Pre & Post Procedure Instructions

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible, for a period of 5-7 days before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.

• Do not use vitamin A containing products (i.e. Retin-A, Vitamin A, Adapalene, Differin, Tretinoin, Tazorac, Retinoids or Retinols) 2 days before treatment.

• Do not consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising).

• Schedule your Dermal Filler and Botox appointment at least 4 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the Dermal Filler and Botox injections will take approximately 4 to 7 days to appear/settle. Also bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.

• If you have a history of cold sores please let us know, as we may put you on an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.

• Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area you wish to be treated.

• Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.

• You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Post-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Immediately after your treatment, there may be slight redness, swelling, tenderness, and/or tingling sensation in the treated area.   This is a normal result of the injection.  This is temporary and generally disappears within hours to days.  

• Do NOT touch the treated area for 4 hours following treatment. Afterwards, the area can be gently washed with soap and warm (not hot) water, and/or light make-up can be applied.

• It can take approximately 4 to 7 days for Botox results to be seen. However, maximum results may take up to 2 weeks after your treatment.

• Do NOT lie down flat for 4 hours after your treatment to help prevent migration of the product.

• Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, for 48 hours after treatment. This will keep the Botox and Filler in the injected area and not elsewhere.

• Do not use of vitamin A containing products (i.e. Retin-A, Vitamin A, Adapalene, Differin, Tretinoin, Tazorac, Retinoids or Retinols) for 2 days following treatment.

• Avoid extensive sun or heat (i.e. hot shower, tanning, sauna, steam room) to the face for 72 hours.

• Do NOT receive laser treatments, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion after injections for at least 7-10 days.

• If you have swelling after your filler treatment, you may gently apply an ice pack to the treated area for 15 minutes on, and 15 min off as needed.  Apply lightly, do not use too much pressure.  You may also use Tylenol as needed for discomfort. Sleeping face up and slightly elevated may also help to reduce swelling.

• After treatment with fillers, you may feel slight lumps and/or bumps for a few weeks afterwards.  This is normal, and they will soften over 6-8 weeks.

• If bruising occurs after your Botox or Fillers, Arnica cream or gel may be used to help reduce bruising and swelling. It can be purchased over-the-counter at most drug stores.

Pre-Peel Application Instructions:

 

• Avoid clay masks, scrubs or additional exfoliators that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid for at least 48 hours prior to each peel treatment.

• Do not use AlphaRet products, Retin-A or any other Vitamin A product, including products that contain a retinoid or retinol for at least 48 hours prior to each peel treatment.

• Do not use self-tanning agents for at least 48 hours prior to each peel treatment.

• If you have a history of cold sores, the AlphaRet Professional Peel should not be performed if active cold sores, fever blisters or herpes are present anywhere on your face prior to treatment. If you are prone to or have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, speak to your Healthcare Professional as they may consider treatment with antiviral medications prior to receiving treatment with an AlphaRet Professional Peel.

• The AlphaRet Professional Peel should not be performed on sunburned or windburned skin.

• Do not have facial hair waxed/ lasered 48 hours prior to each peel treatment. Avoid facial hair shaving 8 hours before each peel treatment.

• If you have recently undergone any other facial treatment procedures, such as microdermabrasion, microneedling, dermaplaning, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, botulinum toxin, dermal filler, facial plastic surgery, etc., skin must be completely healed and normalized prior to receiving an AlphaRet Professional Peel.

 

Please talk to your Healthcare Professional if you have had any recent procedures to confirm suitability of treatment.

 

Post-Peel Application Instructions:

 

• Generally, non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) makeup may be applied after each AlphaRet Professional Peel treatment.

• Avoid exercise (sweating) for at least a few hours after each peel treatment.

• Avoid direct sun exposure; wear protective clothing (i.e. wide-brimmed hat) and use a mineral sunscreen (containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) with an SPF 30 or higher, daily.

• Do not use retinoid- or retinol- containing products such as Tretinoin, AlphaRet Overnight Cream, or other Vitamin A derivatives for 5 days after an AlphaRet Professional Peel treatment, unless otherwise directed by your Healthcare Professional.

• Do not sure other potentially irritating ingredients such as harsh exfoliating products that contain alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs [i.e. glycolic and lactic acids] or BHAs [i.e. salicylic acid]) for 5 days after an AlphaRet Professional Peel treatment, unless otherwise directed by your Healthcare Professional.

• If irritation occurs, stop or do not resume use of products until the skin has normalized.

• Facial hair should not be waxed for 48 hours after an AlphaRet Professional Peel treatment. You may resume facial shaving the day after each peel treatment or when the skin has normalized.

• Avoid the use of heat sources such as steam, saunas, professional or home hairdryers for 8 hours following an AlphaRet Professional Peel treatment.

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment. 

• Excess hair may need to be shaved the night prior. Men should be cleanly shaved. 

• No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment o Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. 

• Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment. 

• History of herpes or cold sores may require an antiviral prescription prior to treatment. 

• A week before your procedure stop taking: aspirin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Motrin, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, flax oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, vitamin A, vitamin E and other essential fatty acids. Also, avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol 24 hours before your treatment. If you must take pain medication, Tylenol is your best choice.

 

Post-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Immediately after treatment, most patients will experience erythema (redness) for 1-3 days, however for more aggressive treatments this may last longer. Slight to moderate edema (swelling) and a mild to moderate sunburn sensation are also common post treatment and may last 1-3 days. Skin may crust and peel for 2-7 days depending on treatment settings. 

• No bandages or wraps are necessary. Do NOT apply ice, cool or warm compresses to the treatment area. 

• Avoid all anti-inflammatory medications and substances for the first 48 hours including NSAIDS and topical ointment and/or creams (i.e. ibuprofen, Advil, aspirin, naproxen, Aleve, hydrocortisone, Cortizone, aloe vera, etc.)

• The ONLY topical you can use, if needed, is a light application of Aquaphor which is available at most drug stores. 

• There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, avoid scrubbing or trauma to the treated area. 

• Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation. The use of a zinc oxide sun block SPF 30+ at all times after 24-48 hours. 

• Multiple treatments over a period of several months may be required to achieve the desired response. 

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Avoid any tanning prior to treatment, or use at least 30 SPF sun block.

• Do not use vitamin A containing products (i.e. Retin-A, Vitamin A, Adapalene, Differin, Tretinoin, Tazorac, Retinoids or Retinols) 2 days before treatment.

• Avoid anticoagulants for 7-10 days prior to treatment, if medically permitted.

• Avoid shaving for 2 days prior to the treatment. Hair should be approximately 2 mm in length.

 

Post-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Sunblock should be used for 3 weeks following the treatment and 3 weeks preceding the next session.

• Moisturizer may be applied after each treatment.

• Makeup may be applied immediately after facial treatment if skin is intact.

• Deodorant/antiperspirant can applied the following day.

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Avoid any type of tanning 3-4 weeks prior treatment or use at least 30 SPF sunblock.

• Do not use vitamin A containing products (i.e. Retin-A, Vitamin A, Adapalene, Differin, Tretinoin, Tazorac, Retinoids or Retinols) 2 days before treatment.

• Avoid anticoagulants for 7-10 days prior to treatment, if medically permitted.

• Ensure that skin is clean.

 

Post-Treatment Instructions:

 

• Sun block should be used for 3 weeks following each treatment session.

• Moisturizer may be applied after each treatment.

• Makeup may be applied immediately after the treatment if skin isn’t inflamed.