Pre and Post Procedure Guidelines

Pre and Post Treatment Care

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting®’s fat-freezing technology gives long-term results that make trouble spots a lot less troubling. Fat cells don’t like the cold and at a certain temperature they will freeze. Once that happens, your body will naturally eliminate the dead cells in 2-6 months or more, resulting in up to 20%-25% reduction of fat in a treated area.

The CoolSculpting® procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges.  The CoolSculpting® procedure is not a treatment for weight loss. 

Following the procedure typical side effects

  • Temporary redness  
  • Swelling 
  • Blanching 
  • Bruising  
  • Firmness 
  • Tingling 
  • Stinging 
  • Tenderness 
  • Cramping 
  • Aching 
  • Itching or skin sensitivity,  
  • Sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment. 

RARE side effects may also occur.  

  • CoolSculpting® may cause a visible enlargement in the treated area which may develop two to five months after treatment and requires surgical intervention for correction. 

Botox/Dysport/Jeuveau

The injection of a very small amount of Botox®, Dysport, or Jeuveau, a purified toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum, into the specific muscle causes weakness of that muscle. This results in relaxation of the muscle and improvement of the fine lines or wrinkles that the muscle action has formed.

Possible risks and complications of neurotoxin injections may include: 

  • Headache 
  • Swelling 
  • Bruising  (Substances that increase this risk include Vitamin E, Aspirin, Motrin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinning medications such as Coumadin. I understand if I have taken any of these products in the past 7 days the procedure may not be recommended.) 
  • Pain during injection 
  • Asymmetry – unevenness – and/or temporary drooping of eyelids or eyebrows 
  • Rare muscle weakness 

Avoid: 

  • Don’t touch your skin where the Botox®, Dysport, or Newtox was injected – NO rubbing the area for 24 hours 
  • No strenuous physical activity 
  • Do NOT get facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasions or any facial treatment for 24 hours after treatment 
  • No blood thinner medication  
  • No laying face down for 6 hours (specifically, no laying face down in a massage chair) 
  • Must get retreated every 3 to 4 months to maintain optimal results 

Facial Filler

Facial fillers are hyaluronic acid that rejuvenate facial skin by reducing or eliminating wrinkles, raising scar depressions, enhancing lips and replacing soft-tissue volume loss through facial injections. With age, our skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkles and sagging. Exposure to sun and years of muscle movement (squinting, chewing, and smiling) contribute to tissue breakdown of the skin. Facial fillers are temporary solutions administered through a few tiny facial injections on specific areas of the face.

Dermal filler risks and considerations 

  • Dermal fillers are safe but side effects can occur. The most common side effects are: 
  • Skin rash 
  • Itching 
  • Pimple-like eruptions 
  • Redness 
  • Bruising 
  • Bleeding 
  • Swelling 
  • Skin damage that causes a wound, infection or scarring 
  • Blindness or other vision problems 
  • Death of skin cells due to loss of blood flow to the area 

Avoid: 

  • Blood thinning medications – consult with provider if you are taking a blood thinner for medical reasons 
  • Supplements ie: St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng and vitamin E for 1 week 
  • No Tretinoin, Retin-A, Glycolic Acids – any anti-aging products for 3 days 
  • No waxing, bleaching, tweezing or hair removal cream on the area that was treated 
  • Do not lay down in a massage table for the first 24 hours after injection 
  • Do not perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for at least 1-2 days 
  • Avoid consuming excess amounts of alcohol or salts to avoid excess swelling 
  • If you have swelling, you may apply a cool compress for 15 minutes of each hour 
  • Use Tylenol for discomfort 
  • Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling 
  • If you have had cold sores anytime in the past please let provider know 
  • Dermal filler is NOT permanent – you will need continuous treatments for optimal results 

Swelling, redness, and bruising are normal, however, call us immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following: severe or extended pain, signs of infection or compromised blood supply. Symptoms include blanching or whitening/darkening/blackening of the skin, any discoloration, severe pain, or skin break/sloughing.

Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which permanent pigmentation of the skin producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyeliner, lips, and eyebrows.  

Aftercare Instructions: 

  • Swelling – can use ice packs to help 
  • Do NOT apply makeup to treated area for 48 hours 
  • Do NOT expose your healing skin to: 
  • Direct sunlight 
  • Tanning beds 
  • Hot tubs 
  • Saunas 
  • Salt water 
  • Chlorinated pools 
  • Direct shower spray 
  • Hot water 
  • Itching is NORMAL – do NOT pick, peel or scratch the treated area 
  • Wash your hands before touching any treated area 
  • When you wash your face do NOT rub or scrub 
  • Use a gentle cleanser – approved by provider 
  • After lip procedure: 
  • Keep lips moist at ALL times 
  • Use sunscreen on your lips 
  • Avoid spicy foods or heat 
  • If using herpes medication continue as prescribed 
  • Do NOT use teeth whitening bleaching products until fully healed 
  • If you schedule a chemical exfoliation, MRI or other medical procedure – inform your physician or your cosmetic tattoo

BBL "BroadBand Light”

The light energy delivered by BBL will gently heat the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulated your skin cells to regenerate. This corrective process will restore your skin to its natural beauty, making it clearer, smoother, vibrant and younger looking. 

Before Treatment: 

  • NO SUN TANNING OR SELF TANNERS – 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO TREATMENT! 
  • Use Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar twice daily – this helps your skin before, during and after treatment 
  • Do not wear makeup on day of treatment 
  • Avid skin irritants for one week prior to treatment, such as: 
  • Tretinoin 
  • Retinol 
  • Benzoyl peroxide 
  • Glycolic / salicylic acids 
  • Vitamin C 
  • Ascorbic acid 
  • Astringents 

Side effects may include but not limited to: 

  • Scarring 
  • Permanent discoloration 

Short term effects may include but not limited to: 

  • Reddening 
  • Mild burning 
  • Temporary bruising 
  • Temporary discoloration of the skin 
  • Swelling 
  • Treated area may feel like a mild sunburn 
  • Crusting of the skin in the treated area (very unusual) apply antibiotic ointment twice a day to the affected area.  DO NOT pick at these areas 

Avoid: 

  • Use of Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha-hydroxy acids, acne creams or gels 
  • Aggressive scrubbing  
  • Shaving 
  • Swimming pools 
  • Any activities that cause flushing or excessive perspiration including exercise, hot temperatures, consumption of alcohol or spicy foods 
  • Saunas 
  • Sun exposure for 7 to 14 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change 

Patient Instructions: 

  • Be gentle to treated area – DO NOT scratch or pick at your skin 
  • Freckles and sunspots may turn slightly darker initially and then flake off within 7 to 10 days after treatment 
  • WEAR SUNSCREEN 
  • Cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is warm, this typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment 
  • Hydrocortisone cream can also be applied to provide comfort if the treated area becomes itchy 
  • Vitamin E or Aloe Vera can soothe the treated area 
  • Use Tylenol or Advil for pain if needed 
  • Makeup may be applied immediately after the treatment as long as the skin integrity has not been compromised 
  • May need subsequent treatment for optimal results upon healthylooks med spa recommendation usually 4 to 6 weeks apart

Fraxel

Fraxel treatment improves tone, texture and radiance for aging, sun damaged or scarred skin.  

Before Treatment: 

  • NO SUN TANNING OR SELF TANNERS – 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO TREATMENT! 
  • Use Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar twice daily – this helps your skin before, during and after treatment 
  • Do not wear makeup on day of treatment 
  • Avid skin irritants for one week prior to treatment, such as: 
  • Tretinoin 
  • Retinol 
  • Benzoyl peroxide 
  • Glycolic / salicylic acids 
  • Vitamin C 
  • Ascorbic acid 
  • Astringents 

Expected side effects: 

  • Discomfort 
  • Redness & Swelling 
  • Itching 
  • Acne or milia formation 
  • Herpes Simplex Reaction 
  • Pinpoint bleeding 
  • Heat sensation can be intense for the following 2 to 3 hours 
  • Oozing can occur in isolated areas for a few days  
  • Skin may appear bronzed or little dark dots will appear on the treated area 
  • Dry, peel or flake – can have a “sandpaper” texture for a few days after treatment 

Possible side effects: 

  • Bleeding, oozing or crusting 
  • Blisters 
  • Burns 
  • Scabbing 
  • Scarring 
  • Pigment Changes 

What to expect: 

  • Dead skin will begin sloughing off 3 to 4 days after the treatment 
  • Most patients complete sloughing process in 5 to 7 days after treatment 
  • Healing process can take up to 2 weeks 
  • Once sloughing is complete you will notice pinkness over the next few weeks 
  • Redness resolves during the first week after treatment 
  • A rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks  

AVOID: 

  • Sun 
  • Smoking 
  • Excessive alcohol consumption 
  • Excessive exercise 
  • Perspiring 
  • Swimming 
  • Heat 

How to care for your skin after treatment: 

  • Immediately after treatment use bland moisturizer  
  • DO NOT scrub, rub or use exfoliants 
  • Keep the treated area clean 
  • Wear SUNSCREEN 
  • Once sloughing is complete return to normal skincare regimen

Secret RF Microneedling

Secret RF is a novel fractional radio frequency (RF) microneedling system for tissue coagulation and hemostasis designed to stimulate and remodel collagen and address the common signs of aging. It is ideally suited for use on patients who wish to revitalize and refresh the appearance of their skin on all skin types. Treatments can be tailored to address each patient’s individual concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and photoaging.  

