PRE & POST CARE INFO
Pre & Post Procedure Care Instructions
In the sections below you can read pre and post procedure care information for the various services we offer. If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact the studio for assistance.
Click the buttons below to be taken to each section.
Morpheus8 & Laser
PRE TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- If you have a history of Cold Sores or Herpes, you will need an antiviral prescribed by your doctor, and it will need to be taken for the 7 days before your appointment and after your appointment as well.
- Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
- Avoid skin irritation or intentional skin tanning before your appointment. Sunscreen is recommended when outdoors during daylight hours.
- Plan your appointments at least a couple weeks in advance of any parties, weddings, or large events.
- Do not have Neurotoxins (ex: Botox) or Filler injected prior to your Morpheus8 appointment. If you have had face filler injected (ex: Juvederm®), wait at least 6 months before having a Morpheus8 treatment. If you have had lip filler or Neurotoxins (ex: Botox) injected, you will need to wait 7 days before having a Morpheus8 Treatment.
- You must be done with Accutane for 6 months before beginning treatment.
- Arrive at your appointment with clean skin. The treated area should be free of lotion, makeup, perfume, powder or bath/shower oil.
POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Immediately after treatment, you might experience redness for 1-3 days, however it may last longer. Slight to moderate swelling and a mild sunburn sensation are also common post treatment and may last 1-3 days. Skin may crust and peel for 2-7 days depending on your treatment.
- Tiny scabs can appear on the face for a few days as part of a normal healing, however make-up may be applied as soon as 1-3 days after the session to mask them and residual redness. Any adverse reaction should be reported immediately.
- It is common for the treated area to feel itchy for up to a week after your treatment.
- For 1-3 days post treatment, use only skin care products discussed with your technician or hydrocortisone.
- As soon as the needle holes close (1-3 days), you may apply moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.
- There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, and avoid scrubbing or trauma to the treated area.
- Keep taking your antiviral as directed by your physician.
- Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation.
- Use a zinc oxide sun block (SPF 30+) at all times after 24-48 hours.
- Multiple treatments over a period of several months may be needed.
Please do not hesitate to call our office should you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment or aftercare.
PRE TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- If you have a history of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area, you will need an antiviral prescribed by your doctor, and it will need to be taken following your doctor’s regimen before your appointment.
- You must be done with Accutane for 6 months before beginning treatment.
- Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
- Avoid skin tanning for 3-4 weeks prior to the treatment and use at least 30 SPF sunblock during outdoor activity at daylight hours.
- Do not use tanning creams and sprays for two weeks before your appointment.
- Stop anticoagulants 7-10 days prior to treatment, if medically permitted.
- Arrive at your appointment with clean skin. The treated area should be free of lotion, makeup, perfume, powder or bath/shower oil.
POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Sun block should be used for 3 weeks following your treatment.
- Moisturizer may be applied after each treatment and makeup may be applied immediately after a facial treatment.
- If you were prescribed an antiviral by your doctor, keep taking it as directed.
- Pigmented lesions will become darker for a period of 1-2 weeks before starting to lighten. Local inflammation around the lesions, manifested as some redness and swelling may accompany the response, as part of the healing process.
- Blood capillaries will clot and appear darker for 1-2 weeks before disintegration. Some redness and swelling may accompany the response, as part of the healing process.
- Some skin tightening may occur immediately, which may decline for 1-2 months, but will improve then, as new collagen fibers are produced.
- All 3 lesions: brown, red and loose skin may improve simultaneously.
- Multiple treatments may be needed.
Please do not hesitate to call our office should you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment or aftercare.
PRE TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- If you have a history of diseases stimulated by heat, such as recurrent Herpes Simplex in the treatment area, you will need an antiviral prescribed by your doctor, and it will need to be taken following your doctor’s regimen before your appointment.
- Discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
- Avoid any tanning for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment or use at least SPF 30 sunblock.
- You must be done with Accutane for 6 months before beginning treatment.
- Stop anticoagulants 7-10 days prior to treatment, if medically permitted.
- Arrive at your appointment with clean skin. The treated area should be free of lotion, makeup, perfume, powder or bath/shower oil.
- Please shave the full treatment area 48 to 24 hours before your appointment, depending on your hair growth.
POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Sun block should be used for 3 weeks following your treatment and 3 weeks preceding your next appointment
- Moisturizer may be applied after each treatment and makeup may be applied immediately after a facial treatment.
