The purpose of this page is to inform anyone interested in our best practices. Whether you are planning to have a procedure done in the near future or you recently had a treatment, this page will serve as a great resource to quickly and easily answer any questions you may have. At MD Esthetics, we take patient safety very seriously, which is why we make sure to provide all of this comprehensive information!
Pre-Treatment | General Intructions
- Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)
- Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, and other NSAIDs have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
- Schedule your Botox and Dermal Filler appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the Dermal Filler and Botox injections will take approximately 4 to 7 days to appear. Bruising and swelling may be apparent during that time.
- Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment.
- Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.
- If you have a history of cold sores please let your provider know, they may put you on an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
- Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.
- You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Botox | Post-Treatment
- Do NOT manipulate the treated area for 3 hours following treatment.
- Do NOT receive facial/laser treatments or microdermabrasion after Botox injections for at least 10 days. Ask your provider if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services.
- Some providers believe that smiling and frowning right after Botox treatments helps the Botox find its way to the muscle into which it was injected after treated.
- Do NOT lie down for 4 hours after your Botox treatment. This will prevent the Botox from tracking into the orbit of your eye and causing drooping eyelid.
- It can take approximately 4 to 7 days for results to be seen. If the desired result is not seen after 2 weeks of treatment, you may need additional Botox. You are charged for the amount of product used. Therefore, you will be charged for a product used during any touch-up or subsequent appointments.
- Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 6 hours after treatment. This will keep the Botox in the injected area and not elsewhere.
Dermal Filler | Post-Treatment
- Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area. Unless instructed by the provider.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Avoid extensive sun or heat for 72 hours.
- 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 each hour.
- Use Tylenol for discomfort.
- Try to sleep face up and slightly elevated if you experience swelling.
- Take Arnica to help the bruising and swelling, start at least 2 days prior to injections.
- Please contact MD Esthetics with any questions or concerns
KYBELLA® | Treatment Instructions
Pre-Care Instructions:
Before receiving Kybella®, tell your service provider about all of your medical conditions and review all contraindications. During the course of your treatments, notify our staff of any changes to your medical history, health status, or personal activities that may be relevant to your treatment.
Medications and Supplements may thin your blood and increase the chance of bruising. Consult with your primary doctor prior to stopping or altering medications and supplements.
Contraindications:
Kybella® should not be used in patients who are pregnant, nursing, trying to get pregnant, have experienced this hypersensitivity in the past, those with severe allergies, and should not be used in areas of active inflammation or infection (cysts, pimples, rash). You should not get this procedure if you currently have or have a history of: nerve damage, facial paralysis, facial movement issues, difficulty swallowing, bleeding problems, and/or prior or planned surgery, cosmetic treatments or medical conditions on or near my face, neck or chin. These conditions may be contraindications to receiving the treatment. These symptoms must be disclosed.
Post-Care Instructions:
- Common reactions include: As discussed during the consultation and noted in the informed consent, the most common anticipated reactions can include swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness, in the treatment area. Rare and more serious side effects may include infection at the injection site, and ulceration, scarring, Alopecia (hair loss treated area), and nerve injury.
- To avoid severe bruising: If bruising occurs, you may apply topical Arnica gel to help bruising resolve faster. Avoid alcohol consumption for a minimum of 6 hours and refrain from taking blood thinners such as Aspirin for several days. You may elect to take over the counter oral pain medication or anti-inflammatory can be taken, and applying ice to the treatment area, to manage discomfort. You may also ice the area post treatment but must do so very carefully. Use an ice pack with the fabric side against the skin, or wrap a soft plastic ice pack in a wet thin towel. Apply the ice pack approximately 15 seconds on, and 15 seconds off. Icing too vigorously can cause frostbite and scarring. You may apply a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes per hour, and you may do this hourly for up to 3 days.
- To maximize your results and prevent adverse effects:
- Avoid exercise for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid rubbing, massaging, or scrubbing injection sites for 24 hours after treatment.
- Sleep with your head elevated on at least 2 and preferably 3 pillows.
- Facial treatments: Avoid facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments for 14 days after the Kybella® treatment. Facials, chemical peels, laser, and light treatments may be done immediately prior to Kybella® treatment. HA fillers such as JUVÉDERM® XC and/or Botox may be injected before Kybella®; if you have any questions regarding this, please ask your provider.
- Skin care: You may apply your normal skin care regimen and sunscreen normally.
- Follow up Appointment: A minimum of 2 treatments, however up to 5 treatments may be required for optimal results. The second treatment and future subsequent treatments are recommended to be done every 2 months. If the desired level of correction has not occurred after the second treatment, additional Kybella® treatments may be needed. If you have any questions, prospective adverse reactions, or concerns regarding your Kybella® treatment, you must contact MD Esthetics.
PRP with Microneedling | Treatment Instructions
Pre-Care Instructions:
- Avoid excessive Alcohol, Aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve) Garlic, Gingko Biloba, Fish Oils and Vitamin E for 5-7 days prior to your treatment unless recommended by your physician. This may help to decrease the risk of bruising during your treatment but is not contraindicated.
- Stop using topical retinoids 1 week prior to treatment
- Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks prior to the treatment
- For Cold Sore sufferers – it is recommended to take anti-viral medication the day before, the day of, and the day after your treatment.
- Valtrex – Take as directed
- Please let us know if you need a prescription
What to Expect after your Treatment:
- Immediate pinpoint bleeding can occur, which should resolve within 24 hours
- Minor redness and swelling may occur for 1-2 days
- Minor peeling and flakiness can occur after a few days. Don’t pick at the loose skin.
- Call MD Esthetics if you experience excessive redness, swelling, pain, or drainage as these might indicate an infection
Post Care Instructions:
- The initial 72 hours post-procedure are the most critical
- Avoid direct sun and heat for 3-4 weeks. This includes simple day to day tasks such as gardening, cooking over a hot stove for a long period of time, sitting next to a bonfire or fireplace, etc.
- Discontinue use of any Alpha-Hydroxy products 5 days after treatment. You may resume your home care regimen when skin is no longer flaking and peeling.
- Use hydrating and reparative products. Products rich in soothing and healing ingredients are best to encourage new healthy cell growth. Peptides, antioxidants, stem cells, vitamins A, C and E, and growth factors work very well.
- Use physical sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Re-apply every 30 to 90 minutes. Do NOT go outside without sun protection (even on a cloudy day).
- Do not apply your regular make-up and SPF for a minimum of 24 hours after your treatment
- Do not use make up brushes for 72 hours
- Itching, redness, and swelling are normal parts of the healing process. These symptoms rarely persist longer than 24-72 hrs.
- Do NOT scratch or peel the skin as this may cause permanent scarring
- Limit exercise the first week
- Drink plenty of water
- Call MD Esthetics with any questions or concerns
Approved Post Care Products:
- Aftercare & Redness:
- Ha Cu Recovery Cream or Skinbetter Science Alto Defence Serum
- Cleansers:
- Cetaphil or CeraVe Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Anti-Itch:
- Oral Benadryl (NEVER USE TOPICAL BENADRYL CREAM OR GEL)
- Calamine Lotion (NOT CALADRYL)
- Moisturizers:
- Cetaphil or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Fragrance-Free
Vivace | Post-Treatment Instructions
- Apply PRF or Aesthetics Biomedical Serum immediately post treatment and as needed for the next few days.
- Mild swelling and redness are expected, this will subside over 24 hours.
- Do not use any additional products during the first 6 hours, unless advised by your provider- this includes sunscreens, makeup or other products.
- The morning after your procedure, you may begin cleansing the treated area with a mild cleanser with no active ingredients with tepid water.
- Avoid use of topical products containing AHAs, Retinols, Vitamin A, or any type of exfoliant, for four days post treatment (or until skin has completely healed).
- Strictly avoid sun exposure, as you will not be wearing sunscreen. You may return to sunscreen use 24 hours following the procedure while continuing to minimize sun exposure for an additional 72 hours.
- Avoid hot water, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise, or excessive perspiration for 24 hours, as excess blood flow and sweat can cause discomfort and irritation to compromised skin
- You may experience small superficial white spots which resemble acne. This is NOT acne, do not pick. This is an expected inflammatory response and will go away.
- You may experience micro scabs at the microneedle entry points. You can start to exfoliate after four days.
