PRE- AND POST-CARE GUIDE

• Inform your provider if you have:
  • Received any botulinum toxin injections in the past 4 months.
  • Taken any of the following medications: pain relievers, blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), steroids, muscle relaxants, sleeping aids, or allergy medications.

• No Rubbing or Touching: Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to the treated areas for at least 24 hours.
• Stay Upright: Do not lie down or bend over for 4-6 hours after the procedure to prevent the Botox from migrating.
• Skip Strenuous Activities: Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours to reduce the risk of bruising.
• Avoid Heat: Stay away from saunas, hot showers, and tanning beds for 24-48 hours.
• Cold Compress: Use cold compresses in 15-20 minutes intervals to reduce swelling or soreness if needed.
• Makeup: You can apply makeup 2 hours after the procedure, but avoid heavy application

Medications and Pain Relief:

• Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen, Bayer Baby Aspirin) for 24 hours. If needed, take Tylenol for headaches or discomfort.

Bruising Management:

• Mild bruising may occur after the procedure. Consider using Arnica, a homeopathic treatment, to reduce bruising and discomfort. 

• Monitor Results: Botox effects typically start to appear within 3-5 days, with full results visible in about 2 weeks.
• Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider to assess the results and determine if any touch-ups are needed.
• Maintenance: Botox results usually last 3-4 months. Plan for regular treatments to maintain your desired look

• Avoid Blood Thinners: Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 7 days before your treatment. These can interfere with the healing process.
• Limit Alcohol and Smoking: Avoid alcohol for 3 days and minimize smoking, as both can impact the healing process.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your procedure to ensure your body is well-hydrated.
• Diet: Eat a healthy meal before your appointment to avoid feeling lightheaded during the blood draw.
• Skincare Adjustments: If PRP is for facial rejuvenation, avoid retinoids, acids, or harsh skincare products for 3-5 days prior.
• Hair Preparation: If PRP is for hair restoration, wash your hair thoroughly on the day of the procedure and avoid using styling products.

• Temporary side effects may include:
  • Redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising
  • Tingling, numbness, lumpiness, or a feeling of pressure
• To reduce swelling: Gently apply cold gel packs or ice.

Things to Avoid:

• Alcohol for at least 6 hours.
• Blood thinners such as Aspirin and NSAIDs for several days (use Tylenol for discomfort if needed).
• Touching or scrubbing the injection sites for 24 hours.
• Sleeping on your side; instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated for 2 weeks.
• Direct high heat for 24 hours, including:
  • Blow dryers, saunas, steam rooms
  • Hot showers, hot yoga, sun exposure, strenuous exercise

Aftercare Tips:

• Makeup can be applied immediately if desired.
• Avoid facials, facial massages, or laser treatments for 2 weeks. Most facials and peels can be done prior to treatment.

• Follow-Up Appointments:
  • Results typically appear within 2-4 weeks, with continued improvement up to 12 weeks.
  • If results are insufficient, repeat the procedure every 4-12 weeks as necessary.
• Maintenance Treatments:
  • Results may last up to 2 years.
  • Maintenance is recommended every 6-12 months.

• Avoid washing your skin.
• Stay away from direct high heat and activities that cause sweating, such as:
  • Sun exposure, saunas, Jacuzzis, hot yoga, or strenuous exercise.

• A series of 3-6 treatments is recommended at 2-4 week intervals.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Avoid Accutane for at least 6 months before starting treatment.
• Discontinue the use of any skin-sensitizing topical agents, such as:
  • Retinoids, exfoliants, topical antibiotics, or acids 5-7 days prior to your session.
• Refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil) for at least 3 days prior, as these can disrupt the natural inflammatory process essential for skin rejuvenation.
• Avoid the following for 2 weeks prior to your procedure:
  • IPL/Laser procedures, unprotected sun exposure, or sunburn.
• Stop waxing, depilatory creams, or electrolysis in the treatment area 5-7 days before your session.
• Shaving Guidelines:
  • Do not shave on the day of your procedure to prevent irritation.
  • If necessary, shave the day before if there is dense hair in the treatment area.
• For individuals prone to cold sores:
  • Take an antiviral medication for 2 days prior and on the day of treatment.
• Avoid blood-thinning agents (e.g., Aspirin) for 1 week before the procedure to minimize bruising.

• Your skin should be clean and free of lotion, oil, makeup, powder, or sunscreen.
• A topical lidocaine numbing agent will be applied 30-45 minutes before treatment to ensure comfort.

After your microneedling treatment, please be aware and observe the following:

• Immediately after your treatment, you will look as though you have a moderate to severe sunburn and your skin may feel warm and tighter than usual.
• This is normal and will subside after 1 to 2 hours and will normally diminish within the same day or 24 hours and will continue to improve.
• You may see slight redness after 24-72 hours but only in minimal areas or spots.
• Treat the skin gently for 3 days. Normal skincare can be resumed again after Day 3.

• Avoid Touching the Area: Do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the treated area for at least 24 hours.
• No Makeup: Avoid applying makeup for 24-48 hours to prevent irritation or infection.
• Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser to wash your face after 24 hours. Avoid harsh products for at least a week.
• Hydration and Moisturization: Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks.
• No Strenuous Activities: Avoid intense exercise, saunas, or hot showers for 24-48 hours.
• Avoid Exfoliation: Do not use exfoliating products or treatments for at least a week.
• Healing Symptoms: Expect redness, mild swelling, or peeling for a few days. These are normal and part of the healing process.
• Do not apply ice to your face, as this can interfere with skin recovery.
• Refrain from using Arnica/Bromelain

• Monitor Results: Improvements in skin texture and tone may become noticeable within a few weeks, with full results appearing after multiple sessions.
• Follow-Up Treatments: Depending on your goals, your provider may recommend a series of sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
• Maintenance: To sustain results, consider maintenance treatments every 6-12 months.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Take Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) about 1 hour before your procedure.
  • Plan your treatment at least 2 weeks before any major events for the best recovery timeline.
• Share your medical history with your provider, including:
  • Any difficulty swallowing.
  • Medication allergies or history of anaphylaxis.
  • Other medical conditions.
• Arrive with a clean face:
  • Remove all makeup from the area to be treated.

