Care Instructions
Laser Hair Removal Care Instructions
Two weeks prior to laser hair removal…
Do not expose the laser hair removal treatment area to the sun, tanning beds, or chemical tanning agents for two weeks before treatment.
Do not wax the treatment area for two weeks prior to laser hair removal.
Do not pluck the treatment area for one week prior to laser hair removal.
Do not use bleach or chemical depilatory creams (ex. Nair) for five days prior to laser hair removal.
What to do the day before laser hair removal…
The day before your laser hair removal treatment, shave or trim hair with scissors in the treatment area.
After your laser hair removal treatment…
After your laser hair removal treatment, wash skin gently twice-daily and apply an antibacterial cream for the first week.
Stay out of the sun, wear protective clothing, and use sufficient sun block for FOUR weeks following your laser hair removal treatment.
As a reminder, laser hair removal may not be appropriate for some people. Please remember to notify our staff about any condition that may have a bearing on this procedure, such as pregnancy, allergies, medications, and changes in your medical history. Laser hair removal cannot be performed if you have taken antibiotics in the past week, Accutane® within the last 12 months, tetracycline within 3 months, or had a surgical procedure with anesthesia within the last 6 weeks.
Neurotoxin Care Instructions
One week prior to your neurotoxin appointment…
Avoid Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Aspirin, Motrin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, St. John's Wort, Garlic, and other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory products 5-7 days prior to treatment. (Not stopping these medications does not prevent us from being able to treat you, it just increases your risk for bruising.)
Do not stop taking any medications that have been prescribed to you without first discussing it with your prescribing provider.
What to do a few days before your neurotoxin appointment…
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages 48-72 hours before treatment to further reduce the chance of bruising.
After your neurotoxin appointment…
For the first four hours after your appointment please be upright. Do not lay down or put pressure on your face.
Do not participate in any strenuous exercise for a minimum of 24 hours.
Do not massage or manipulate injection sites for 24 hours.
Although unlikely, bruising may occur after injections and typically resolves within 14 days.
Allow 14 days for Botox & Dysport to fully set in before judging the final result, even though some benefits are typically seen as early as 24 - 72 hours.
Avoid makeup for 24 hours unless mineral based.
You may wash your face as usual but avoid facial brushes for the first 24 hours.
As a reminder, neurotoxins and fillers may not be appropriate for some people. Please remember to notify our staff about any condition that may have a bearing on this procedure, such as pregnancy, allergies, medications, and changes in your medical history. If you’ve recently received any vaccines or had cold symptoms within the last week, we may need to reschedule your appointment. Dysport is not for people with a dairy allergy. Please inform your provider of any and all previous adverse events with previous injection treatments. Patients actively undergoing antibiotic treatment, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment cannot be treated. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot be treated. Injectables cannot be utilized if you have taken Accutane® within the last 12 months.
Injectable Filler Care Instructions
When scheduling your injectable appointment…
Please schedule your appointment to allow for several days or more of potential swelling, tenderness, and bruising.
If you have an active cold sore/fever blister, canker sore or shingles you will need to postpone treatment. If you are prone to developing cold sores/fever blisters or shingles, please contact us 1 week before treatment for recommendations.
One week prior to your injectable appointment…
Avoid Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Aspirin, Motrin, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, St. John's Wort, Garlic, and other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory products 5-7 days prior to treatment. (Not stopping these medications does not prevent us from being able to treat you, it just increases your risk for bruising.)
Do not stop taking any medications that have been prescribed to you without first discussing it with your prescribing provider.
Voluma, Vollure, Volbella can not be done within 2 weeks of any dental work, dental cleaning or recent vaccine administration.
What to do a few days before your injectable appointment…
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages 48-72 hours before treatment to further reduce the chance of bruising.
After your injectable appointment…
Exercise should be avoided within the first 24-72 hours as it may increase swelling and bruising.
Do not massage or manipulate injection sites for 24 hours.
Avoid makeup for 24 hours.
Avoid exposure of the treated area to excessive sun, UV lamps, and extreme cold weather until any initial swelling and redness have resolved.
To help with possible discomfort, you may take Tylenol one hour prior to your scheduled appointment. Do not take more than 3000mg of Tylenol in a 24 hour period. Tylenol will not increase the chance of bruising and is preferred for the week prior to treatment.
Cold compresses/ice may be used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling and for comfort. The use of Antihistamines will assist more is reducing swelling. You might have some redness and swelling that should resolve within several days. Bruising may occur, and may last up to 14 days.
Helpful tips for your new injectable fillers…
To reduce the risk of bruising, consider taking over-the-counter Arnica tablets, if it is not contraindicated with your current medication regimen. Arnica is available online, at most supplement stores, as well as Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe, Amazon etc. Start taking oral Arnica after your treatment. Take as directed on the bottle for 3-5 days or as long as bruising is present.
If you received dermal filler to your tear trough and/or lips continue take an antihistamine (Claritin, Zyrtec, or Loratadine) for 3 days post treatment to help reduce post-treatment swelling.
Undereyes can swell more than other areas. This swelling and bruising may last several days and up to 4 weeks.
Do not manipulate, push, or rub injection sites within the first 72 hours. Specifically for lip injections, begin gentle massage to lips on day 3 if lumps or bumps can be felt. Give these 4-6 weeks to fully heal as they may be a result of bruising or induration vs product. If you received SCULPTRA disregard it.
If you received SCULPTRA you DO massage the treated areas 5 times a day, for 5 minutes, and for 5 days after treatment. If you are having your buttocks treated we encourage you to work out and/or walk as much as possible as the continued movement mimics the same benefits as the massage.
With Sculptra or Hyaluronic Acid filler to your temples or jawline, you may have temporary tenderness to your jaw and soreness while chewing or opening your mouth. This is expected and may last for several days. If needed, you may take Tylenol to help with possible discomfort. Do not take more than 3000mg of Tylenol in a 24-hour period.
If you received Sculptra, a few days after treatment, you will look as you did before treatment. This is normal, over time, Sculptra will replace lost collagen. It takes the body 6-8 weeks to form new collagen.
Call our office immediately if you notice blanching (whitening of the skin), experience intense pain or have any other concerns.
As a reminder, neurotoxins and fillers may not be appropriate for some people.Please remember to notify our staff about any condition that may have a bearing on this procedure, such as pregnancy, allergies, medications, and changes in your medical history. Please inform your provider of any and all previous adverse events with previous injection treatments. If you’ve recently received any vaccines or had cold symptoms within the last week, we may need to reschedule your appointment. Patients actively undergoing antibiotic treatment, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment cannot be treated. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot be treated. Injectables cannot be utilized if you have taken Accutane® within the last 12 months.
Chemical Peel Care Instructions
One week prior to your chemical peel…
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and chemical tanning agents for at least one week before your chemical peel.
Do not wax, thread, or use other hair removal methods on the treatment area for at least five days prior to your chemical peel.
Avoid excessive exfoliation, including scrubs, exfoliating brushes, and at-home peel products.
Discontinue retinol, Retin-A®/tretinoin, and other retinoid products approximately 3–5 days before your treatment, unless otherwise directed by your provider.
Notify our staff of any new medications, skincare products, recent procedures, or changes in your medical history before your appointment.
What to do the day of your chemical peel…
Arrive with clean skin and no makeup, if possible.
Do not apply retinol, exfoliating acids, scrubs, or other active skincare products before your appointment.
Your provider will evaluate your skin and determine the appropriate peel for your skin type and treatment goals.
After your chemical peel treatment…
Gently cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
Keep your skin moisturized with the products recommended by your Alma Esthetics provider.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure.
Do not pick, pull, or peel flaking skin. Allow your skin to exfoliate naturally.
Avoid retinol, Retin-A®/tretinoin, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and other active skincare products until your provider advises that you can resume them.
Avoid waxing, threading, facials, or other exfoliating treatments until your skin has fully recovered.
Avoid excessive heat, including hot tubs and saunas, and strenuous exercise if your skin is red or irritated.
What to expect in the days following your chemical peel…
Your skin may appear slightly red and may feel warm, tight, dry, or similar to a mild sunburn immediately following treatment.
Over the next several days, your skin may become dry, tight, or rough, followed by flaking or peeling.
Peeling can vary significantly from person to person. Some clients experience noticeable peeling, while others experience very little visible peeling. The amount of peeling does not determine the effectiveness of your treatment.
Do not pick or pull at peeling skin, as this can cause irritation and increase the risk of discoloration or scarring.
Once the peeling process is complete, your skin should feel smoother, softer, brighter, and more refreshed. Skin improvements may continue over the following weeks.
As a reminder, chemical peels may not be appropriate for everyone. Please notify our staff about any condition that may have a bearing on this procedure, including pregnancy, allergies, medications, history of cold sores, recent sun exposure, and changes in your medical history. Your provider will determine whether a chemical peel is appropriate for you and provide specific instructions based on the peel selected and your individual skin.