Subnovii | Post-Treatment Instructions
To reduce the risk of unwanted side effects, it is imperative that these Aftercare Instructions are followed implicitly.
- Optimal results are only achieved by maintaining an undisturbed and DRY environment. 2. DO NOT over cool. Cooling stops the tightening effect and could damage the tissue.
- Immediately after the treatment the skin was treated with the Suvnoii Aftercare Cream and the Subnovii Downtime Reducer Powder.
- Subnovii Aftercare Creme must be used for several days to ensure optimal healing and results. (DO NOT use Bepanthenol/Bepanthen or anything similar – it is too fatty and prevents healing)
- Each morning and evening (while the scabs are present) apply a VERY THIN layer of the Subnovii Aftercare Cream. Pat the cream on with clean fingers and do NOT rub in or use a sponge.
- Repeat this process if you feel that the skin requires moisturising during the course of the day and again in the evening.
- Subnovii Downtime Reducer Powder should be used on top of the cream to absorb any excess moisture and keep the scabs dry.
- To treat temporary pain, 500mg Paracetamol may be taken. Aspirin MUST NOT be taken, as this can cause more swelling. DO NOT take Ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory medication.
- ‘Arnica 6c’ pillules can be used to treat swelling. 5 pillules to be taken every hour if necessary until the swelling subsides.
- As long as the scabs are present avoid the sun, sweating, sauna and steam rooms.
- DO NOT intentionally remove the scabs. Every manipulation of the scabs can cause and adverse effect. They will fall off on their own within 3 to 7 days. This may take longer for smokers or those taking medication.
- While the scabs are present they should be kept dry. Should the scabs become wet, do not rub. Use a hairdryer on the area until the crusts are dry. Apply Subnovii Aftercare Cream and Subnovii Downtime Reducer Powder directly afterwards.
- The skin beneath the scabs is sensitive. The pinkish coloration may last up to 6 months.
- When the scabs have fallen off, use a sunscreen with SPF 50 on the treated areas. Avoid extreme sun exposure for 3 months and UV rays and extreme low temperatures for 2 weeks. If the above instructions are not followed, pigment deviations and dark spots may occur.
*Please note: depending on the desired results, more than one treatment may be necessary. Follow-up treatments may only be performed 12 – 16 weeks after the previous treatment as the collagen fibres are still contracting and the skin is very sensitive.
CoolPeel | Post-Treatment Instructions
- Patient should feel a warm / sunburn sensation for about an hour post treatment.
- A thin layer of Aquaphor/any occlusive barrier cream should be used on the treated area for hydration. Do not let skin dry out.
- Sleep with a clean pillow case and head slightly elevated for sterilization and swelling purposes
- Avoid sun exposure, intense workouts and sweating. If sweating occurs clean with vinegar and water mixed 50/50 to cleanse skin of any bacteria.
- Avoid touching or cleaning the area for 24 hours. Post 24 hours proceed with gentle cleansers
- Skin should feel rough like sandpaper for 3-4 days post treatment.
- Avoid Makeup/use of makeup brushes for 48 hours post treatment while skin channels are open. If needed, mineral based makeup is preferred to allow skin to breathe and heal properly.
- A cool misting spray may be used for comfort, if needed.
- Coolpeel can be repeated on a monthly basis until desired results are achieved.
- Anticipated Downtime – One of the main benefits of a Coolpeel, is that there can be minimal downtime!
- You should expect to be a little red, as if you have a sunburn, for 2-3 days but nothing should prevent you from returning to your normal daily activities.
- Swelling is possible, especially around the eye area.
- Your skin may feel dry and scaly as it heals so it is important to keep the skin hydrated.
- Exfoliating is ok by day 4 – just be gentle with your new fresh skin underneath dead skin cells.
Sculptra | Post-Treatment Instructions
- DO massage the treated areas 5 times a day for about 5 minutes for 5 days after treatment.
- DO hold ice packs on the treated areas gently for about 3-5 minutes a few times that day.
- Feel free to wear makeup a few hours after.
- Treated areas may be red, swollen, and bruised for the first 2-7 days.
- Do NOT get a facial or massage for 2 weeks after your filler procedure.
- Avoid strenuous workouts and alcohol for 24 hours if possible.
