EXPECTED DOWNTIME
Following treatment, you may experience mild redness, swelling, tightness, or tenderness in the treated area. These effects usually improve within a few days but may take up to two weeks to completely resolve. Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
To prepare your skin and minimize side effects:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications (Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen) for 2 weeks, if medically cleared.
- Discontinue supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ginger, Garlic, and Ginkgo Biloba for 2 weeks prior.
- Begin Bromelain supplementation (2 capsules three times daily) for 3 days before treatment and continue for 7 days after. Take on an empty stomach. Alternatively, eat fresh pineapple daily during this period.
- Begin Arnica Montana tablets (3 tablets three times daily) starting the day of treatment and continue until swelling and bruising subside. Take with water and avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before and after each dose.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours before treatment.
- Arrive with clean, product-free skin and no makeup, lotion, or sunscreen on the treatment area.
- Notify your provider of any new medications, infections, or changes in health status.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Immediately After Treatment
- Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may appear and should resolve within 7 days.
- Sleep with your head elevated on extra pillows for the first 1–2 nights to reduce swelling.
- Apply ice packs 3–5 times per day for 3–5 minutes per session for the first 3 days.
- Remove the hydrocolloid dressing the day after treatment and keep the area clean and dry.
- If needed, Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used for discomfort.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 1 week post-treatment.
- Continue Arnica and Bromelain supplements three times daily until bruising and swelling fully resolve.
- Avoid direct sun exposure; apply SPF 30+ daily once the skin is healed.
- Do not apply makeup or active skincare (retinols, acids, exfoliants) for 5–7 days.
- Keep the area clean and avoid sweating, saunas, or swimming pools.
- Do not scratch, rub, or massage the treated area.
- Re-epithelialization (skin renewal) may occur 3–7 days post-treatment; dryness and flaking are normal.
- Hydrate well and use gentle moisturizers such as Cicalfate, Aquaphor, or Vaseline if recommended.
FOLLOW-UP & CONCERNS
- Prolonged or worsening redness, swelling, or bruising
- Pain, drainage, or signs of infection
- Difficulty swallowing or unusual discomfort
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
📞 (617) 668-1239
✉️ support@aestheticmindmd.com