Before Treatment: 

  • NO SUN TANNING OR SELF TANNERS – 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO TREATMENT! 
  • Use Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar twice daily – this helps your skin before, during and after treatment 
  • Hair may need to be removed (shaved) / Men come cleanly shaved  
  • Do not wear makeup on day of treatment 
  • Avid skin irritants such as: 
  • Tretinoin 
  • Retinol 
  • Benzoyl peroxide 
  • Glycolic / salicylic acids 
  • Vitamin C 
  • Ascorbic acid 
  • Astringents 

After Treatment: 

  • Apply Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar immediately after treatment as needed.  Continue to apply twice daily 
  • Wait 4 hours before washing face or applying soap, cream or makeup to the treatment area 
  • Avoid sun exposure and use UVA/UVB sunscreen  
  • Avoid skin irritants such as: 
  • Tretinoin 
  • Retinol 
  • Benzoyl peroxide 
  • Glycolic / salicylic acids 
  • Vitamin C 
  • Ascorbic acid 
  • Astringents 
  • Bruising, redness and swelling may occur and will resolve with time 
  • More aggressive treatments or use of irritants in the day prior to or after treatment can lead to longer downtime. 
  • Multiple treatments ARE required 
  • Consult with the Healthylooks team member doing your treatment about a medical grade skincare regimen.

Microneedling

The microneedling technique involves using multiple tiny, sterile needles to puncture the skin and cause micro-trauma. The controlled injuries prompt the skin to rebuild, which builds collagen and elastin to rejuvinate the skin 

Microneedling may address skin issues below: 

  • Wrinkles 
  • Scarring 
  • Acne 
  • Skin pigmentation issues 
  • Stretch marks 
  • Rosacea 
  • Loose skin 

AVOID: 

  • Sun tanning or any exposure to direct sunlight for 2 weeks – USE SUNSCREEN 
  • No exercise while inflammation exists – usually 24 to 48 hours 
  • No jacuzzi, saunas or steam baths for 24 to 48 hours 
  • Do not pick or scratch or scrub skin 

What to expect: 

DAY 1-3: 

  • Sunburn feel is normal – tight, dry and sensitive to touch 
  • Wash with gentle cleanser – approved by provider 
  • Keep moisturized 

DAY 2-7: 

  • Peeling may start 3 to 5 days post treatment 
  • Skin may be dry and flaking 
  • Keep moisturized  

DAY 5-7: 

  • Skin improvement 
  • Return to regular skin care products approved by provider 
  • Skin should no longer be irritated  

MUST DO SEVERAL TREATMENTS FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS

HydraFacial MD

HydraFacial is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with little to no downtime. This treatment it soothing, moisturizing, non-invasive and generally non-irritating.  As with most procedures visible results from HydraFacial will vary from patient to patient. 

What to expect: 

  • Your skin may experience temporary irritation, tightness or redness.  These are all normal reactions that resolve within 72 hours depending on skin sensitivity. 
  • Your skin may experience tingling and stinging in the treatment area.  These sensations generally subside within a few hours. 
  • Patient experiences vary.  Some patients experience delayed onset of these symptoms. 
  • You will likely see results immediately after treatment and your skin may feel smooth and hydrated for one to four weeks with appropriate home care to maintain treatment results. 
  • Your skin will be more susceptible to sunburn / sun damage.  Avoid excessive sun exposure and use of minimum of SPF 40 sunscreen. 

What to avoid 3 days prior to treatment: 

  • Aggressive exfoliation 
  • Waxing 
  • Products containing glycolic acids or retinols 

Next Steps: 

  • You will see results immediately after treatment and your skin will feel smooth and hydrated for one to four weeks.  For better long lasting results consider medical grade skincare products that were recommended by your service provider and get monthly HydraFacials. 
  • Avoid direct sun for a minimum of two weeks and use sunscreen 
  • Avoid aggressive exfoliation, waxing and products containing acids in the treatment area for a minimum of two weeks PRE & POST treatment. 
  • Avoid the use of Retin-A products PRE & POST treatment.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun. 

Following treatment, AVOID: 

  • Sun tanning or any exposure to direct sunlight for 2 weeks – USE SUNSCREEN 
  • No exercise while inflammation exists – usually 24 to 48 hours 
  • No jacuzzi, saunas or steam baths for 24 to 48 hours 
  • Do not pick or scratch or scrub skin 

 

What to expect after a chemical peel: 

  • Light Chemical Peel 
  • Skin can be red, dry and mildly irritated 
  • Takes 1 to 7 days to heal 
  • Medium Chemical Peel 
  • Skin can be red, tight and swollen 
  • Stinging can occur 
  • Use ice packs or fan if needed 
  • Use pain-relieving medication ie: Ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin if needed 
  • Can take up to 14 days to heal 
  • Deep Chemical Peel 
  • Skin can have severe redness 
  • Severe swelling 
  • Burning feeling 
  • Throbbing  
  • Eyelids might swell shut 
  • Can take up to 14 days to heal 
  • MUST DO SEVERAL TREATMENTS FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS