Instructions

Botox/Dysport

Pre Treatment
  • Please try to refrain from wearing any makeup to your appointment
  • Avoid, if possible, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin E and alcohol for 1 week prior to treatment to minimize potential bruising and bleeding
  • Prescription anticoagulants/antiplatelet medications will increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Only if cleared by your primary care provider, avoid 1 week prior to treatment
  • Bruising is ALWAYS a risk factor with treatments so please plan a minimum of 2 weeks prior to an event
  • If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar medication no later than 24 hours prior to the treatment
  • Pineapple juice and Arnica Tablets are recommended to reduce bruising 5 days prior to treatment
  • Purchasing Arnica Gel/Cream for post-procedure use is recommended
  • This treatment is contraindicated if you are trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or nursing
Post Treatment
  • To reduce bruising you may
    • take Arnica Tablets
    • use Arnica Gel/Cream (found at CVS)
    • drink pineapple juice
  • Remain upright for 4 hours after injection
  • Do not put your head below your heart for 4 hours
  • Exaggerate facial expressions in the injected area for 1 hour after injection
  • Do not exercise for 24 hours after injection
  • Do not wear anything (e.g. hats, headbands) on your head for 24 hours
  • Do not massage or manipulate injection sites for 48 hours after injection
Side Effects
  • Pinpoint bleeding
  • Redness and swelling (appears as a “bee-sting”) will appear at injection site and will subside within 1 hour post-procedure.
  • Discomfort at injection site including pain/tenderness
  • Headache
  • Tightness/heavy feeling

You should notice maximal benefit within 10 days of treatment and should return for a follow up appointment and any necessary refinement 14 days after treatment (especially if this is your first treatment). You may incur additional fees during the follow up visit.

Results last 3-4 months

Filler

Pre Treatment
  • Inform your provider if you have a history of oral herpes to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment
  • Avoid dental work (including standard teeth cleaning) at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and 2 weeks following treatment. Avoid oral surgery at least 4 weeks prior to treatment and 4 weeks following treatment
  • Avoid vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and 4 weeks following treatment
  • 7 DAYS BEFORE treatment (to prevent bruising): Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. Also avoid herbal supplements, such as Garlic, VitaminE, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 capsules. Please note: If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor prior to stopping use of Aspirin
  • 3 DAYS BEFORE treatment: Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, or any “anti-aging” products. Also avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising
  • Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or suffer from any neurological disorders. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this prior to the treatment
Day of Treatment
  • Arrive at the office with a “clean face.” Please do not wear makeup, including eye makeup
  • To maximize your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic may be applied. In some cases, a local numbing medication will be injected into or around the area(s) to be treated
  • You may experience a mild amount of tenderness or a stinging sensation following injection
  • To ensure a smooth and even correction, your provider may massage the area(s) treated, which may cause a temporary, minimal amount of redness to your skin
Post Treatment
  • Redness and swelling are normal. Bruising may also be visible
  • You may experience some tenderness at the treatment site(s) that can last for a few hours or a few days
  • Depending upon the area(s) treated and product(s) used, you may feel “firmness” in the treated area(s) for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Over time, the area(s) will soften and “settle”
  • For post treatment care, we recommend applying Alastin INhance post-injection serum and your favorite hyaluronic acid serum

Sculptra

Pre Treatment

To reduce the chances of bruising, avoid blood thinners such as those listed below for 7 days prior to your treatment. Importantly, do not stop any prescription blood thinners or other medications (even Aspirin) if prescribed.

Fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids)
Ginger
Aspirin *
Ginkgo Biloba
Ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, Motrin)
Ginseng
Vitamin E
St. John’s Wort
*If you have been prescribed Aspirin, do not discontinue unless okayed by the prescriber.