- If bruising occurs, continue Arnica supplements, DO apply topical Arnica gel, drink fresh pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements to help bruising resolve faster.
- Bruising can be covered with makeup.
- A few days after treatment, you will look as you did before treatment. This is normal, over time, Sculptra will replace lost collagen.
Follow-Up Treatment:
- Follow up treatments should be scheduled about every 4-6 weeks.
- Visible results may not be seen until 3 sessions have been completed.
- Results can last more than two years
Microblading | Post-Treatment Instructions
Aftercare for the skin where microblading took place is similar to tattoo care, if a bit more intensive.
- Avoid getting the area wet for at least 7 days. This includes keeping your face dry during a shower.
- Don’t wear makeup for at least a week over the treated area. This is because the pigments are still settling into the shallow cuts in your skin caused by the blading.
- Don’t pick at scabs, tug, or itch the eyebrow area.
- Avoid saunas, swimming, and excessive sweating until the area is completely healed and you have a follow-up appointment.
- Keep your hair away from your brow line.
- Apply any medicated cream or healing balm provided by your technician as directed.
- After your skin is fully healed, you’ll want to protect your microblading investment by taking care of your skin. Applying a sunscreen to the microbladed area may help prevent fading.
DEKA | Post-Treatment Instructions
First 48 Hours:
- No shower to face and neck for 48 hours after the procedure. Avoid excessive movement to the face and neck. This facilitates healing.
- Hand-washing is the most important thing you can do to prevent infection. Wash your hands every time before you touch the treated area.
- Wound cleaning, vinegar soaks, and thick layer all over treated areas of Alastin Soothe and Protect ointment during the first 24 hours. Applying Alastin Nectar or other suggested topical ointment on days 2-5 post procedure is critical to prevent crusting and risk of possible scarring (very rare). Do not rub or scrub during this time.
- Apply the diluted vinegar soaks every 2-3 hours for the first 48 to 72 hours- this helps prevent infection, may continue as needed. (Vinegar soak dilution instructions below)
- Taper off over the week. (Follow the given instructions attached.) Drainage/bleeding may be gently dabbed with vinegar-water-soaked gauze, and then patted dry.
- After cleansing, apply a complete layer of Alastin Nectar or other suggested ointment (after 24h) during daytime hours and apply a complete layer of Alastin Soothe and Protect before bed. Ointment can be reapplied in between cleansing as needed for comfort.
- Keep your head elevated as much as possible (on 2 to 3 pillows) for the first few nights to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Remember to finish all of your oral medication as prescribed if given to you as part of your treatment plan.
- You may take Benadryl 25 mg at night during the first 48 hours or an antihistamine for daytime hours (less drowsiness) such as Zyrtec or Claritan as needed for itching.
- You may also take Tylenol 500 mg, two tablets, every 6 hours. Please inform us if there is discomfort.
- Continue Alastin twice a day after vinegar soaks.
- Taper off vinegar soaks and continue Alastin Soothe & Protect until skin completely healed.
- As skin begins to peel it is critical not to pick!
- Continue Alastin Skin Regenerating Nectar, to help facilitate healing, enhance results, and decrease redness for the first 4-6 weeks until redness is gone.
- Apply twice a day to support the skin’s natural regeneration process, reduce inflammation, and enhance treatment results.
- Practice sun avoidance and start prescription grade SPF
- Redness and swelling are most common. While swelling may resolve within 1-2 weeks, redness usually becomes very faint by one month, and may last up to 3 months. Redness can be worsened by certain skin products and heat. Sun protection is very important.
- Exudates/bleeding/crusting. Clear fluid (exudates) or blood may ooze onto skin. Frequent wound cleaning and Soothe and Protect during the first days post procedure is critical in preventing crusting. Do not rub/scrub.
- Dry skin and peeling are usually reported 2-7 days post procedure. Sometimes, another round of peeling is seen 1-2 weeks later. Do not rub/scrub or pull on loose skin. After wounds close in 48 hours, you may continue with a thinner layer of Alastin Nectar to help relieve dry skin.
- Acne or milia formation: Flare-up of acne or formation of milia possible and may appear 2-4 days post treatment. This is usually self-limiting and resolves within one week. Do not pick at lesions.
