After Care Instructions

After your injections, it is normal to experience some focal swelling and pinpoint bleeding for the first 10 minutes. Use a small bag of frozen peas in a sandwich bag or crushed ice to gently ice the area. If you are prone to bruising, let the medical assistant know so that you can ice before the procedure.

• Ice can be applied to reduce swelling.

• Bruising may occur.

• It usually takes up to fourteen (14) days to see the effects of Neurotoxin.

• Neurotoxin relaxes the treated area. The neurotoxin may not completely paralyze the treated muscles.

• Treatment needs to be repeated every three to four (3-4) months.

After your injections it is normal to have some swelling, pinpoint bleeding and bruising. Due to the numbing cream applied for your procedure you will still feel number for another 1-2 hours after your procedure. Use a small bag of frozen peas in a sandwich bag or crushed ice to gently ice the area. Ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue the icing for the first several hours if possible.

• Some correction is immediate and initially may appear overcorrected because of the anesthesia and swelling. This usually resolves in 24 hours. The filler continues to settle and improve over the next 2 - 3 weeks.

• It is normal to experience some pain and sensitivity in the area of the injection. Most patients find that Tylenol can help relieve this post-injection pain. Avoid NSAIDs such as Motrin and ibuprofen as they can make swelling and bruising worse.

• Fillers are temporary and subsequent treatments will be necessary depending on the duration of the filler. Sometimes, a touch up treatment is needed at 1 to 2 months.

• Other areas may require treatment to assist in facial contouring and balance. It is normal to experience lumpiness under the skin for up to 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.  

• Treatment needs to be repeated every one to two (1-2) years.

After your Kybella injections it is normal to have some swelling, pinpoint bleeding and bruising underneath the chin. Due to the numbing cream applied for your procedure you will still feel number for another 1-2 hours after your procedure. Use a small bag of frozen peas in a sandwich bag or crushed ice to gently ice the area. Ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.  Continue the icing for 48 hours if possible.

Minimize Strenuous Exercise

• We recommend no strenuous exercise for 48 hours in order to reduce swelling and bruising.

Do not manipulate or massage or rub or poke the area. 

• Do not massage or manipulate the treated area which will be quite swollen after Kybella injections. You may shower and wash your face with gentle cleanser. Avoid facials, chemical peels or laser treatments on the treated area for 14 days.

Concealers can be used to cover up any bruises after injections

• You can use makeup, moisturizers and sunscreen the next day after your injections to cover up any bruising.

Sleep with head propped up on 2-3 pillows

• For the first 2-3 days sleeping with your head propped up on 2-3 pillows can help minimize swelling under the chin area. Swelling should begin to improve after about 48 hours.

Post Procedure

• It is normal to experience some achiness and sensitivity in the area of the injection. Most patients find that Tylenol can help relieve this post-injection pain. After 24 hours, Advil or Ibuprofen may be taken for achiness or swelling.

• You may require multiple treatments to achieve the optimal results.

The full effects are typically seen between 6 and 8 weeks.

• Further treatment may be necessary. Your provider will discuss a treatment plan with you during your appointment.

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment, but because it creates tiny micro-injuries in your skin, your body needs time to heal. 

Here’s what you can expect in the days following your session:

• Day 1-2: Your skin may appear red and feel tight, similar to a mild sunburn. There might also be slight swelling and sensitivity.

• Day 3-5: Redness subsides, and you may notice light flaking or peeling as your skin begins to renew itself.

• Day 6 and beyond: Your skin starts to feel softer and looks brighter. The full benefits of microneedling (collagen production and skin rejuvenation) continue to develop over the next few months.

Skincare following treatment:

• For the first 24 hours: Only use lukewarm water to cleanse your face—avoid harsh cleansers.

• After 24 hours: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser recommended by your skincare specialist.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid in skin recovery.

• Avoid Makeup for the first 24 hours.

• Your skin needs time to breathe and recover. Applying makeup too soon can introduce bacteria and clog your pores, leading to breakouts or irritation.

• If you must wear makeup, opt for mineral-based, non-comedogenic formulas and apply them with clean hands or brushes.

• Apply a Gentle Moisturizer and Hydrating Serum

• Your skin will be drier than usual after microneedling. A hyaluronic acid serum can deeply hydrate your skin and accelerate healing. Follow up with a lightweight, non-irritating moisturizer.

• Avoid: Products containing retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid for at least one week post-treatment. These ingredients can be too harsh during the healing process.

Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen:

• Sun exposure can cause irritation and slow healing. Since your skin is more sensitive post-treatment, always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher when going outside.

• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 5-7 days and wear a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.

Avoid Sweating and Strenuous Activities

• Excessive sweating can introduce bacteria to your freshly treated skin and lead to irritation.

Avoid:

• Strenuous workouts

• Saunas and steam rooms

• Hot showers and baths

• Wait at least 24-48 hours before resuming these activities.

Say No to Exfoliation

• Your skin is already in repair mode, so let it shed naturally. Do not use physical or chemical exfoliants for at least a week after microneedling. Avoid: Scrubs, peels, or harsh facial tools.

Be Patient – healing takes time. Microneedling results don’t appear overnight. While you may notice a glow after a few days, the real magic happens over the next 1 to 2 months as collagen production increases.

• For the best results, most patients typically require 3 to 6 initial treatments, with each session spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

• For maintenance, we recommend repeating microneedling treatments every 3 to 4 months.

The treatment you received is a clinical treatment designed to exfoliate or remove the outer layers of the skin. Depending on the treatment, you may experience some temporary stinging or warm flushing. 

Depending on the peel you receive, we may give you peel-specific aftercare in the office.

For most patients, flaking begins within 48-72 hours. It is impossible to predetermine how much peeling will occur. The shedding process usually subsides within 7-10 days.

Not every patient notices visibly peeling after a chemical peel procedure. Lack of peeling is NOT an indication that the peel was unsuccessful. If you do not notice actual peeling, please know that you are still receiving all the benefits of the peel, such as: unclogging of pores, stimulation of collagen production, increased cell turnover, improvement of skin tone and texture, and diminishment of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

Possible Side Effects

• Peeling and flaking of the skin

• Changes in skin color — lightening or darkening of the skin

• Redness and swelling

• Fever blister outbreak

After Care

• Wash with a gentle cleanser.

• Apply moisturizer as often as needed to relieve dryness and tightness.

• Wear an SPF of at least 30 daily.

• Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible for 1-2 weeks following your peel.

• Do not have any other facial treatments for at least one week after your peel.

• Refrain from waxing for at least 7 days.

• Do not apply Retin-A, acids (AHA, BHA) or bleaching creams until the peeling process is complete.

• Do not pick or pull any loose skin.

• When washing your face, do not scrub. No exfoliation until peeling is complete.

You may require multiple peels to achieve the optimal results.

 How do I care for my skin after laser treatment? 

• After treatment, the skin is delicate, so handle it with care.

• A stinging sensation and warmth of the skin may last for a short period.

• Avoid plucking, waxing, or any other hair removal method on treated hair after your removal treatment; let it fall out naturally. Forceful removal can lead to folliculitis from inflammation.

• Wash with a gentle cleanser using your fingertips once or twice daily. Avoid washcloths, abrasive tools, and exfoliants.

• Apply a gentle moisturizer.

• Apply mineral sunscreen (SPF 45+) to reduce the risk of discoloration. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks.

• You may resume cosmetics the day after treatment as tolerated.

What are the potential side effects of the treatment?

• Swelling: Swelling is the most common side effect following treatment around the hair follicle. It may occur within a few minutes after treatment.

• Pain: The snapping and burning sensation of the laser is most notable during treatment and improves quickly.

• Skin discoloration or darkening is more common in patients with darker skin types and typically fades over time. Use rigorous sunscreen. If needed, over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream can be applied to dark areas for up to 5 days.

How many treatments does it typically take?

• Patients typically require four to six treatment sessions every four to eight weeks for 75% – 95% clearance. Many also receive periodic touch-up treatments for maintenance over time.

 How do I care for my skin after treatment? 

• After treatment, the skin is delicate, so handle it with care. 

• Apply cold compresses wrapped in a soft cloth for 10-15 minutes each hour for the first 4 hours, if needed.

• Swelling is normal after treatment and lasts 3-5 days, particularly on the lower eyelids. Use extra pillows while sleeping to help reduce swelling.

• Wash with a gentle cleanser using your fingertips once or twice daily. Avoid washcloths and abrasive tools.

• Apply a gentle moisturizer.

• Apply mineral sunscreen (SPF 45+) to reduce the risk of discoloration. Sun exposure and tanning beds should be avoided for several weeks after treatment.

• You may resume cosmetics after treatment as tolerated. Make sure makeup brushes are clean and there are no crusts or scabs on the skin before you resume cosmetics.

• If a crust or scab occurs, avoid picking or scratching it off. Apply an ointment such as Aquaphor or CeraVe healing ointment to areas of scabbing or crusts and allow it to come off naturally. 

• You can shower normally after treatment, but avoid hot tubs and saunas until swelling and skin healing are complete.

What are the potential side effects of Vascular Laser? 

• Swelling: Swelling is the most common side effect following treatment, especially under the eyes. It may occur within a few minutes after treatment and often lasts 3-5 days. Applying cold compresses and sleeping on extra pillows will help. 

• Pain: The snapping and burning sensation of the laser is most notable during treatment and improves quickly.

• Bruising (purpura): Bruising may occur and typically resolves over a week. Blood-thinning medications and supplements may increase the risk of bruising. 

• Skin discoloration/darkening: This is more common in patients with darker skin types. Use rigorous sun protection. 

• Persistence of vessels: Despite our best efforts and technology, some lesions may not disappear.

How many treatments does it typically take?

• Vascular conditions, except for angiomas, often require a few treatments. To maintain results, periodic maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months are recommended.

What to Expect After Treatment

It is important to help your skin heal quickly and protect your skin investment. The intensity and duration of your side effects depends on the treatment aggressiveness and your individual healing characteristics. Generally, patients who are treated more aggressively experience more intense and longer lasting side effects; however, some patients who receive a less aggressive treatment may experience side effects of greater-than-expected magnitude, while others receiving more aggressive treatments may experience side effects of less-than-expected magnitude. Notify your physician if the severity of your side effects becomes a problem for you.

What you may feel and look like:

• Immediately after the treatment, you will experience redness, swelling and rarely pinpoint bleeding. You will notice most of the swelling on the first morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes. Swelling usually lasts two to three days. To minimize swelling do the following:

  • ­    Apply cold compresses to the treatment area for 10 minutes of every hour on the day of treatment, until you go to bed.

  • ­    Sleep elevated the first night.

• Heat sensation can be intense (like a bad sunburn) for the following 2 hours. Occasionally oozing can occur in isolated areas for a few days as well.

• Over the next few days, the redness may worsen. Swelling may increase and cause some discomfort.

• You may also notice that your skin appears bronzed or little dark dots will appear on the treated area. Your skin may feel dry, peel, or flake. You may notice a “sandpaper” texture a few days after treatment. This is the treated tissue working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated.

• This dead skin is a normal result of laser treatment and should start sloughing off 3 – 4 days after the treatment. Most patients complete this process 5 – 7 days after a treatment on the face. (On off-face areas, such as hands/arms, where healing is slower, the process may take up to 2 weeks.)

• Once the sloughing is complete, you may notice some pinkness over the next few weeks. Most redness resolves during the first week after treatment, but a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks. This is new skin! If you wish, you can apply makeup to minimize the redness.

• Some patients have also experienced itching.

Your after-treatment skin care regimen is tailored to the treatment you received today. Follow the instructions as checked below:

• Immediately After Treatment. Use a fragrance free moisturizer (i.e. Cerave cream).Use of icepacks helps alleviate the heat sensation. You may also cleanse your face with a mild cleanser.

• First Few Days. Continue cleansing and moisturizing over the next few days. Once the sloughing starts, please allow your skin to heal and DO NOT scrub, rub, pick, or use exfoliants. Keep clothing away from treated body parts as much as possible to avoid irritation. Avoid intense workouts and exposure to heat for at least 48 hours.

• First Week of Healing. Keep treated area clean; avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, perspiring, swimming, or exposing skin to heat and sun.

• Skin Care Products. All your skin care products should be non-irritating, non-clogging and fragrance free for the first week or so after a Fraxel treatment. Reapply whenever your skin feels dry. Examples of brands that offer very gentle and inexpensive products that are ideal to use: Aveeno®, Dove®, Cerave®, Neutrogena®, and Cetaphil®.

• Scrubs, Toners, Glycolic Acid, and Retin A. Your skin will be sensitive for the first week or so after treatment. Do not use products that will cause irritation during this time. Do not use abrasive scrubs, toners, or products that contain glycolyic acids or Retin A. Read the product labels.

• Normal Skin Care Regimen. Once the sloughing is complete, you may resume your routine skin care and make-up products, as long as they are tolerable to you.

• Sunscreen. It is very important that you use sunscreen to prevent sun damage to the skin. Sunscreen should offer broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Once sloughing is complete, use sunscreen daily for at least 3 months after your last treatment. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and again, immediately before. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. Your practice of diligent sunscreen use may lower the risk of laser-induced hyperpigmentation (darker color).

• Bleaching Creams. Discontinue use of your bleaching cream while your skin is tender. Restart your bleaching cream at least 7-10 days after treatment or after all side effects of treatment have resolved.

• Resume your normal skin care regimen when your skin has fully healed.

• Cold Sores. If you develop a cold sore, contact the office.

• Abnormal Healing. If you notice any blisters, cuts, bruises, areas of extremely raw skin, ulcerations, active bleeding, increased discomfort or pain, or any other problems, please contact us as soon as possible.

The frequency of Fraxel treatments depends on the individual's skin condition and desired results. This also depends on the amount of damage present, treatment goals, and level of treatment given. Some improvement in skin tone, and pigmentation will be seen within 10 days and will continue to gradually improve for 2-3 months post-treatment as collagen remodeling occurs.

• You may have a mild sunburn (burning) sensation following treatment that usually resolves in 15 minutes.  Skin redness is normal and is usually gone in a few hours but may last a few days.  Rarely there may be a slight amount of swelling. Pigmented areas may appear darker and may crust - they should begin to flake off within a week.  They should be allowed to naturally flake off - do not pick as this could cause scarring, and irregular pigmentation.

• It is unlikely that you will feel uncomfortable, but if so, cold compresses may be useful.  You may take over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication.

• Your skin may be fragile for 1-2 days.  Use gentle cleansers (such as Cetaphil or SkinCetuticals Gentle Cleanser), do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time. Do not scrub or exfoliate the treated area(s). 

• Moisturizers - you should apply a gentle moisturizer after cleansing (such as Cetaphil or SkinCeuticals Emollience or Daily Moisture).

• Make-up - as long as the skin is not irritated or broken you can use your regular makeup.  If your skin feels sensitive, a mineral-based makeup is recommended.

• Avoid direct sun and tanning beds and use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30.  Do not use any sunless tanning lotions. If you are going to be outside wear sunscreen (and a hat if possible).  Sun exposure increases the chances of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) forming. 

• You may resume use of topical agents when irritation (if any) resolves.

• Aerobic exercise and hot baths should be avoided for 24 hours (a quick shower is recommended).  These activities cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) which can negatively affect your results.

• Notify our office immediately if you experience any blistering or scabbing, if you develop any cold sores/fever blisters around your mouth or if you are concerned about infection.

You may require multiple treatments to achieve the optimal results.

• You may experience slight redness and swelling, which should resolve within 24 hours.

• Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands and gentle patting motions.

• Moisturizer should be applied generously with clean hands over treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry.

• Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily. Use a physical sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 30. Ensure to reapply during sun exposure.

• Make-up can be worn immediately following treatment.

• Do not pick, peel, pop, or scrub at any dryness or flaking. Let skin renew itself naturally.

• Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs and sweaty activity for 24 hours; this includes exercise of any kind.

• Avoid products containing any exfoliating agents (retinoic acid, retinol, tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, astringents, etc.) for 24 hours after treatment.

• You may resume your regular skin care routine 24 hours after treatment.

We recommend a hydrafacial and dermaplane every 4 to 6 weeks. For active acne, it can be performed every two weeks. HydraFacials are frequently performed between other treatments, such as laser treatments or microneedling, for enhanced results. Skin thrives on routine, so our licensed cosmetologist will collaborate with you to develop a care plan that keeps your skin consistently healthy!

• Clean the site gently with warm soapy water once daily. After cleaning, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline brand, Aquaphor) and a Band-aid. NO NEOSPORIN.

• If a scab forms on the site, soak the area once or twice daily with warm, soapy water until the scab softens and comes off. Gently pat dry and reapply petroleum jelly and a Band-aid after each soak. When the scab comes off, you may resume the above treatment.

• Rotate the Band-Aid's location to different skin areas with each application to help avoid irritation from the adhesive. In some cases, a gauze pad and paper tape may be helpful.

• You may discontinue treatment when the skin surface has healed over or when there is no longer any oozing or crusting. The area will remain pink as the site continues to heal.

IF YOU HAVE STITCHES, CONTINUE TREATING YOUR SITE UNTIL YOU RETURN TO HAVE THE STITCHES REMOVED.

• If at any time, you have increased drainage or soreness of the site, or increased redness around the area, or if you have other questions about wound care, please call the office and a nurse will speak with you.

• You may bathe or shower as usual. Swimming in a clean, chlorinated pool is usually safe. Swimming in a lake or river will increase your risk of a wound-site infection and should be avoided.

Expected reactions from freezing/cryosurgery:

• After the provider freezes a lesion, you can expect a blister or scab to form by the end of the day.  Sometimes the blister is so small it is barely visible. You should start to apply Vaseline 2-3 times per day. The blister will start to subside, and a scab will form after several days.  The scab should fall off the areas treated on the face within 6 to 10 days (or longer if the lesion was fairly large), lesions on the arms within 2 to 3 weeks, and those on the lower extremities may take 3 to 6 weeks.  You may shower or bathe as usual but avoid scrubbing the areas that have been frozen. The areas do not need to be covered.  Swimming is permitted.

• If the area is bumped or traumatized within the first few days after freezing, you may have bleeding into the blister, producing a blood blister.  This is nothing to be alarmed about.  If the blister becomes much larger than the site frozen, you may sterilize a sewing needle and open the blister along its edge to allow the fluid to drain out. 

• You must apply polysporin ointment or Vaseline 3 times a day for a few days.

• Wearing make-up: You may wear make-up as long as the blister is intact.  Once the blister has broken, do not wear make-up until the area is completely healed.

Effectiveness of freezing/cryosurgery: It should be noted that freezing is only 85-90% effective. The lesions may need to be frozen more than once.