrence.
• Do not wax, pluck or use depilatories during your series of laser hair reduction
• Avoid sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks prior to treatment and use SPF 30 daily to ensure coverage against UVB and UVA rays.
• Do not use self-tanning products for 1 to 2 weeks prior to and/or post treatment.
• Discontinue use of Tretinoin type products (Renova, Tretinoin, Retin A, Retin A Micro, Tri-Luma, Solage, etc.) or Hydroquinone at least 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
• Many medications that are sun sensitive will also make your more sensitive to the laser. Please disclose any medications that you may be taking.
• If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar no later than the day prior to your laser hair treatment.
• Notify the center if you develop a cold sore, acne, open lesions in the area being treated, or experience any type of illness prior to your treatment.
• REMEMBER – Laser hair reduction is never 100%. Industry standard is 75 to 90% reduction in the hairs.
Not all hairs will be destroyed. Hormones can cause hair to grow back.

Laser Skin Resurfacing & Microneedling

Avoid sun exposure for 1 to 3 weeks prior to treatment and use SPF with a minimum content of 10% zinc oxide daily to ensure coverage against UVB and UBA rays.
Do not use self-tanning products for 1 to 3 weeks prior to and/or post treatment.
Discontinue use of Tretinoin type products (Renova, Tretinoin, Retin A, Retin A Micro, Tri-Luma, Solage, etc.) at least 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
Discontinue use of Hydroquinone 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar no later than the day prior to IPL. The dose should be 3000-3200 mg/day. Continue after the treatment for a minimum of 5 days.
Notify the center if you develop a cold sore, acne, open lesions in the area being treated, or experience any type of illness prior to your treatment.
Ibuprofen and non-steriodal anti-inflammatories can help with swelling if taken prior to and/or post treatment.
May not treat if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Liquid Lipo

Schedule your appointment several weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation, as it takes time for results to appear.
Cease use of any blood thinning products for one week prior to treatment (example: Aleve, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, etc.). PLEASE DO NOT STOP THE USE OF PRESCRIPTION BLOOD THINNING MEDICATION WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

Neurotoxins

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Cease use of any blood thinning products for one week prior to treatment (example: Aleve, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, etc.). PLEASE DO NOT STOP THE USE OF PRESCRIPTION BLOOD THINNING MEDICATION WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
This treatment is not recommended if you have an important event within 2 weeks of injection due to potential for bruising.
Avoid herbal supplements such as Ginko, Fish oils and Vitamin E.
Avoid green tea and anti-inflammatories of any kind for 7 days prior to treatment to limit bruising.

Pixel Laser

Avoid prolonged sun exposure for 1 to 3 weeks prior to treatment and use SPF 30 daily to ensure coverage against UVB and UBA rays.
Do not use self-tanning products for 1 to 3 weeks prior to and post treatment.
Do not use exfoliants for 1 week prior to and 2 weeks post treatment.
Discontinue use of Tretinoin type products (Renova, Tretinoin, Retin A, Retin A Micro, Tri-Luma, Solage, etc.) at least 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
Discontinue use of Hydroquinone 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
In some cases, you may be asked to pre-treat with melanin inhibitors. Your technician will tell you whether or not and how long to use melanin inhibitors prior to treatment.
If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar no later than the day prior to Pixel. The dose should be 3000-3200 mg/day. Continue after the treatment for a minimum of 5 days.
Notify the Spa if you develop a cold sore, acne, open lesions in the area being treated, or experience any type of illness prior to your treatment.
Ibuprofen and non-steriodal anti-inflammatories can help with swelling if taken prior to and/or post treatment.

Platelet Rich Fibrin

Follow your practitioner’s instructions regarding medications that prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, or blood thinners. You should not take aspirin unless a doctor has prescribed it, but acetaminophen is fine for a headache.
When PRF is used to treat hair loss, wash your hair the day of treatment and do not use any products.
Because this therapy involves drawing blood, it is important to eat a meal and stay well hydrated beginning at least 24 hours before your procedure to avoid lightheadedness.

Sculptra®

Schedule your Sculptra® appointment at least two weeks or more prior to a special event, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from Sculptra® will take several weeks to appear.
Speak to your provider if you are currently utilizing blood thinning medications. DO NOT STOP the use of blood thinning medications prior to your appt without first consulting with your provider.
Avoid any medications such as NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) that may increase bleeding.
Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of procedure.
Call the office if you have any questions or concerns after treatment. Also, report any side effects. Be sure to keep any follow-up appointments that may be scheduled.
Remember, Sculptra® works by gradually replacing lost collagen. It provides improvements subtly without making it look like you’ve had work done.