- If you were prescribed an antiviral by your doctor, keep taking it as directed.
- During the first 2 days following your treatment, care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area: avoid hot baths, massage, etc. The skin should be kept clean to avoid contamination or infection, any mechanical or thermal damage to the area must be avoided.
- Multiple treatments may be needed.
Please do not hesitate to call our office should you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment or aftercare.
Injectables
While Botox® and/or Xeomin® is a no downtime procedure, the following are some guidelines to be aware of following your treatment.
- No rubbing or massaging the injected area for 4 hours after treatment (this includes receiving a facial treatment).
- No strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day.
- Keep upright for 4 hours (avoid lying down).
- Avoid headwear that is tightly fitted across the forehead for the next 4 hours.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and blood thinning medication (such as Aspirin) for the remainder of the day.
Possible side effects
In most cases there will be no side effects from your Botox® and/or Xeomin® treatment. However, because everyone’s physiology is different, people can be affected in different ways. The most common side effects are:
- Bruising – There is a complex highway of blood vessels beneath the skin. Any time we receive an injection, it is a possibility to have a bruise at the injection site.
- Bumps – For some people, a bump may be apparent at each injection site and typically disappears within 30 minutes.
- Headache – Temporary headache is the most common reported symptom following Botox® and/or Xeomin®. If desired, painkiller medication may be taken. Ibuprofen/Advil is preferable to Tylenol/Aspirin, as the latter can increase bruising if taken the day of treatment.
Results and Future Appointments
- Results of Botox® and/or Xeomin® usually start to appear within a few days of injections, but can take up to two weeks to see full effect. If you feel you may need an adjustment to your treatment, you may schedule an appointment for two weeks from your initial appointment.
- Although some people may experience shorter or longer lasting results, scientific evidence shows that the effects of Botox® and/or Xeomin® usually lasts 3-4 months when dosed optimally.
- It is highly encouraged to schedule your next appointment as soon as your Botox® and/or Xeomin® wears off (at 3-4 months) to keep up smoothness and/or maintain progress.
It is important to follow instructions about dermal filler aftercare.
Immediately after your filler treatment may notice a few of the following things:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Red needle puncture marks
- Asymmetry
- Tenderness
- Itching in the area
These issues above are after filler treatment, and should resolve over the next few days to weeks. Your final result will be seen at about 4 weeks after treatment, at which time you may choose to be reviewed to see if further treatments are required to achieve optimal results.
You should not touch your face for 6 hours. After this you may clean your skin with water and a gentle cleanser if you wish. It is ideal to avoid applying makeup the entire day of the procedure.
Things to avoid:
- Do not expose the area to intense heat (i.e. use of jacuzzi or sauna)
- Avoid pressure on the treated areas for the first few nights (i.e. sleep on back of possible)
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol ideally 24 hours before as well as 24 hours after treatment
- Do not use AHA, Retinols/Retin A for 24 hours
Pain relief
Pain is usually mild and occasionally moderate after filler injections. There are areas which tend to be more painful like the chin and the lips. Pain relievers such as Tylenol can be taken if necessary.
Swelling relief
Apply a cool compress for 10 minutes every hour on the day of treatment (do not apply ice directly on your skin). A cool compress applied regularly for the first 24 hours after injections may help to reduce the amount of swelling.
Bruising relief
Patients on aspirin, fish oil or other drugs associated with increased bruising may find their risk increased. Some patients use arnica both before and after treatment to reduce bruising.
Massage
Massage of the filler areas is not advised unless otherwise instructed.
Cold sores and dermal filler
There may be a small chance that a treatment may induce an outbreak of facial cold sores in patients with a previous history.
Some patients take preventative Lysine or antivirals to help reduce the risk of cold sores. If you get cold sores after a treatment, you should see your doctor.
Aesthetic review
Reviewing the results of dermal filler should be performed at 4 weeks (except for cosmetic emergencies, which should be reviewed immediately)
Reviewing prior to 4 weeks is not useful as there is often a small amount of swelling still present, so the results cannot be judged until this has resolved. This is particularly important with regards to symmetry.
Retreatment
Retreatment should occur at any time between 1-6 months after a first treatment. Once peak filler has been achieved, and the patient is on maintenance injections, they might have filler once per year.
Complications
Cosmetic complications include vascular occlusion and infection. Vascular occlusions mostly occur in the treatment chair, and injectors are are able to see that they are happening and treat them.
Early infections may occur after a few days after the treatment. The patient might notice increasing redness, tenderness, swelling, pain, heat, nodules or pus. Patients should see their doctor if this occurs.
Lip filler after care
When the lips are injected, the upper lip tends to swell much more than the lower lip and often patients think that their upper lip has had too much filler injected into it. Once the swelling calms down, they realise this is not the case.
Concerns after filler treatment
If you are concerned post-treatment, please call. If you are unable to contact your injector and you are concerned that it is an emergency, please visit the emergency department of your local hospital.
Please carefully read and follow these instructions after your Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment. There are minimal restrictions after your PRP injections allowing you to return to your daily activities almost immediately.
DO NOT touch, press, rub or manipulate the treated area(s) for at least 8 hours after your treatment.
- Avoid NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Aspirin)—Tylenol is okay to use in its place for pain for 1 week.
- Avoid Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver, Essential Fatty Acids (EPA, DHA), for at least 1 week prior to and 2 weeks after your treatment.
- Avoid Systemic Steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone) for 1 week.
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes 3 days after treatment. Smokers do not heal well and problems recur earlier and results may take longer.
Remember, our goal is to create inflammation. These listed medications will limit or prevent inflammation, which can diminish your results. If you must take Aspirin for cardiac reasons, you certainly may do so, but this may limit your results.
It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your procedure. If you experience any pain or discomfort you may take Tylenol or other Acetaminophen-containing products as directed.
We would prefer if you could refrain from applying ice to the injected area as ice acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- Do not use any hair products for at least 6 hours after your treatment.
- AVOID saunas, steam rooms, swimming for 2 days after your treatment.
- AVOID vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for at least 2 days after your treatment.
- AVOID resuming Minoxidil (Formula 82M, Rogaine®) or hair coloring or straightening for 3 days. Continue increased water intake the first week after your treatment.
Please do not hesitate to call our office should you have any questions or concerns regarding your PRP treatment or aftercare.
BEFORE CARE:
- For 7 days prior to treatment, avoid taking aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E, and any NSAID’s (Non steroidal anti inflammatory agents such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprophen). This allows natural healing mechanisms to take place in the body.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for 48 hours before your treatment.
- If you have places to go after treatment and think you may feel self conscious, you may find it beneficial to wear a turtleneck or scarf to your appointment to help hide the swelling.
- Plan your appointment at least a couple weeks in advance of any parties, weddings, or large events.
AFTER CARE:
- On the day of your procedure, apply ice for 10 minutes of every hour.
- Do not massage or manipulate the swollen area.
- You can take 2 pills of Extra Strength Tylenol if significant discomfort occurs.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated if possible for 2-3 nights.
- You may shower, wash your face, apply moisturizers and sunscreens as you regularly do the day after your treatment.
- You may apply arnica cream/gel to expedite the bruising process.
- Avoid exercise for 3 days as it is known to worsen swelling.
It is normal to have significant swelling, numbness, hardness, lumpiness, tingling, redness, tenderness, and bruising. Some men may see areas of no hair growth afterwards, which should return to normal in 4-6 weeks. Most swelling occurs immediately and the day following treatment, and will start improving by day 5.
If you have any concerns not listed, please call our office at (208)292-8315. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing please visit the emergency department of your local hospital.
If you plan to have another Kybella treatment, this may be done 4 weeks from your last.
Permanent Makeup
- It’s best not to drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your appointment to reduce bleeding.
- You cannot have a procedure done if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Limit sun exposure prior to appointment.
- If you are oily, the healed result might be a lot softer.
- Do not pluck, wax or tint 48 hours before your appointment.
- Make sure you have no lash extensions. You will want to keep them off until after your fine tuning appointment.
- If you wear contacts, please remove them and wear glasses to your appointment.
- Stop using lash serum prior to your appointment. The longer the better to prevent bleeding and have better color retention.
- You won’t be able to wear mascara for 7-10 days following the appointment – consider a lash tint at least 48 hours prior to coming.
- If you have ever had a cold sore or fever blister it’s imperative to get on an antiviral like Acyclovir to prevent a breakout.
- Don’t panic – these can get darker for a few days before they get lighter.
- Using a clean q-tip, apply a light layer of ointment at night and in the morning as you see needed for the next 5-7 days (less is more – do not over apply, just enough to keep them from scabbing).
- Avoid water, sweating or direct sunlight on the area for 7-10 days.
- No saunas or long steamy showers, cleansers, creams, makeup or any other products on treated area for 7-10 days.
- Growth serums, Retinols or Retin-As, Alpha Hydroxyls [AHAs], Peroxides, Proactiv, Salicylic, Lactic or Glycolic Acids will cause quicker fading of the area over time.
- Do not rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off – picking can cause scarring.
- Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 3-4 weeks after procedure.
- Avoid heavy sweating for the first 1-2 days.
- No waxing, bleaching, tinting, hair removal or growth products on the treated area for 4 weeks.
- Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.
- Do not use Neosporin or Vaseline and DO NOT listen to your friends’ aftercare advice.
- For NEW Permanent Makeup: It is your responsibility to come in for your fine tuning appointment (if you need it) between 6-8 weeks. Waiting beyond that time will result in a charge. Refreshers do not include a second appointment.
- Not only is everyone’s skin different, but other factors including sun exposure and skin care products can change the results of the healing in the skin.
- There are no written or implied guarantees if you don’t take care of your tattoo. If following sessions are required you will be charged.
If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact the studio for assistance.
- Don’t panic – your eyes can feel tired and puffy like you’ve been crying.
- You may want to keep your contacts out for the next 1-2 days.
- If permitted by your doctor, feel free to take an anti-inflammatory (i.e. Ibuprofen) to help with any swelling or discomfort.
- It may feel nice to ice your eyes the day of your procedure – be sure it’s wrapped in a clean cloth or paper towel and first apply a light layer of ointment so you don’t stick.
- Using a clean q-tip, apply a light layer of ointment at night and in the morning as you see needed for the next 7-10 days (less is more – do not over apply, just enough to keep them from scabbing).
- Avoid water, sweating or direct sunlight on the area for 7-10 days.
- No saunas or long steamy showers, cleansers, creams, makeup or any other products on treated area for 7-10 days.
- Growth serums, Retinols or Retin-As, Alpha Hydroxyls [AHAs], Peroxides, Proactiv, Salicylic, Lactic or Glycolic Acids will cause quicker fading of the area over time.
- Do not rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off – picking can cause scarring.
- Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.
- Do not use Neosporin or Vaseline and DO NOT listen to your friends’ aftercare advice.
- For NEW Permanent Makeup: It is your responsibility to come in for your fine tuning appointment (if you need it) between 6-8 weeks. Waiting beyond that time will result in a charge. Refreshers do not include a second appointment.
- Not only is everyone’s skin different, but other factors including sun exposure and skin care products can change the results of the healing in the skin.
- There are no written or implied guarantees if you don’t take care of your tattoo. If following sessions are required you will be charged.
If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact the studio for assistance.
- Don’t panic – your lips will feel swollen and intense in color.
- If permitted by your doctor, feel free to take an anti-inflammatory (i.e. Ibuprofen) to help with any swelling or discomfort.
- It may feel nice to ice your lips the day of your procedure – be sure it’s wrapped in a clean cloth or paper towel and first apply a light layer of ointment so you don’t stick.
- Using a clean q-tip or the ointment tube we provided, apply a light layer of ointment when they feel dry throughout the day for the next 7-10 days (less is more – do not over apply, just a thin chapstick-like layer is all you need to keep them from scabbing).
- Your lips will feel chapped as they heal – your color will continue to lighten through this process and heal to a beautiful and more natural blushed color.
- Keep taking your anitvarial as directed by your physician.
- Avoid food and drinks touching your lips as they heal (especially spicy or acidic) use a fork to eat and a straw to drink.
- Avoid water, sweating or direct sunlight on the area for 7-10 days.
- No saunas or long steamy showers, cleansers, creams, makeup or any other products on treated area for 7-10 days.
- Growth serums, Retinols or Retin-As, Alpha Hydroxyls [AHAs], Peroxides, Proactiv, Salicylic, Lactic or Glycolic Acids will cause quicker fading of the area over time.
- Do not rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off – picking can cause scarring.
- Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 10 days.
- Do not use Neosporin or Vaseline and DO NOT listen to your friends’ aftercare advice.
- For NEW Permanent Makeup: It is your responsibility to come in for your fine tuning appointment (if you need it) between 6-8 weeks. Waiting beyond that time will result in a charge. Refreshers do not include a second appointment.
