Pre + Post Care Instructions

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Acne Laser Treatment

Before your treatment: 

  • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment 
  • Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
  • Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. 
  • Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, 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 anti-viral prescription prior to treatment

After your treatment: 

  • Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen  to prevent further sun damage
  • Bruising, redness and swelling may occur and resolve with time
  • Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days 
  • Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
  • Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.  
  • Multiple treatments are required 
  • Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)

Botox

You can expect to see results within days after your neurotoxin treatment. Your treatment is fully effective two weeks after your injection. If you need a dose adjustment at that time, please schedule an appointment with your provider.

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

7 Days Before:

  • Avoid NSAID medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen since they increase chances of bruising. Check medication labels for the active ingredient
  • Avoid taking these herbal medicines and supplements since they can increase chances of bruising →                                    Dong Quai, Ginger, Feverfew, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Garlic (high dose), Omega-3 fish oil (3000 mg/day or higher), Vitamin E (high dose).

3 Days Before

  • Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin, Retionls, Retinoids, Glycolic Acids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids or other “anti-aging” products
  • Avoid waxing, bleaching tweezing or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated

24 Hours Before

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages to decrease chance of bruising

DAY OF TREATMENT 

  • It is recommended that you arrive to your appointment with a clean face o If possible avoid wearing makeup for the first few hours after the treatment 
  • You may feel some tenderness or a stinging sensation following the treatment→ this may last for a few hours, possibly up to a few days 
  • Some redness, swelling and possibly bruising may be visible after the treatment

Post-Treatment Instructions:

IMMEDIATELY AFTER TREATMENT 

  • If you are able, try to exercise the treated muscles for the first 1-2 hours after treatment→frowning, raising eyebrows, squinting, smiling, etc.  This helps to work the medication into the muscles 
  • Avoid lying down for the first 4 hours after the treatment 
  • Do not have a facial, rub or massage the treated area for the first 24 hours \
  • Avoid activities that cause facial flushing for the first 24 hours 
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours to decrease chance of bruising
  • Avoid applying any heat to the treated areas for the first 24 hours
  • Gently apply ice (preferably a cool gel pack) to the treated area for 15 min. every hour, as needed, to reduce discomfort, swelling or bruising
  • Some people may experience a mild headache after the treatment o 
  • You may take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief ▪
  • Oral and/or topical Arnica Montana may help reduce discomfort and bruising These can be purchased at most drug stores.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

  • After botulinum toxin is placed in the targeted muscles, the weakening gradually begins to take effect over 3-7 days and is not complete for 14 days 

If you have any questions or concerns about your results after the 14 days please contact our office 

Initially botulinum toxin will last approximately 2-3 months 

With continued and consistent treatments the results may begin to last up to 4 months

Dermal Filler

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

  • If you have a history of cold sores, please inform your provider prior to treatment. The doctor will need to write a prescription to pre-treat to eliminate the chances of you developing a cold sore post treatment.
  • Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications 10-14 days prior to 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.
  • Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages 1 week prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising).
  • Schedule your appointment at least 1-2 weeks prior to a special, such as a wedding or a vacation due to risk of bruising and swelling post treatment. 
  • Reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours in advance if you have a severe rash, cold sore or blemish in the treatment area.
  • Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink, before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
  • Consider taking Arnica tablets 1 week prior to injections to prevent bruising (Usage: Dispense 5 pellets under your tongue 3 times a day).

Post-Treatment Instructions:

  • Avoid laser treatments directly over or above Hyaluronic Acid fillers for 4-6 weeks after injection.
  • Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 24 hours after your treatment.
  • Avoid massaging/manipulating the treated area for 24 hours following treatment (unless instructed by your provider).
  • Do NOT consume excess amounts of alcohol or sodium to avoid excess swelling.
  • If you have swelling, you may apply a cool compress for 5-10 minutes each hour (5 mins over eyes) and take Tylenol to ease any discomfort.
  • We recommend sleeping on your back and slightly elevated, if you experience swelling.
  • Avoid dental work 1-2 weeks after filler injections.

Exosomes

Kybella / Lipodissolve

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

  • Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising).
  • Do NOT use the following products 2 days prior or 2 days after your treatment (or until pinkness has subsided): Retin-A, retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, harsh scrubs or exfoliating products and 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. on the area to be treated, prior to treatment.
  • Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and :drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
  • Schedule your Kybella appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation (due to bruising and swelling)
  • Reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours in advance if you have a severe rash, cold sore or blemish in the treatment area.
  • Consider taking Arnica tablets 1 week prior to injections to prevent bruising (Usage: Dispense 5 pellets under your tongue 3 times a day).

Post-Treatment Instructions:

  • Apply your sunscreen the day after treatment and re-apply every 2 hours for incidental sun exposure such as driving. 
  • Do NOT pick, rub or scratch any scabs or dry skin that may appear. This may cause unwanted side effects such as darkening of skin and/or scarring.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures of heat for 24 hours post treatment (i.e. Jacuzzi, hot showers etc.)
  • 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 and will begin decreasing over a period of the next few weeks. 
  • If you have swelling you may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes each hour and take Tylenol to ease discomfort.
  • Many patients need 2 treatments for desired results, please schedule a follow-up appointment 4-6 weeks after your first treatment.

Laser Hair Removal

Pre-Laser Hair Removal Instructions:

  • Avoid sun exposure: Protect the treated area from the sun for at least 4 weeks before and after treatment.
  • Discontinue waxing, plucking, or threading: These methods remove hair follicles, which can interfere with laser treatment. 
  • Shave the area: Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment. 
  • Stop using retinoids or other exfoliating products: These products can make your skin more sensitive to laser treatment.
  • Inform your provider about any medical conditions or medications: This is important for safety purposes. 
  • Avoid hot showers or baths: Heat can dilate blood vessels and make the treatment less effective. 

