Care Instructions

Pre-Treatment

• Ensure your face is washed and please arrive make-up free. 

• Ensure you have eaten something before arrival.

• Limit use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), St. John’s Wort, and high doses of Vitamin E a week before treatment, if able. These agents can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site.

Post-Treatment

• Immediately after treatment, it is common to have some redness and swelling. This should subside within 2 days. You may use ice to help with this and/or any discomfort. 

• Avoid alcohol and exposure to UV or extreme heat (sauna, steam, sun beds, strenuous exercise, very hot showers) for the day of your treatment. 

• Avoid lying flat for 6 hours post-treatment. A reclined position is acceptable. 

• Avoid touching your treatment area for 6 hours after treatment (prevents infection). 

• Avoid makeup application for 6 hours after treatment, unless it is mineral based (Jane Iredale)

• Avoid exfoliating treatments or treatments involving penetration of the skin with needles for 2 weeks following treatment, including massages.

• The initial effects will show in the first 2-5 days. Peak effect on the muscle is 14 days, but the results will continue to improve up to 4 weeks. The benefits start to wear off at 3-4 months, on average. 

• Evidence shows that having a follow-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated (12 weeks) will enhance its lasting effect. Please feel free to consult with your injector about recommendations for dosage adjustments or follow-up treatments. 

Contact us

• If you develop a side effect, such as a dry eye, droopy eyelid, heavy brow. 

• Any other side effect you think is important. 

• If you feel distressed or worried in any way.

• Routine adjustments can be made from starting at day 14 after your treatment. 

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid retinols, AHAs, acids, bleaching creams, or Vitamin A compounds for 1 week prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment

• Immediately following treatment, the skin will feel tight and more red than usual.

• The skin may feel tacky and have a yellow-orange tinge. This will fade in a few hours. 

• Avoid strenuous exercise after the procedure until the skin is healed completely. 

• Starting at 24 hours post peel: The skin will still be very tight. Peeling will start between 48-72 hours post treatment. Peeling will last 2-5 days. Do NOT pick or pull at the skin. Allow it to peel at its own pace. (Premature peeling can result in dry, cracked, raw skin that can develop into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). 

• After-care includes:

  • Cleanse: Gentle, soap-free cleanser. Do not scrub or use a washcloth while the skin is peeling. 

  • Moisturize: While the skin is peeling, apply a moisturizer recommended by your provider. Use as often as needed to relieve any dryness and control the peeling. 

  • Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen with SPF of 30 or greater in the AM and throughout the day. EXTRA precautions should be taken to avoid direct sunlight following the peel for 1 week post-treatment. 

• After peeling is complete:

  • May resume regular use of retinols, AHAs, or bleaching creams.

  • Wait until peeling is completed before having ANY other facial procedures. This includes facials, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, facial hair removal and cosmetic injections.

  • You may apply makeup once skin has stopped aggressively peeling.  

Peeling Variations

• The degree of peeling can vary based on your skin type and the skin condition at the time of the peel. The success of the peel should not be determined by the amount of peeling, but by the end results that the peel will provide. 

• Some of the reasons why patients experience decreased visible peeling include: 

  • First time receiving that specific peel

  • Severe sun damage 

  • Having regular peels with a short interval between peels

  • Frequent use of retinol or AHAs prior to treatment. 

• Regardless of the degree of peeling, the skin is still sloughing off at an accelerated rate which will result in the improvement in skin tone and texture, and diminishment of fine lines and pigmentation.

Day of Treatment:

• Do not apply any lotions, creams, perfumes, or self-tanner prior to your treatment.  Self-tanner will be removed with pretreatment wipes we use during treatment prior to your treatment day.

• Avoid any steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products (motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Aspirin) one week prior to your treatment and two weeks after your treatment.  TYLENOL IS OKAY TO TAKE!!

• Patients treating arms, abdomen, inner and outer thighs; We will provide disposable undergarments for you to wear during your treatment.  You may bring a second pair of undergarments to change into after your treatment as you may get gel on your clothing during the treatment (the gel does come out in the wash).

• SUBMENTAL (CHIN) PATIENTS: Please avoid shirts with collars and turtle-necks the day of your treatment.

Day of Treatment:

• CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that reduces the number of fat cells in the treated areas.  No general/topical anesthesia or pain medication is needed for this procedure.  Once the applicator has been applied to the treatment area you will feel a little pulling, tugging, and pinching sensation.   This will subside after several minutes.  

Post-Treatment:

• Immediately After:  When the applicators are removed, the treated area may be red for up to a few hours.  This is an expected event.  The following side effects are all completely normal: bruising, swelling, tenderness, numbness, and itching to the treated area.  This will typically resolve within one to two weeks after your procedure.  Most patients are able to return to their daily routine/exercise regimen immediately after the procedure.  

• First few days and weeks after CoolSculpting:  It is common for the treated area to feel bloated and appear swollen.  We advise patients to wear leggings or compression garments to help with any tenderness post procedure.  During the first two weeks you may experience the following, which are normal: itching, tingling, tender to touch, numbness, muscle spasms, aching and or soreness.

• You may start to notice results as early as 4 weeks.  Your body will continue to naturally process the injured fat cells for up to four months after your procedure.

• Next Steps: It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine after your procedure to see full results.  Be sure to schedule a follow-up CoolSculpting assessment 30 days post treatment to review your progress.

Pre-Treatment

• