Preparation and aftercare change how a treatment goes. Rules vary by product and by provider. So this guide covers what to tell your provider and what the sources do say, and leaves the rest to the instructions you are given.
Before any treatment
These steps apply to most treatments:
- Tell your provider about every medicine and supplement you take
- Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask the prescriber first
- Ask your provider what to avoid before your appointment
- Reschedule if your skin is sunburned or irritated
- Ask whether to arrive with bare skin or with sunscreen on
- Eat beforehand and plan how you will get home
Before injectables
For Botox and fillers, tell your provider about:
- Aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. The Voluma XC directions say they can increase bruising or bleeding
- Recent or planned dental work. The FDA lists inflammation near the injection site after a dental procedure as a possible filler risk
- Cold sores, so your provider can advise you
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, bleeding problems and past reactions to injectables
Book with room to spare before any event. Swelling and bruising from fillers mostly begin soon after injection, and many clear within days to weeks, according to the FDA.
Photos help
Bring pictures that show what you want. They make the conversation about goals more precise.
After injectables
The Botox Cosmetic label has no aftercare rules such as staying upright or avoiding exercise. Follow what your provider gives you in writing.
For fillers, the Voluma XC directions advise against strenuous exercise and extensive sun or heat in the first 24 hours. Other products may differ, so follow the instructions for the one you received.
Get help at once
The FDA says to seek immediate medical attention for unusual pain, vision changes, or skin near the injection that looks white, gray or blue. Also treat signs of stroke as an emergency.
After laser and light treatments
Recovery depends on the device and the depth of treatment. Sciton says patients can resume regular activity within 24 hours of a Halo treatment. For CO2 resurfacing, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists downtime of up to about 2 weeks.
Sun protection matters. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Ask your provider how long to keep up strict sun avoidance for your treatment.
- Use sunscreen as your provider directs
- Hold off on retinol and acids until your provider says they are fine
- Do not pick or peel healing skin
- Call the practice if healing looks different from what you were told