Post Care Instructions

Chemical Peels

For two days post procedure:
• Stay cool! Heating internally can cause hyperpigmentation.
• Do not put treated area directly into a hot shower spray.
• Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas.
• Do not go swimming.
• Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.
• Do not use loofahs or other means of exfoliation.
• Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.
• Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area (cool compresses are ok.)
General guidelines:
• After receiving a chemical peel, the skin may look and feel like a mild windburn for the next 2 or 3 days. OTC hydrocortisone cream may be used to lessen this effect. After 48 hours, a slight flaking may occur for 3 to 5 days which can easily be controlled with moisturizers.
• It is recommended that makeup not be applied the day of treatment, as it is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight.
• Moisturizer should be applied at least twice a day but can be applied more frequently for hydration and to decrease the appearance of flaking.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. An SPF of at least 30 must be used daily. USE ONE CONTAINING ZINC OXIDE IF POSSIBLE.
• Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post procedure. This
practice should be discontinued entirely due to increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.

Do not pick on or pull any loosening skin, as this may cause hyperpigmentation. Do not have any other facial treatment for at least one week after your peel. You may resume the regular use of retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, vitamin c or bleaching creams ONLY after peeling process is complete.

Chemical Peels work by exfoliating dead skin cells and stimulating your body’s wound repair response. When skin foes not “peel”, it does not mean that your peel was not effective…it just means your at-home care is more than likely superior and your skin had no compacted skin cells to discard at that time. The results from your peel are the same and this should not be taken as a “bad” peel.

Dermal Fillers

Results from the dermal filler injections will be immediate, but will soften over first 2-14 days.
Any swelling or bruising will dissipate.
IMPORTANT: Should you notice blanching or discoloration of the skin around the injected area or if you are experiencing increasing pain or redness at the injection site, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE immediately, or call Josanne after hours at 214-728-7743.
• Avoid applying pressure or touching the treated area for six (6) hours after the procedure. The area can then be gently
washed with a cleanser and water.
• Avoid vigorous scrubs, exfoliation or facial treatment in the area of treatment for 72 hours.
• Avoid Microdermabrasion or Dermasweep for 72 hours after cosmetic dermal fillers.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or UV/tanning beds for 72 hours after the procedure.
• Avoid manipulation of the area following the injection unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare
practitioner.
• For pain/discomfort, use cool packs and over-the-counter analgesics (Acetaminophen, Tylenol).
• Oral or topical Arnica Montana, an herbal supplement, may help with reducing swelling caused by cosmetic treatments.
DO NOT take Arnica Montana if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, St. John’s Wort, oral Vitamin E, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may
promote the risk of bruising and bleeding in the injection area.
• If you are prone to cold sores (oral herpes simplex), take your prescribed medication (Famvir, Famciclovir, Valtrex,
Valacyclovir, Acyclovir) as prescribed for the 24 hours after your treatment.
• If signs and symptoms of infection persist (warmth at the site of injection, discharge/pus, pain/discomfort) or if you
develop a fever, please contact our office so our staff may assist you.

Laser Hair Removal

• You may experience small red bumps around the hair follicle. This is normal and expected. Do not pick, rub or scratch these until they have cleared. Your skin overall may be sensitive for several days following your
laser hair removal treatment.
• If your skin scabs or crusts, or your experience a burn, do not pick, rub or scratch these areas. Doing so can result in infection, permanent pigment changes in your skin or even scarring. Gently cleanse the area
and apply hydrocortisone cream several times a day for one week. If the area is open, also apply a layer of antibiotic ointment over the hydrocortisone cream. Please contact us immediately if you experience any burns.
• Do not sunbathe or use a tanning bed for at least 2 weeks following your treatment. If you need to be out in the sun, wear an SPF 30 minimum.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs and saunas for several days following your treatment.
• It can take several weeks for the hair in the treated area to “fall out” (push up and out of the follicle). This time frame is normal.
• Do not expect your hair to “not grow back” after a single session. Laser hair removal is a process.
• Subsequent treatment sessions should be 6 to 8 weeks if done on the face and 8 to 12 weeks if done on the body.
• Although rare, infection in the treated area is possible. Signs of infection may include redness and tenderness in the infected area and fever. Should you develop an infection, antibiotics may be necessary.

Please contact us should you have any concerns.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

• You may experience a sunburned sensation immediately following treatment. Although rare, some light swelling is possible.
• Darkening of freckles and other areas is normal. If this occurs, do not pick or exfoliate the areas. They will flake off or lighten on their own over the next week if on the face and over the next several weeks if on the body.
• If you experience a burn, gently cleanse the area and use hydrocortisone cream on the area several times a day for the next week. If the mark opens, also use antibiotic ointment over the hydrocortisone cream. Please notify us immediately of any burns.
• Use SPF 30 or higher daily on treated area if exposed.
• Make-up may be applied the day after your treatment (or sooner if advised by your technician).

Liquid Lipo

After your treatment, you can resume your normal activities.
Post procedure, you may have some swelling, bruising and/or numbness in the treatment area.
For most patients, this will dissipate in a few days, but it’s possible for numbness to last for a few weeks.
Most patients experience visible results after two treatments (spaced 4-8 weeks apart).

Microneedling

Sleep on a new pillowcase
Avoid touching your face with your hands or phone for the rest of the day. We suggest using speakerphone for phone conversations so that your dirty screen is not transferring bacteria to the newly microneedled skin.
Avoid exercise the rest of the day post treatment.
Refrain from using products containing active ingredients for a few days post treatment. Remember, anything you apply to your skin post Microneedling will naturally penetrate deeper. In the case of active ingredients, it could therefore mean they are much stronger than normal, causing irritation.

Neurotoxins

Avoid exercise for 24 hours post treatment to reduce the risk of additional bruising and to allow time for the injectable product to integrate into your tissue.
For the first 3 hours following your Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Jeaveau treatment, refrain from bending at the waist.
Do not participate in activities that include heavy lifting, vigorous exercise or straining for 2-3 hours (it takes approximately 2-3 hours for Botox to bind to the nerve and you do not want to increase circulation during that time).
Do not rub, touch, or manipulate Botox for 6 hours.
Avoid irritating products for 24 hours following Botox.
Make-up may be applied gently before leaving the office, remember to wipe up and away from your eyes or brows.
Bruising in the area injected is normal and often expected, especially if treated around the eyes. Bruising can last up to several weeks. Using/taking Arnica may help diminish bruising. You may come into the office for a complementary bruise treatment.
It may take up to 12 days for Neurotoxin to take full effect.
A follow-up visit at 10 days to 2 weeks is suggested to assess results for subsequent treatments, if you are a first time client. If full correction is not achieved, you will need to purchase additional Neurotoxin for injection.
Re-treatment is typically needed between 2-4 months.
Regular injections may yield a slightly longer lasting Botox result.
If your upper lip was treated you will not be able to drink through a straw, whistle, or enunciate some words for approximately 2 weeks.
Although rare, infection in the injected area is possible. Signs of infection may include redness and tenderness in the infected area and fever. Should you develop an infection, antibiotics may be necessary.
Please contact us should you have any concerns.

Pixel Laser

After your laser treatment, your skin will feel warm to touch and sting as though you have a bad sunburn. You may also experience swelling. THIS IS NORMAL. The stinging sensation, as well as the pink / red coloration usually begins about 15 minutes after the treatment.
Swelling usually subsides within 12-24 hours, while the
redness decreases and resolves over 48-72 hours. Your skin will then feel somewhat dry and rough and may appear a bit darker during this time, usually 4-5 days.
Upon completion of your laser procedure, it is imperative that you follow the guidelines given below:
- You may apply a cool, water soaked cloth or a water mister (keep in fridge for more relief) to your skin to calm
  any stinging, redness, or irritation. This can be done as often as necessary, throughout the day and evening hours
  for 5-10 minutes.
- Apply any products you have been instructed to use as often as necessary at this point.
- If the post treatment swelling of your skin is more than you can tolerate you may use benedryl oral tabs, but this can make you drowsy and you must not drive, drink alcohol or take other medications that are contraindicated with benedryl. Do not take any of these products if you have an allergy to or a known hypersensitivity to any of the components.
- You may find it difficult to sleep due to the sensitivity of your lasered skin. Try to avoid sleeping on your face if possible.
- Do NOT apply any glycolic / alpha hydroxy / beta hydroxy / tretinoin / tazarotene / adapalene / azaleic acid / benzoyl peroxide or exfoliating products or self tanners to your skin for 2 weeks post procedure. These products will irritate your skin and may induce hyperpigmentation or discoloration to your newly treated skin.
- Cleanse your newly lased skin with cool water only after the first 24 hours. You may begin using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil, Rhonda Allison Foaming Peptide or Citrus Gel cleanser at that time. Be sure the product you use contains none of the above-mentioned ingredients that can irritate your skin. Continue with your approved product application. After 24 hours if your redness has not begun to disappate, you may apply cortisone IN ADDITION to your approved products. Please note: it will sting temporarily…this is normal.
- Any make up application should be kept to a minimum to avoid disrupting the newly lased skin. Avoid heavy
  foundations that must be rubbed on. Mineral based face powder is the ONLY acceptable face make up during the
  next 5 -7 days. It can be applied with a powder brush and removed quite easily with approved cleansers. Jane
  Iredale mineral SPF / skin color is preferred over other mineral make ups due to its high SPF 20 level and can be
  used as a make up as well as a sunscreen. Jane Iredale mineral powder comes in multiple tints, as well as a translucent for those who chose no color. You may apply as often as necessary. There are many mineral powder make-ups available – all are fine for use after PIXEL, but be sure you check the SPF coverage – most do NOT contain a high enough protection factor for adequate care.
- A ZINC based sunscreen MUST be used at all times during any UV exposure to your treated skin. This is an
  absolute must, or you may find your skin hyperpigmenting, sloughing unevenly, and simply more damaged than before – due to the UV penetration to the freshly treated skin.
- A large brimmed hat is also highly recommended ANYTIME you are outside – this will insure full protection against any UV exposure. We have several to choose from and although not expensive will be worth every penny spent.
- ALWAYS apply your sunscreen 20-30 minutes PRIOR to exposure to ensure protection. Also, remember to apply it
  every two hours NO MATTER what SPF you are using. The ingredients in many sunscreens break down about the
  two hour mark and you are NO LONGER protected. This is regardless of the SPF factor your sunscreen contains. Apply evenly to all areas of exposure.
During the next 7 days – after your laser treatment, you may use a moisturizing, medical grade cream designed specifically for laser treated skin. We will recommend several products depending on your needs. These creams aid in the healing process of your skin by locking in moisture, reducing the chance of any bacterial infection,
soothe, and reduce redness and irritation. These products can be used 2-6 times per day, as needed. Some of these products have an oily feeling to them and are best suited for evening use.
DO NOT pick, rub, or use a micro-exfoliator or schedule a facial, waxing or other aesthetician services for at least 14 days after your laser treatment. You do not want to remove the dry, rough, dead skin faster than your body wants to. It is serving a purpose during healing and will slough off within the standard healing time of about 7
days.
Do not be concerned if your skin takes on a rough, patchy, darkened quality a few days after this treatment, this is normal and expected. It will resolve on its own within 4-5 days.
- You must continue to protect your skin during this time by using an appropriate sunscreen as well as a wide brimmed hat, gloves, or clothing that can protect your skin during this time.
DO NOT shave until any swelling has resolved, usually within the next 12-24 hours or so. If you can use an electric shaver during the following 4 days, this is best so not to irritate the treated skin.
DO NOT work out or perform heavy manual labor for 48 hours post laser treatment. This is to avoid sweating and the increase in heart rate that can cause your skin to become extremely flushed, due to the increase in blood supply to the area.
DO NOT swim in chlorinated water or salt water for 7 days. These environments have a different pH and can irritate your newly treated skin.
After the initial 7 day period, you may return to your normal skin care regimen. We recommend that you begin a regimen that fits your life style and can add to the improvement and appearance of your skin.
- Medical grade skincare products, which are carried in our office, can be applied to your skin without experiencing dryness, irritation or redness upon initial use. They are soothing, hydrating and have been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as evening out the overall tone and texture of the skin. Our staff is happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding our medical grade skincare product lines, as well as
  offering you a free skin analysis.
DO NOT plan any outdoor activities or activity that exposes your skin to direct sunlight or artificial UV rays.
- Though we recommend that you avoid this activity always, we require your compliance for the next 7 days.
DO NOT wax any area treated by laser for 14 days after your treatment.
CONTACT the office immediately for anything that does not feel normal, such as oozing, weeping, blister formation, fever, chills, or a “hot” feeling to certain areas of your skin 2 or 3 days AFTER your laser treatment.
REMEMBER – Avoid touching your face or other treated areas. When you need to, make sure your hands are clean so you don’t contaminate your treated skin.
To ensure your laser treatment yields the best possible results, it is necessary that you follow the pre-laser as well as the post-laser instructions completely. Please call our office during our normal business hours if you have any questions or concerns.

Sculptra®

DO massage the treated areas 5 times a day for about 5 minutes for 5 days after treatment.
DO hold ice packs on the treated areas gently for about 3-5 minutes a few times that day.
Feel free to wear makeup a few hours after.
Treated areas may be red, swollen, and bruised for the first 2-7 days.
Do NOT get a facial or massage for 2 weeks after your procedure.
Avoid strenuous workouts and alcohol for 24 hours if possible.
If bruising occurs, continue Arnica supplements, DO apply topical Arnica gel, drink fresh pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements to help bruising resolve faster.
Bruising can be covered with makeup. i.e. Dermablend (CVS or Macy’s) or SkinBetter Compact
A few days after treatment, you will look as you did before treatment. This is normal; over time, Sculptra will replace lost collagen.
Follow-Up Treatment:
- Follow up treatments should be scheduled about every 4-6 weeks.
- Visible results may not be seen until 3 sessions have been completed.
- Results can last more than two years.