• Gently apply ice packs to treated areas throughout the day to manage swelling.
• Expect redness, inflammation, swelling, and bruising, which may last 2-7 days. Resume normal activities, including exercise, as long as it feels comfortable.
• Take Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) as needed to alleviate discomfort.
• For bruising:
  • Consider using Arnica and/or Bromelain supplements.
  • Conceal any visible bruising with makeup if necessary.

• Schedule your next session in 6-8 weeks.
• Optimal results are usually achieved with 2-6 treatments.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Be aware that dermal filler injections (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Belotero, Sculptra, Bellafill, PRP) carry a risk of bruising, particularly if you are taking certain supplements or medications.
• To reduce this risk, discontinue the following items at least 3-7 days before your appointment:
  • Aspirin/Baby Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve)
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (Fish Oil)
  • Vitamin E, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng
• Important Note: If you are prescribed Aspirin or other blood thinners, consult your prescribing physician before discontinuing.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure and heat (e.g., aggressive exercise) until swelling and redness subside.
• Do not squeeze or massage the treated areas for several hours post-treatment to maintain the desired shape.
  • Exception: If you were treated with Sculptra Aesthetic, follow your provider’s instructions to massage as needed.
• Protect your skin with proper and frequent sunscreen application:
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Apply 20 minutes before going outside, reapply immediately before exposure, and continue reapplying every 2 hours.
  • Wear protective clothing and a hat if direct sunlight cannot be avoided.

• Swelling is common, especially under the eyes after the first morning. This typically resolves within 2-3 days.
  • Use cold compresses for 10 minutes every hour to minimize swelling.
  • Sleep with your head elevated on the first night—use multiple pillows. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Swelling in the lips may persist for up to 1 week, causing temporary unevenness. Results will settle as hyaluronic gels balance with your skin’s natural water content.
• Consider taking Arnica tablets to reduce bruising. 

• You can apply makeup immediately after treatment to cover redness.
• For tenderness or mild pain, take Advil or Tylenol if necessary. wrinkle injections med spa medical aesthetics and wellness

Administering GLP-1 at home using insulin syringes is straightforward but requires careful adherence to the following steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

• Semaglutide/Tirzepatide Vial: Ensure the vial is at the prescribed temperature (refrigerated or room temperature).
• Insulin Syringe: Use a new, sterile syringe for each injection; confirm it’s appropriate for your dose.
• Alcohol Swabs: For cleaning the vial stopper and injection site.
• Sharps Disposal Container: For safe disposal of used syringes and needles.
• Clean Surface: Arrange all supplies on a sanitized, flat workspace.

• Wash Your Hands: Use soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

• Inspect the Medication: Ensure the solution is clear, colorless, and free from particles. Discard if it appears discolored.
• Clean the Stopper: Swab the vial's rubber stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.

• Remove the Cap: Take the syringe out of its packaging and remove the needle cap.
• Draw Air Into the Syringe: Pull the plunger to draw air equal to your prescribed dose.
• Insert the Needle into the Vial: Pierce the rubber stopper and inject the air into the vial to prevent a vacuum.

• Invert the Vial: Turn it upside down with the needle in the liquid.
• Draw Your Dose: Slowly pull back the plunger to draw slightly more than your dose.
• Remove Air Bubbles: Tap the syringe to move air bubbles to the top, then push the plunger to expel them and adjust to your exact dose.

• Preferred Sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (avoid bruised or scarred areas).
• Rotate Sites: Avoid using the same site repeatedly to prevent irritation.
• Clean the Area: Swab the site with alcohol and let it air dry.

• Pinch the Skin: Gently pinch a fold of skin to lift it from the muscle.
• Insert the Needle: Use a 45- to 90-degree angle, depending on body type and needle length.
• Inject the Medication: Push the plunger slowly to administer the dose.
• Withdraw the Needle: Pull it out quickly at the same angle it entered.
• Apply Pressure: Use a cotton ball or gauze to minimize bleeding (do not rub the site).

• Use a Sharps Container: Place the needle and syringe in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container without recapping.
• Seal the Container: Secure the lid when the container is three-quarters full and follow local disposal guidelines.

• Track Your Dose: Log the date, time, dose, and injection site for reference.

• Immediate Reactions: Watch for allergic symptoms like hives or swelling. Seek medical help if needed.
• Common Side Effects: Mild nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Contact your provider if symptoms persist.

• Refrigerate: Keep at 36°F–46°F (2°C–8°C) unless directed otherwise.
• Avoid Freezing or Shaking: This can damage the medication.
• Protect from Light: Store in its original carton.

• Contact your healthcare provider with any concerns about the injection process.

• Maintain the recommended temperature range for vials.
• Always inspect the solution before use.

• Use an FDA-approved sharps disposal container.
• Do not overfill—seal the container when three-quarters full.
• Follow local waste management rules for safe disposal.

By carefully following these steps, you can confidently administer and manage your GLP-1 treatment at home. If you have further questions, consult your healthcare provider for additional support.