Pre & Post Treatment Care

1) DO NOT rub or manipulate the area that has been injected with the Botox solution. This can result in migration from the targeted muscle. 

2) DO NOT lie flat, recline or tilt your head side to side or look down for 4 hours after the procedure. Try and keep your head upright, like you are balancing books on your head. Staring down at a tablet, phone or a book can cause problems. Tilting your head or lying down (as for a nap) can cause the solution to migrate from the targeted muscle and lead to complications. Toxin injected between the browns and the outer brow for a brow lift are most likely to migrate with tilting the first 4 hours. This can cause toxin to impact the levator muscle in the middle of the eyebrow. This is the muscle that is responsible for involuntary upper eyelid movement. If toxin migrates to the levator muscle, you will have the sleepy, droopy eyelids, called “Ptosis”. There is no real treatment to reverse ptosis. You have to wait weeks to months for the tox to wear off. Our best and most practical advice is, avoid any head tilting for 4 hours. Do not do strenuous exercise like running or spin class for 24 hours. Compliance with the 4 hour rule will lead to beautiful results!

4) Although some patients may experience treatment effect in 48 to 72 hours, most patients do not notice full treatment effect for 7 to 14 days following the treatment. Should you desire additional treatment, a 30-day wait is desirable. 

5) Although extremely rare, allergic reaction to Botox type medications can occur. If you experience EXTREME skin redness, swelling or rash, or SEVERLY swollen or puffy eyes, or SEVERE headache, you may be allergic to Botox serum or you may have developed antibodies to the Botox serum from previous treatment. You MUST call the office immediately and be seen by the physician or go directly to your closet emergency room to confirm the reaction as allergic as well as be treated. 

6) Your desired results will start occurring in a few days. What you have in 14 days is likely your optimal result from the dose you received.  Smaller doses wears off the faster. Talk to your injector and make the best decision on your area of treatment and the proper dose to provide the longest lasting results. 

7) Dose equals duration. If you received the suggested recommended dose per the treatment area, you are likely to have 3 to 4 months of smoothness from your tox treatment. Most areas require 15 to 25 units of tox, depending on the strength of the muscle treated. Book your follow up treatment in advance in order to stay on schedule. Keeping the muscles that cause wrinkles in a relaxed state will prevent future wrinkles and the consistency of treatments every 100 days on average will look amazing!

Pre-Treatment Instructions:  

1) Dermal fillers must not be administered if you have had any vaccines, immunizations, procedures, illnesses, or dental work in  the past two weeks and for an additional two weeks after fillers.  

2)  Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of the ingredients, suffer from any  neurological or autoimmune disorders, are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, or have any active inflammatory  processes (cysts, pimples, rashes, hives).  

3) For optimal results, and to minimize the chance of bleeding or bruising at the injection site, please avoid all blood-thinning  medications and supplements for one week prior to your appointment. This includes over-the-counter medication such as  aspirin and ibuprofen. Also avoid herbal supplements such as garlic, vitamin E, ginko biloba, St. John's Wort and omega-3  capsules. If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor prior to stopping use of aspirin. Do not drink  alcoholic beverages 24 hours before or after your treatment to avoid extra bruising.  

4) Inform your provider if you have a history of Perioral Herpes (fever blisters) to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment. (Valtrex  500 mg BID, 5 days, start 2 days prior to treatment)  

5)  Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A) retinols, retinoids, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or any "anti-aging"  products for two days before and after treatment.  

6) Avoid wearing makeup the day of procedure to reduce risk of infection. 

7) Snitize your phone before putting it to your face and try to talk on speaker phone as much as you can day of. 

8) Sanitize car keys and practice good handwashing to prevent microbials from being on the treatment area. 

Post-Treatment Instructions:  

1) Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area unless instructed by provider.  

2) Avoid strenuous exercise or anything that increases your heart rate for 24 hours.  • Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours (no sauna, hot tub).  

3) Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excessive swelling.  

4) You may apply a cool compress or ice pack for 15 minutes each hour while awake to reduce swelling.  •

5) Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort. No NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) for 24 hours as they can increase bleeding.   

6) Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.  

7) You will want to use the Lorenol Post Treatment cream given to you by your injector on the treatment area. Or, you can take Arnica (found in health food stores) to help with the bruising and swelling.   

8) Ice for the first few days to help with swelling and bruising. 

9) Wait a minimum of two weeks before dental work, immunizations, or laser treatments.  

Dermal fillers last, on average, 6-12 months with some lasting 24 months. It is recommended at the time of your treatment to schedule  your next appointment to maximize your benefit. Typically, this is best done two weeks post-treatment. The most typical side effects are  bruising, swelling, and redness. These are temporary and will resolve. However, please call the office at 470-922-5888 to notify us if  you experience any additional side effects. 

PDO THREADS POST TREATMENT CARE

-Avoid picking and manipulating the suture at the procedure site. This can cause more bruising, infection, the perforation of the suture through the surface of the skin or the disjunction of the suture to the skin and muscle.

-Avoid direct heat such as laser treatment such as IPL or laser hair removal for at least a month.

-Avoid baths and use showers for one week following your procedure.

-Avoid excessive exercise/sport for one week following your procedure.

-For blood clot type bruises (hematomas) you may apply cold compresses gently to the area.

-Arnica or Vitamin K may be applied after procedure for 5-7 days for bruising and swelling if needed.

-There will be immediate visible results after treatment with suspensory threads, as well as the area feeling tighter. Over the first few days to weeks, the tight feeling will relax to some degree. 

-Soreness almost always occurs after treatment. There may be a dull pain that typically goes away after a week or two. There will often be discomfort from chewing or any facial movement. Another kind of pain after PDO threads can be described as “twinges”, “zingers”, or “quick shocks”, this is completely normal, and is caused by the threads stimulating a nerve ending. This kind of pain gradually resolves within several weeks after thread placement. 

-Recovery is generally quick, with most patients returning to work the next day. 

-Asymmetry or puckering of the skin may occur and typically resolves with time. If it does not resolve after a week, please contact us.

-You may taker Tylenol for pain, especially at bedtime during the first few days.

When to call: 

-Call If you experience increased redness, fever or drainage from the thread site

-Call If a thread begins to poke through the skin

 Additional Post Treatment info

-Keep head elevated on several pillows for the first 3 nights after procedure.

-Avoid any direct pressure to the face and area where the sutures were placed for one week after the procedure (for example, sleeping face down, excessive chewing, talking, yawning, smiling and other facial movements during the week after your procedure.

-You may wash your hair and face with very gentle upward and outward motions that lift the skin in the same directions as the sutures lift the skin.

-Patient can remove KT tape after 24 hours. When removing KT tape, patients must remove carefully and in a bottom to top pulling direction. Moisten the area with a small amount of baby oil.

-Banding may appear, which is normal and is nothing to be concerned about. Applying warm water compresses and time will resolve any banding issues.

Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Kybella® Treatment Contraindications: 

• You are not a candidate if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or have open sores in the treatment area. 

Pre-Treatment Instructions: 

• Do NOT use the following products 2 days prior or 2 days after your treatment (or until pinkness has subsided): RetinA, retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, harsh scrubs or exfoliating products, or bleaching creams (unless instructed otherwise by your provider). 

• Gentlemen: Shave the treatment area one day before your scheduled treatment (unless instructed otherwise by your provider). 

• Do not apply any creams, lotions, perfume or makeup etc. to the treatment areas prior a to be treated, prior to treatment. 

• To decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment, ensure you have had a recent meal, including food and drink, before your procedure. Please warn the provider if you have a history of fainting. • Schedule your Kybella® appointment at least 2-4 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation (due to bruising and prolonged swelling). 

• Reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours in advance if you have a severe rash, cold sore, or blemish in the treatment area. 

• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications 10-14 days prior and 3-4 days post treatment. Medications such as: Aspirin, Vitamin E, Gingko 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 consume alcoholic beverages 1 week prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising). 

• Consider taking Arnica tablets beginning 1 week prior to injections to prevent bruising. 

Post-Treatment Instructions: 

• Do NOT consume alcohol or sodium for 3 days post treatment to avoid excess swelling. 

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours post treatment. 

• Sleep on your back with your head elevated to decrease swelling. 

What to Expect: 

• You will experience swelling and bruising for 3-5 days post treatment, which will begin decreasing over a period of a few weeks. Swelling can last 4-6 weeks. 

• Many patients need 2-3 treatments for desired results, please schedule a follow-up appointment 4-6 weeks after your first treatment. 

• Ice packs may be used to the treated area during the first 12 hours. Ice for 15 minutes every hour. However, icing can be discontinued if uncomfortable. 

• Swelling, tenderness, bruising, numbness, and areas of firm nodules may occur and will resolve over time without intervention. Results are not immediate. Results may be seen as early as 4-6 weeks post-treatment, but full results will not be noticed until 12 weeks post-treatment. Best results come after the second treatment.  Numbness can last up to 12 weeks. 

• Do not wrap the treated area, and do not take anything to prohibit swelling the day of the treatment or for the days following treatment. 

• You may feel a sense of heaviness following the treatment, especially when laying on your back. This sensation may make you feel short of breath. However, Kybella® does not compromise your airway. Notify our office if any significant swelling, bleeding, pain, dusky discoloration, difficulty swallowing or smiling, or if fever occurs.  

How should I prepare for Vivace RF Microneedling treatment? 

• Avoid retinoid products, and glycolic acid products for 1 week prior to treatment. 

• Notify your doctor if you have a history of cold sores. The doctor will pre-treat you with a medication called valacyclovir to prevent any outbreaks. 

• It is preferred that you arrive for your appointment clean-faced without makeup, moisturizer, or lotions on the day of the treatment. 

• Notify your doctor if you have any history of keloidal scarring, metal or skin allergies, or if you have been on Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months. 

What should I expect during treatment? 

After application of a topical numbing cream, the treatment feels like little more than light pressure to the face, with an occasional, light sparking feeling. Radiofrequency provides heat that stimulates collagen production which has been found to lead to tighter, younger-looking skin. Combined with state-of-the-art microneedling, patients have experienced optimal results. 

What will I look like after treatment? 

• Immediately after the treatment, your skin will be red and flushed with an appearance similar to a moderate sunburn. You may experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch to the area being treated. The redness will diminish greatly after a few hours following the treatment and within 24 hours the skin will be generally calmed. 

• If you have treatment around your eyes, you may experience micro-bruising lasting for 3-4 days. This can be covered make-up. 

• Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as: Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for skin rejuvenation. 

• Do not exercise for 24-48 hours post procedure to minimize the risk of blistering. 

• Within two days following your procedure, you will notice skin dryness and flaking. This is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. During this time we recommend that you apply a hydrating moisturizer. 

• A week after your Vivace treatment, most patients note that their skin is smoother, and more radiant.  

How should I take care of my skin? 

Immediate & First Few Days (0-3 Days)

• Cleansing: Use a mild, soothing cleanser and pat your skin dry gently.  Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or using exfoliants for 1 week. Apply sunscreen daily and you can use makeup if needed starting the day after treatment. 
• Moisturizing: Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer or a hyaluronic acid serum. 
• Makeup: Do not apply makeup for the first 24 hours. If you must wear makeup, consider mineral makeup after the initial waiting period. 
• Exercise: Avoid vigorous exercise and activities that cause heavy sweating or raise your heart rate for at least 24-48 hours. Avoid partaking in activities that will heat up your skin, such as going in a hot tub/Jacuzzi/sauna or taking a very hot showers for 48 hours.
• Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight and wear a hat when outside. 
• Products: Do not apply any additional skincare products, such as retinoids, exfoliating agents, or electric facial brushes, unless advised by your provider. 

First Week

• Sun Protection: Continue to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily. 
• Skincare: Do not scrub, rub, or use harsh exfoliants on your skin for about a week. 
• Avoid Heat: Refrain from using saunas, hot tubs, and very hot showers. 

• Keep treated area clean; avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, sweating, swimming, or exposing skin to heat and sun. 

• Skin Care Products: All of your skin care products should be non-irritating and non-clogging for the first week or so after treatment. Moisturizer should be applied one to two times per day. We also recommend using a vitamin C serum daily to help with healing and to decrease pigmentation. 

• Scrubs, Toners, Glycolic Acid, and retinoids: Your skin will be sensitive for the first week or two after treatment. Do not use products that will cause irritation during this time. Please do not use any scrubs, toners, glycolic acid, retinoids (RetinA or retinol), or bleaching creams (hydroquinone) until your skin has healed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. 

• Sunscreen: It is very important that you use sunscreen to prevent discoloration and sun damage to the skin while it is healing. Use sunscreen daily for at least 3 months after your last treatment. The sunscreen should offer broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. 

Long-Term Care 

• Sun Protection: Continue avoiding sun tanning and prolonged sun exposure for up to two weeks.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Follow-Up: For best results, consider a series of treatments as recommended by your clinician.

When to Contact Your Provider

• If you experience significant swelling, excessive redness, bleeding, or signs of infection. 
• If you have questions about treating scabbing or minor breakouts. 
• If you are unsure about which skincare products are safe to use during the healing process. 

What is Abnormal Healing? 

If you notice any pimples, blisters, cuts, bruises, crusting/scabs, areas of raw skin, ulcerations, active bleeding, increased discomfort or pain, pigment changes (lighter or darker than usual complexion) or any other problems, please contact us as soon as possible. 

Pre and Post Treatment Instructions for IPL/Photo Facial 

Treats: Age or sun spots, face veins, melasma, rosacea, Tightens skin and also a reduction in facial hair.