Day of Treatment
  • Avoid wearing makeup to your appointment.
  • Drink water and eat something prior to your treatment.
  • Do not plan any dental procedures 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after your treatment.
  • If you have ever had a cold sore, please let our office know. We may write you a prescription for a medication to help prevent cold sore recurrence from your treatment.
Aftercare
  • Massage the treated area for 5 minutes, 5 times per day for 5 days after treatment. The massage is necessary to distribute the product evenly. Even if it is slightly painful to massage the treated areas for the first couple of days, it is still necessary.
  • Within the first 24 hours after your treatment, apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a cloth (avoid putting ice directly on your skin) to the treatment area to help reduce swelling.
  • You may start applying make-up 4 hours after treatment.
  • Avoid sun and UV exposure until swelling and redness have resolved. Proper sunscreen use is always important.
Points to Remember After your Sculptra Treatment
  • A few days after treatment, the post treatment swelling will have resolved and your face will look as it did before treatment. This is normal and temporary. Over the next several weeks, your body will slowly begin to produce collagen. It’s important to remember that Sculptra works over weeks to months to gradually replace lost collagen.
  • You should start seeing results 3-6 months after the first few treatment sessions.
  • Most patients require multiple treatments with Sculptra for optimal results. On average patients need 3 treatment sessions with each spaced 4-8 weeks apart.

Sylfirm X

Pre Treatment
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure prior to the procedure. Wear SPF 30+ daily.
  • Discontinue the use of topical products containing AHAs, Retinol or Vitamin A for 24 hours prior to your Sylfirm X procedure.
  • Arrive to your appointment with clean skin. There should be no lotion, makeup, perfume, powder, bath or shower oil present on the skin to be treated. You will be given the opportunity to remove your make-up in the event this was not possible
  • Avoid spray or self-tanning lotions on treatment areas before your Sylfirm X procedure
  • If your face or treatment area has irritated skin (sunburn, open wounds, sores) the day preceding your appointment, please contact our office before your appointment.
  • If you are prone to herpes simplex outbreaks, such as cold sores, consult your provider on
    ways to treat prior, or whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
  • Wait at least six months post accutane use before your Sylfirm X procedure, as accutane use may impair proper wound healing.
  • If you are on autoimmune therapy, ask your provider if the procedure is appropriate for you.
  • IF MEDICAL CONDITION ALLOWS, avoid taking anticoagulants (aspirin, mobic, ibuprofen, naproxen) for one week
Post Treatment
  • A certain degree of discomfort, redness, and/or irritation during and after treatment is expected.
  • If any discomfort or irritation persists more than 24-hours, please notify your treatment provider at 815-249-1025
  • Tiny scabs (of less than 1 mm in diameter) may form 24-72 hours post treatment and may remain for several days. The scabs should not be touched or scratched (even if they itch) and should be allowed to shed naturally.
  • During the first two (2) days following treatment, care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated site: avoid hot baths, massage, irritating skin care products or exfoliants, etc. The skin should be kept clean to avoid contamination or infection; any mechanical or thermal damage to the area must be avoided.
  • It is important to keep your skin moisturized after the treatment
  • You may have mild swelling for 1-3 days after your treatment. Patients may apply an icepack (NOT direct ice)to the irritated area for 1-2 days in approximately 15-minute sessions 3-4 times per day.
  • Redness for 1-3 days is common. After 12-hours post procedure, the patient may apply a hydrocortisone cream 3-4 times per day to reduce redness.
  • Makeup can be applied 12 hours after treatment.
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure or use of a tanning bed for at least two weeks after the treatment, as the skin that was treated will be more sensitive to the sun after your sublative treatment.
  • Use a minimum of SPF 30 daily to protect your skin after your treatment
  • Multiple treatments over a period of several months may be required to achieve the desired response. You will notice immediate as well as longer term improvements in your skin. The time for skin cell turnover is 28 days so most people will begin to see increased results after this time.

Chemical Peel

Pre Treatment
  • Please try to refrain from wearing any makeup to your appointment
  • Avoid active sun exposure and tanning beds for approximately 2 weeks prior to the treatment. Use a broad spectrum SPF 30+ daily
  • Discontinue the use of acne and exfoliating agents (Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic, Glycolic, Alpha or Beta-Hydroxy Acids) for 2-3 days prior to treatment
  • Notify your provider if you have used Accutane (oral acne medication) within 6 months prior to the treatment
  • If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar medication no later than 24 hours prior to the treatment
  • Botox and/or facial fillers within 48 hours prior to your treatment is not recommended
  • This treatment is contraindicated if you are trying to get pregnant, pregnant or nursing
Post Treatment

 Download the VIPeel app or follow your patient instructions handout

  • The skin may look and feel like a mild sunburn for the first 48-72 hours post treatment
  • After 48 hours, peeling may occur for 3-5 days. Peeling can easily be controlled with moisturizers
  • Do not pick, or scratch the peeling.
  • Do not use any means of exfoliation or loofahs. This may result in scarring or hyperpigmentation
  • Peeling skin may appear darker than normal
  • Your skin will only peel as much as it needs too. Little or no peeling of the skin does not make the peel less effective.
After Care

Patient should adhere to the following regimen for optimal post care

  • Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser morning and night. Do not scrub and/or use a washcloth until skin has fully healed. Gently pat skin dry after cleansing
  • Moisturize: Apply a soothing and hydrating moisturizer to the skin morning and night. You may apply this throughout the day if you find that your skin feels dry and/or itchy
  • Protect: Apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF 30+ every morning and throughout the day
  • Avoid direct sunlight for at least one to two weeks

SkinPen

Pre Treatment
  • The treated area may be pink and mildly inflamed (similar to the appearance of a mild sunburn) for 24-48 hours following your SkinPen procedure.
  • ​First 24 hours post-procedure: keep your skin clean of cosmetics or sunscreen for the remainder of the day. You may apply Lift HG or Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar only.
  • ​If you are prone to herpes simplex outbreaks, such as cold sores, consult your provider on ways to treat prior or whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
  • If your face or treatment area has irritated skin (sunburn, open wounds, sores) the day preceding your appointment, please contact our office before your appointment.
  • ​This procedure may not be performed on active breakouts or open lesions. Please consult your provider prior to your SkinPen procedure to address any such issues.
  • ​Wait at least six months post isotretinoin use before your SkinPen procedure, as isotretinoin use may impair proper wound healing.
  • ​If you have recently used spray or self-tanning lotions on treatment areas before your SkinPen procedure, discuss with your provider.
  • ​Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours prior to the procedure.
  • ​Discontinue the use of topical products containing AHAs, Retinol or Vitamin A for 24 hours prior to your SkinPen procedure.
  • ​If you are on autoimmune therapy, ask your provider if the procedure is appropriate for you.
Post Treatment (Same Day)
  • Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar or Skinfuse® Lift HG may be applied the day of the procedure to assist with skin hydration. Re apply as needed, up to 24 hours post procedure.
  • ​Unexpected complications may occur when products not proven safe for use with microneedling are applied post procedure.
  • ​Avoid strenuous exercise or excessive perspiration, as excess blood flow and sweat can cause discomfort and irritation to compromised skin for 72 hours.
  • ​Strictly avoid sun exposure as you will not be wearing sunscreen. You may return to sunscreen use 24 hours following the procedure. Continue to minimize direct and indirect sun exposure for 72 hours following the procedure (including indoor tanning.)
Continued After Care

CLEAN – Use a gentle cleanser and tepid water to cleanse the face for 72 hours post-treatment, and gently dry the treated skin. Always make sure your hands are clean when touching the treated area, and do not use a powered cleansing brush for at least one week after your treatment.

 

HEAL – Starting 24 hours after treatment, use HA Collagen Booster to hydrate and restore the skin. Continue using Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar.

HYDRATE – Following your SkinPen treatment, your skin may feel drier than normal. We recommend only using HG Lift for the first 24 hours after treatment. Hyaluronic Acid is an ideal ingredient you can use to hydrate and restore the skin back to perfect balance after the first 24 hours, we have multiple options to choose from in the office.

STIMULATE – In the days following your SkinPen treatment, and as the skin starts to regenerate, collagen-stimulating peptides are ideal to maximize the effects of the stimulation already started by the microneedling treatment. We recommend Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar followed by either Alastin Restorative Skin Complex or SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

MAKEUP – We recommend you do not apply makeup for 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. In addition, do not apply any makeup with a makeup brush, especially if the brush has not been cleaned

 

PROTECT – Avoid sun exposure directly after your treatment as you will not be wearing sunscreen for the first 24 hours after treatment. After 24 hours, we recommend a chemical-free sunscreen. Keep in mind that you should continue to use a sunscreen everyday—not only the days following your procedure—as part of your skincare routine to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging.

To ensure the proper healing environment, do NOT use any Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C (in a low pH formula) scrubs or anything perceived as “active” skincare for one week post treatment.

 

Always wear sunscreen.

 

Do not go swimming for at least 72 hours post-treatment.

 

Do not exercise or participate in strenuous activity for the first 72 hours post-treatment. Sweating and gym environments in general are harmful and filled with bacteria, which may cause adverse reactions in your skin.