- Pain may linger after the procedure is completed.
- Risk of infection from bacterial, viral or fungal agents exists despite our best preventative effort. Wash your hands! Keep your environment clean! This is a must.
- Scarring may occur from crusting, infection, or simply being exposed to laser. This risk is extremely low with the Fractionated CO2 laser.
- Itching usually occurs as a part of the normal wound healing process, but may occur as part of infection, poor wound healing, or contact dermatitis. This usually occurs 3-4 days post procedure and may last up to one week. Cold compresses (20 minutes on and off) as needed to alter sensation can help. An oral antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Benadryl can also help.
- After treatment, skin may appear darker (hyperpigmentation)- Please notify your provider if you notice a “tan” appearance – this can be treated.
- After treatment, skin may appear lighter (hypopigmentation) light spots- . Although most are temporary, it could be permanent.
- Non-responsiveness to laser treatment: Your skin condition may not be corrected or may worsen.
- Oozing beyond 48 hours or shallow ulcers.
- Excessive redness, swelling, bleeding, and/or crust or scab formation.
- Excessive itching, especially when accompanied by signs of infection.
- Signs of infection: whitish to yellowish film on treated area, with or without foul odor. You may also develop a fever of 100.4F or above.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of water out of the bottled water
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to bottled water
- Shake gently to mix
- Mark the bottle as “vinegar water” to avoid confusion
- Place 10 – 20sterile gauze pads inside Tupperware. Sanitize containers between uses.
- Carefully add in vinegar water until all gauzes are saturated
- IF THIS SOLUTION BURNS, DILUTE IT MORE WITH MORE WATER
- Wipe off oozing/bleeding with gauze, using gentle pressure. DO NOT SCRUB!
- Keep vinegar water in contact with skin for at least 5 minutes, longer for areas with crusting
- Pat dry
- Apply Alastin Soothe and Protect ointment after each cleansing
- First 24 hours, every 2-3 hours
- Not necessary to set alarm to wake up during the first night for cleansing, only for comfort
- After 24 hours, every 3 -4 hours
- After 48 hours, soak three times a day and continue Alastin. After second appointment, taper to
- two times daily.
- For 1 week, continue vinegar soaks twice a day and then stop
AviClear | Post-Treatment Instructions
Immediately After Treatment:
- Apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30+ sunblock at least once daily.
- Cold compresses or chilled gel packs may be applied post treatment
- Mild to significant erythema (redness) and mild to moderate edema (swelling) developing within several minutes of treatment are expected treatment side effects. Erythema typically resolves within 20 minutes to several hours, and edema typically resolves within several hours to a day; however, both can last for several days.
- Starting the morning after treatment, patient should wash face with ZO Gentle Cleanser
- followed with a gentle moisturizer for a few days.
- Resume regular skin care regimen a few days after treatment.
- Makeup can be used the day after treatment.
- Start applying UVA/UVB 30+ SPF sunblock daily, starting the morning after treatment.
- Sunblock should be applied at least once daily, re-applying every 90-minutes if outside.
- Direct and prolonged sun exposure should be minimized throughout the duration of the treatment regimen.
- Most patients will experience mild erythema of the lesion or entire treatment area, lasting up to 1-day post-treatment.
- Some patients may experience edema of the lesions lasting for as little as one hour or up to 2-days post-treatment.
- Some patients experience dryness and itching of the treatment area up to 4 weeks posttreatment. Advise them to use gentle moisturizer (e.g., CeraVe®, Cetaphil®).
- Roughly half of AviClear patients experience Post Inflammatory Flare Ups after one or all their treatments.
- This condition can worsen before it improves
- Typically occurs 7+ days post-treatment
- Can last up a few weeks post-treatment
- Non-comedogenic makeup for acne-prone skin is okay to cover
- Avoid heat (hot tubs, saunas, etc.) for 1-2 days post-treatment.
- Advise patient to limit any exercise or activity that can cause sweating for 24 hours posttreatment.
- Avoid skin irritants (i.e., products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.) for a few days pre and post treatment.
- Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks after treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.).
Contact the office with any concerns, such as blistering, excessive or prolonged redness/swelling, etc. (603) 458-2102