Pre Treatment Instructions: 

• Avoid sun exposure (apply sunscreen daily and do not tan at all – including self-tanner) for 4 to 6 weeks before and after treatments. 
• Do not use any retinol products (or products containing tretinoin) or exfoliants on the area to be treated for one week. 
• Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior. 
• Let your doctor know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation. 
• If you have a history of fever blisters, notify the clinician in advance. You may need a prescription for a prophylactic antiviral therapy to start on the day of the treatment to prevent a flare up of cold sores. If you have a current prescription, Valtrex 500mg should be taken by mouth twice daily on the day before, the day of, and the day after your treatment. 
• You must notify the clinician if you have had any cosmetic tattooing on or near the area to be treated. Photosensitizing medications including doxycycline and minocycline should be discontinued three days prior to the treatment. 
• Anticipate a social “down-time” of 2-5 days before any redness, swelling and sloughing of the sunspots has subsided. 
• On the day of your appointment: Come to your appointment with a clean face- remove all makeup if area to be treated is the face. If applicable, dress so that you may modestly expose the treatment area. 

Post Treatment Instructions: 

• You may have a mild sunburn (burning) sensation following the treatment that is usually gone within a few hours. Skin redness is normal and may last a few days. 
• There may be a slight amount of swelling. 
• Crusting or blistering is uncommon and needs to be reported to the clinician. 
• Pigmented areas may begin to flake after a few days. 
• Cold compresses may be useful for the first 24 hours. Your skin will be fragile for 2-3 days. 
• Use gentle cleansers (we recommend a good medical grade Cleanser),
• Do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time. 
• Do not use a Clarisonic or a loofah for one week. 
• Do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, alpha or beta hydroxy products, vitamin C products, scrub, exfoliate, or have chemical peels performed on the areas treated area for one week. 
• We recommend a medical grade moisturizer. 
• Although we do not recommend putting on makeup after treatment to prevent skin infection from makeup. But if needed, Makeup can be applied immediately (if the skin is not broken) we recommend mineral based makeup. Avoid the sun and use sun block. We recommend a medical grade facial sunscreen SPF 50.
• Avoid excessive heat or friction to the treated area (heavy exercise, saunas). Sun spots and age spots will usually DARKEN with the IPL treatments BEOFRE they begin to respond and resolve. This is expected and a normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off on their own. 

Please contact us as soon as possible if you experience any blistering or increase pain. Contact us if you are concerned about infection. If any pigment changes are bothersome or persist beyond 4 weeks, please contact us 470-922-5888.

 Pre-Treatment Instructions:

• 3 DAYS BEFORE treatment: AVOID topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, or other “anti-aging”, “acne”, and “bleaching” products. Also AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated.
• Inform your provider if you have a history of Facial and/or Nasal Herpes to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.
• Do not have a chemical peel if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment.

Day of Treatment:

• Try to arrive with a “clean face”. Please do not wear makeup, if possible.

Immediately After Treatment:

• Following your visit:
  • If receiving the peel in the AM: You should leave the peel on all day. Wash your face with a  medical grade mild cleanser. You can wash the evening of your treatment. 
  • If receiving the peel in the PM: You should leave the peel on overnight. Wash it off the following morning, using only your hands (no washcloth, loofah, brush, etc.).
  • *If you experience extreme discomfort, you may wash the peel off prematurely; however, you may lose some or all of the effectiveness of the peel.
• DO NOT rinse or wash the face or use any skin care products during this leave-on period.
• AVOID UV exposure.
• You may experience some tenderness of the face that can last for a few hours or a few days.
• Redness and swelling are normal.
• AVOID exercise or strenuous activities (with the exception of light walking) for the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment.

The Next Day After Treatment (the start of the peeling process):

• Wash face with a gentle medical grade cleanser using your hands only.
• AVOID using a Clarisonic® or any facial brushes or devices for a minimum of 5 to 7 days.
• Gently pat dry skin.
• Apply a medical grade sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or higher and a barrier cream or one recommended by your provider to protect, soothe and hydrate the skin. Apply as often as needed for comfort.
• KEEP THE SKIN WELL HYDRATED, DRINK WATER AND USE AN EMOLLIENT MEDICAL GRADE MOISTURIZER FOR THE FIRST 2 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT. 
• You may apply makeup once skin has stopped aggressively peeling. Likely within 7 days. 
• By the 3rd and 4th day, the peeling will be the heaviest.
• Do not pick or pull on the skin. Let the skin shed as its own rate. Keep the peeling skin moist with a medical grade moisturizer..

Important to know:

• After the peeling phase begins, your skin may look or feel like a mild windburn for the next 2 to 3 days. Baby your skin and keep moisturized. 
• Up to one week, mild to moderate flaking will occur. Later for areas around the hairline. 
• Avoid glycolic acids, Vitamin C, scrubs, Tretinoin (Retin-A), and Retinol creams for 7 to 10 days.
• Avoid sun exposure and sun lamps.
• Wait a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving any additional skin care or laser treatments.
• Call the office if you have questions or concerns.