CLIENT PRETREATMENT AND
POST TREATMENT GUIDELINES
These guidelines have been developed in order to provide for the optimum treatment results with cosmetic injectibles and we ask all clients who want to schedule an appointment to review these guidelines prior to treatment.
Note even the best injector can have a client that develops a bruise or experiences bruising after treatment. Bruising is one of the most common side effects with cosmetic injectibles. It is not just the injector’s technique that may cause bruising but also the client’s individual characteristic tendency to bruising and healing and the client’s actions both pre and post treatment that can cause or aggravate a bruise. Hence we find it helpful to assist our clients in how they can assist in avoiding bruising with cosmetic injectable treatment. Although focused on preventing bruising some of these tips may also help to avoid swelling, lumps and bumps.
NOTE: All guidelines note should not take precedence over a client’s medical doctor’s recommendations. Should there be a conflict please inform the office prior to any treatment.
PRETREATMENT GUIDELINES
- AVOID
Three days minimum to 1 week ideally before facial rejuvenation treatment exclude: Aspirin (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotin, Exedrin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Medipren, Nuprin), Naproxen (Aleve) or any other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs NSAIDS, Steroids, Ginko Biloba, Ginseng, St. John’s Wart, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, flax oil or fish oil any Omega 3s, any other essential fatty acids ( e.g. primrose oil, salmon oil, cod oil, krill oil, borage oil, conjugated linoleic acid CLA). Some of these may be needed for medical reasons so check with your medical doctor first and inform the office prior to any treatment if any conflict. - AVOID
24 to 48 hours before exclude: Niacin Supplements, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates (you may eat fruit, just avoid foods with added sugar, fructose, corn syrup, etc.), spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes. - AVOID
Ideally avoid Chemical Peels and Laser for 1 week prior to treatment. Although a variety of professional opinions on the length of time to avoid prior to treatment, the recommendation here is to avoid for 1 week before and 1 week after treatment. - AVOID
It is always best to avoid important work or any social events for 2-7 days. If you bruise easily you may want to plan on 2 weeks of healing time. If planning a special event such as a wedding or a reunion have cosmetic fillers at least 3-4 weeks before the event just in case as bruising can last for several days to 14 days. - Take Arnica Montana the morning of injections as directed. You can find Arnica Montana at certain drugstores and often at Whole Foods Market. DO NOT TAKE if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.
- If you develop a cold sore prior to treatment call to reschedule the appointment. Note Valtrex or another anti-viral medication may be prescribed or recommended to prevent an outbreak.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION During treatment
- Numbing cream will be applied 20 to 30 minutes before starting the injections, it will help prevent bruising and make you more comfortable during the treatment. Some anesthetic creams constricts blood vessels slightly making bruising less likely. Therefore please come in 20 to 30 minutes early to your appointment to have the cream applied.
- Ice bag may be applied prior, during and at the end of treatment.
- Immediate pressure will be applied if a spot starts to bleed after an injection and ice may also be applied.
- You may be informed base on the injector’s experience if bruising is more likely in your case and if so additional instructions may be given to you to assist you in your post treatment period.
POST TREATMENT GUIDELINES
Note some common injection related reactions such as, swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, itching and discoloration at the injection site may occur post treatment. The intensity and time that these side effects will last will depend on various factors such as, the treatment aggressiveness and your individual tendency to bruise and healing characteristics but normally can last for one to two weeks after treatment.
- Most minor problems will resolve within 2 weeks.
- A reminder that it takes some injectibles such as Botox and Xeomin 3-7 days to fully take effect.
- Botox and Xeomin you may experience headache shortly after treatment if so this will subside.
- Use Tylenol with any pain.
- Note with multiple treatment sites healing may vary between the treatment sites.
- AVOID
Immediately after your procedure and for 1 to 3 days you should avoid the following: (Note must wait 3 days if experiencing any side effects such as, swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, itching and discoloration at the injection site) - Strenous Exercise (recommendation here is 3 days as ideal) - Sun Exposure/Heat Exposure/Tanning Beds (recommendation here is 3 days as ideal) - Try to avoid alcohol for 1-2 days after treatment. - Do not touch, press, massage, rub or manipulate the treated areas as this could change the wanted results. - Extreme Cold. - Elevation changes such as, Flying or Diving. - All pretreatment medications and supplements to avoid should continue to avoid. - Use sunscreen with broadband (UVA and UVB protection) and sun protection of SPF 30 or more and wear a hat when outdoors.
- If you have swelling apply cold compresses to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour.
- Occasionally a treatment can trigger an acne flare which should resolve within 14 days. Call your doctor if you need medication.
- If laser treatment, chemical peel or any other procedure is considered after treatment the risk of eliciting an inflammatory process is possible. The recommendation here is to wait at least 1 week after treatment before proceeding.
- You may be asked to take Arnica Montana orally every 4 hours for 24 hours if bruising is expected or preventatively.
- Any retreatment, revision, or correction treatment must wait 2 weeks to proceed.