Pre & Post-Treatment Care

Your guide to optimal preparation and recovery for beautiful, lasting results

Proper preparation before your treatment and careful aftercare afterward are essential to achieving the best possible results. Follow these guidelines to minimize side effects, promote healing, and maximize the benefits of your aesthetic treatment.

Important: These are general guidelines. Your specific instructions may vary based on your individual treatment plan. Always follow the personalized instructions provided by your practitioner.

General Pre-Treatment Guidelines

Follow these recommendations 1-2 weeks before ANY aesthetic treatment:

Avoid Blood Thinners

  • Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and other NSAIDs 7-10 days prior
  • Avoid fish oil, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John's Wort, and Omega-3 supplements
  • No garlic or ginger supplements
  • Note: Do NOT stop prescription medications without consulting your doctor

Limit Alcohol

  • Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours before treatment
  • Alcohol thins the blood and can increase bruising
  • Stay well-hydrated with water instead

Protect Your Skin

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds 2 weeks prior
  • Do not arrive with sunburned skin
  • Postpone treatment if you have active cold sores, rashes, or infections

Consider Supplements

  • Start Arnica Montana tablets 2-3 days before (reduces bruising)
  • Continue through the healing period
  • Available at most pharmacies and health food stores

Treatment-Specific Pre-Care

Botox & Dermal Fillers

24-48 Hours Before:

  • Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications/supplements
  • Reschedule if you have active cold sores or skin infection
  • Come with clean skin (no makeup on treatment area)
  • Eat a small meal beforehand to prevent lightheadedness

Day of Treatment:

  • Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
  • Avoid coffee or other stimulants if you're anxious
  • Plan for 30-60 minutes appointment time

PRP/PRF Therapy

1-2 Weeks Before:

  • Avoid all blood thinners and NSAIDs (list above)
  • Stop Vitamin E, fish oil supplements
  • Increase water intake (8-10 glasses daily)
  • Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, beans)

24 Hours Before:

  • No alcohol
  • Get adequate sleep (at least 7-8 hours)
  • Eat a healthy breakfast day-of
  • Stay well-hydrated

Day of Treatment:

  • Eat a good meal 1-2 hours before
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Clean skin, no makeup or lotions

Morpheus8 Microneedling RF

2 Weeks Before:

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning
  • Discontinue retinol/tretinoin products
  • Stop chemical peels and other aggressive treatments
  • Avoid waxing or laser hair removal on treatment area

1 Week Before:

  • Start antiviral medication if prone to cold sores (consult provider)
  • Avoid blood thinners (see general guidelines)
  • Discontinue any exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic)

Day of Treatment:

  • Clean, dry skin with no products
  • No makeup
  • Plan for downtime (2-3 days of redness/swelling)

General Post-Treatment Care

Follow these guidelines for optimal healing and results:

First 24-48 Hours

  • Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling (10 min on, 10 min off)
  • Sleep elevated (2-3 pillows) to minimize swelling
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over
  • No hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or hot yoga
  • Avoid alcohol (increases bruising and swelling)

Skincare After Treatment

  • Gentle cleansing only (no scrubbing)
  • Avoid makeup for 4-6 hours (24 hours for microneedling)
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer
  • Apply SPF 30+ daily (essential!)
  • Avoid retinol, acids, and active ingredients for 3-7 days

Sun Protection

  • Avoid direct sun exposure for 1-2 weeks
  • Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
  • No tanning beds or spray tans

When to Call Us

  • Severe pain or discomfort
  • Signs of infection (fever, excessive redness, pus)
  • Unusual swelling that worsens after 48 hours
  • Skin color changes (blanching, purple discoloration)
  • Any concerns about your results

Treatment-Specific Post-Care

Botox Post-Treatment

First 4 Hours:

  • Stay upright – No lying down or bending over
  • Engage treated muscles – Make facial expressions (frown, raise brows) to help Botox bind
  • Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging injection sites
  • No hats, headbands, or tight accessories on forehead

First 24-48 Hours:

  • No strenuous exercise or activities that raise blood pressure
  • Avoid facials, facial massage, or facial treatments
  • No alcohol consumption
  • Sleep on your back with head elevated

Results Timeline:

  • Initial effects: 2-3 days
  • Full results: 10-14 days
  • Duration: 3-4 months typically
  • Touch-up appointment: 2 weeks post-treatment if needed

Dermal Filler Post-Treatment

First 24-48 Hours:

  • Avoid touching or massaging – Let filler settle naturally
  • Apply cold compress for swelling (avoid direct pressure)
  • Sleep elevated on your back
  • No dental work for 2 weeks (for lip fillers)
  • Avoid makeup for 4-6 hours

First Week:

  • No strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours
  • Avoid extreme temperatures (saunas, steam rooms, very cold weather)
  • No facial treatments, facials, or chemical peels
  • Limit alcohol and salt (can increase swelling)
  • Take Arnica to reduce bruising

Lip Filler Specific:

  • Use a straw for drinking (first 24 hours)
  • Eat soft foods initially
  • Avoid kissing or puckering movements
  • Keep lips moisturized with gentle balm

Results Timeline:

  • Immediate volume visible
  • Swelling subsides: 2-7 days
  • Final results: 2-4 weeks
  • Follow-up: 2-4 weeks for assessment

PRP/PRF Post-Treatment

First 24 Hours:

  • Keep treatment area clean and dry
  • No makeup for 4-6 hours minimum
  • Gentle cleansing only (no scrubbing)
  • Expect mild redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding – this is normal
  • No exercise or activities that cause sweating

First Week:

  • Avoid harsh skincare products (retinol, acids, exfoliants)
  • Use gentle, hydrating products only
  • Avoid sun exposure and wear SPF 30+ daily
  • No additional facial treatments or procedures
  • Stay well-hydrated

For Scalp/Hair PRP:

  • Do not wash hair for 6-8 hours post-treatment
  • Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoo when you do wash
  • No hair coloring or chemical treatments for 72 hours
  • Avoid hair dryers and heat styling for 48 hours

Results Timeline:

  • Initial glow: 1-2 weeks
  • Collagen production begins: 4-6 weeks
  • Optimal results: 3-6 months
  • Recommended series: 3-4 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart

Morpheus8 Post-Treatment

First 24 Hours:

  • Expect significant redness and swelling – like a moderate sunburn
  • Apply cold compress frequently (avoid direct pressure)
  • Sleep elevated (2-3 pillows)
  • No makeup for 24 hours minimum
  • Gentle cleansing with lukewarm water only
  • Keep skin hydrated with approved gentle moisturizer

Days 2-7:

  • Continue gentle skincare routine
  • Expect "sandpaper" texture – this is normal shedding
  • Do NOT pick, peel, or exfoliate
  • Apply SPF 30+ religiously (zinc-based preferred)
  • Avoid all active skincare ingredients
  • No strenuous exercise until redness subsides

Week 2-4:

  • Skin may feel dry or flaky – keep moisturized
  • Can resume normal skincare gradually after day 7-10
  • Continue strict sun protection
  • Avoid other aggressive treatments

Results Timeline:

  • Immediate tightening: noticeable right away
  • Downtime: 2-3 days of redness/swelling
  • Collagen remodeling: 3-6 months
  • Optimal results: 3-6 months after treatment
  • Recommended series: 1-3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart

Recovery Timeline Reference

Botox

Downtime: None to minimal

Results: 2-3 days, full at 14 days

Duration: 3-4 months

Dermal Fillers

Downtime: 24-48 hours swelling

Results: Immediate, final at 2-4 weeks

Duration: 6-18 months

PRP/PRF

Downtime: 24 hours redness

Results: 4-6 weeks, optimal 3-6 months

Duration: 12-18 months with series

Morpheus8

Downtime: 2-3 days redness/swelling

Results: 3-6 months (collagen remodeling)

Duration: 1-2 years with proper care

Questions About Your Care?

We're here to help! Contact us with any questions before or after your treatment.

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