Post-Laser Hair Removal Instructions:

  • Apply a cold compress: To soothe the treated area and reduce redness.
  • Avoid sun exposure: Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for at least 4 weeks after treatment. 
  • Avoid hot showers or baths: For the same reasons as before treatment. 
  • Do not use harsh soaps or scrubs: Stick to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. 
  • Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading: These methods can interfere with future treatments.
  • Continue with your regular skincare routine: But avoid using any products that might irritate the skin. 
  • Follow up with your provider: Attend scheduled appointments for additional treatments. 

Laser Genesis

Before your treatment: 

  • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment 
  • Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
  • Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. 
  • Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, 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 anti-viral prescription prior to treatment

After your treatment: 

  • Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen  to prevent further sun damage
  • Bruising, redness and swelling may occur and resolve with time
  • Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days 
  • Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
  • Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.  
  • Multiple treatments are required 
  • Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)

Microneedling

Pre-Treatment Instructions:

  • If you have a history of cold sores, please inform your provider prior to treatment. The doctor will need to write a prescription to pre-treat to eliminate the chances of you developing a cold sore post treatment.
  • Reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours in advance if you have a severe rash, cold sore or blemish in the treatment area.
  • Avoid Dermal Fillers at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and 2 weeks after treatment.
  • Do NOT use the following products 3 days prior or 3 days after your treatment (or until pinkness has subsided): Retin-A, retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, harsh scrubs or exfoliating products and bleaching creams (unless instructed otherwise by your provider).
  • Do not apply any creams, lotions, perfume or makeup etc. on the area to be treated, prior to treatment.
  • Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after treatment. Sun may cause adverse reactions, as well as make your pigmentation worse.
  • You will be expected to arrive early for numbing, let your provider know if you have an allergy to topical Lidocaine.

Post-Treatment Instructions:

  • Apply your Sunscreen every 2 hours to prevent post procedure side effects, if exposed to sun.
  • Apply your AQ Active Serum 2 times a day or as needed, for at least 5 days after treatment. You may use it longer for optimal results.
  • The next day you may cleanse the treated area with your Ultra Gentle Cleanser with tepid warm water.  Apply cleanser to fingertips with water in a gentle motion. Do not use a washcloth or scrubs.
  • You may resume your normal skin care routine 5-days post treatment.
  • Avoid excessive sweating or exercise for 24 hours post treatment. (i.e. hot tubs, saunas, etc.)

What To Expect:

  • After treatment, the area may feel like a mild sunburn and can be covered up with makeup the day after treatment, if desired. Slight redness can remain up to 3 days and longer in rare cases.
  • In rare cases, you may experience bruising, depending on skin sensitivity and/or blood thinning medications. 
  • During treatment and just after, you may experience pinpoint bleeding; this is a normal response with this procedure.
  • The skin can feel dry or flake as a normal result of this procedure. This should resolve within a few days, in rare cases longer. You may experience a rough texture to the skin for a few days; this is a normal response after the DermaPen treatment.
  • Although extremely rare, red stripping may occur and should subside within 3 days.
  • Excessive scabbing, stripping or irritation should be reported to the office right away.

Pigmentation Laser Treatment

Before your treatment: 

  • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment 
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
  • Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. 
  • Some medications or supplements may increase the risk bruising. Consult with your physician.
  • Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, 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 anti-viral prescription prior to treatment

After your treatment: 

  • Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen  to prevent further sun damage
  • Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time
  • Treated pigment will turn darker (brown to black) within 24-48 hours 
  • Do not pick at treated areas
  • Treated pigment will exfoliate off the face in approximately 1 week
  • Treated pigment will exfoliate off the body in approximately 2-3 weeks 
  • Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days 
  • Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
  • Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.  
  • Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)

Ultherapy

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS 

Gently wash the treatment area with a mild cleanser. 

Do not apply any creams, lotions, foundation, powder or other products prior to treatment. Ibuprofen may be taken prior to the treatment as directed by your Her Secret Med Spa Provider. 

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS 

You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment without any restrictions or requirements. 

Skin may appear flushed after the treatment, but typically fades within a few hours. 

Tingling, soreness, and tenderness to the touch for a few weeks following the procedure are not uncommon, and a normal part of the healing process. 

Small areas of bruising, welts, or numbness are also a normal side effect of this procedure and will resolve in a matter of days to weeks. 

Elevate your head on two pillows to decrease swelling post-procedure and ice the treated area 20 minutes per hour for significant swelling. Swelling is most common under the eye area. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used if needed for swelling/inflammation. 

Continue sunscreen use (SPF of 15 or greater) following the treatment and as part of your daily skin care regimen. 

If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin or Polysporin.

Vascular Treatments

Before your treatment: 

  • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment 
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment
  • Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. 
  • Some medications or supplements may increase the risk bruising. Consult with your physician
  • Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, 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 anti-viral prescription prior to treatment

After your treatment: 

  • Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen  to prevent further sun damage
  • Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time
  • A “bug bite look” is common and usually resolves in 1-2 days
  • Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days 
  • Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment
  • Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.  
  • Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)
  • Leg vein treatments only: 
  • Compression stockings (20-30 mm/hg) are optional
  • Avoid high impact activity 3-5 days 
  • Hemosiderin staining (brown staining) may occur after a treatment and usually resolves with time (can take 1-2 years) but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent
  • Strict avoidance of sun exposure may decrease risk of permanent hemosiderin staining 
  • Large leg veins may take many months to resolve and should not be re-treated before then