- Not only is everyone’s skin different, but other factors including sun exposure and skin care products can change the results of the healing in the skin.
- There are no written or implied guarantees if you don’t take care of your tattoo. If following sessions are required you will be charged.
If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact the studio for assistance.
- Don’t panic – your areola and nipple area might feel sensitive and intense in color.
- If permitted by your doctor, feel free to take an anti-inflammatory (i.e. Ibuprofen) to help with any discomfort.
- It may feel nice to ice the day of your procedure.
- The Tagaderm bandage is a breathable yet waterproof bandage which makes it permissible to get them wet, however try to avoid sweating which would bring moisture in from beneath the surface of your skin and the salt can cause fading.
- The bandage should stay on until it naturally falls off (generally a week later).
- No saunas, hot tubs, or long steamy showers if they make you sweat and no sun exposure during healing.
- Do not rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off – picking can cause scarring.
- After the Tagaderm bandage comes off, it is permissible to apply a light layer of A&D or Aquaphor if your skin is feeling dry.
- Do not use Neosporin or Vaseline and DO NOT listen to your friends’ aftercare advice.
- For NEW Procedures: It is your responsibility to come in for your fine tuning appointment (if you need it) between 6-8 weeks. Waiting beyond that time will result in a charge. Refreshers do not include a second appointment.
- Not only is everyone’s skin different, but other factors including sun exposure and skin care products can change the results of the healing in the skin.
- There are no written or implied guarantees if you don’t take care of your tattoo. If following sessions are required you will be charged.
If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact the studio for assistance.
Emsculpt Neo
HOMEWORK:
This is an equivalent of doing 20,000 muscle contractions every 30 minute session! Even though the pulses tap out the lactic acid you still might feel residual soreness, sometimes in nearby areas of the body that were flexing from being in close proximity to the treated area. You may find it nice to do a good stretch when you go home!
This is an incredible opportunity to springboard into a healthy lifestyle or great maintenance if you are already there! You will see maximum results by making thoughtful lifestyle choices in addition to your Emsculpt Neo® sessions.
Although a benefit is fat reduction and hopefully visible changes to the body, pay attention to how your body is feeling. We have had multiple reports of pain reduction in the body and an overall sense of feeling better and stronger. If your body feels better you will be able to accomplish more and live a fuller life.
WATER:
It is very important to stay hydrated for the duration of the series for the lymphatic system to properly flush the fat out from your system. Additionally, your metabolism slows with being just 1% dehydrated – so hydration is key!!
**Drink half your bodyweight in ounces! So for example if you are 200 pounds you will need to drink 100 ounces of water a day! **
FOOD:
There are many approaches you can take, but be reasonable and be good to your body. Crash diets may see short term results, but they are hard to stick with – it’s about creating lasting lifestyle changes that are easy to maintain. Limit/eliminate processed foods. Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The Exercise Institute can help you develop a nutrition plan or you can find a nutritionist or coach.
STAY ACTIVE:
Office Favorites: Exercise Institute – 15 minute personal trainer during the super slow technique of weight training – it works! (208) 666-9094
Extra credit: take care of your mind! The health of your mind has an impact on the rest of your body! Favorite podcasts, apps or books from the office:
- 21 Days of Abundance Challenge by Deepak Chopra
- 21 Day Brain Detox by Dr. Caroline Leaf
- Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Energy Paradox by Steven R. Gundry
Did you know muscle is what burns fat? The lasting results of these sessions depend on you! Fat cell destruction is permanent, however, if you continue to eat poorly you can still swell the fat cells that remain. Muscles that aren’t used begin to lose strength “use it or lose it” as my sweet Nana always says. You begin to lose muscle after 3 weeks of inactivity. Muscle mass decreases approximately 3–8% per decade after the age of 30 and this rate of decline is even higher after the age of 60! Unless you fight it! Ask about our maintenance plan options to do additional sessions throughout the year, but you will also want to incorporate daily activities to keep your body moving and muscles strong.
Did you know that strong muscles lead to strong bones? And strong bones can help minimize the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. A combination of age-related changes, inactivity, and inadequate nutrition conspire to gradually steal bone mass, at the rate of 1% per year after age 40. As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after even a minor fall or a far less obvious stress, such as bending over to tie a shoelace.
Things to keep in mind – Rome was not built in a day. You are starting your journey of building the body and lifestyle you want. Be kind to yourself because this can take time.
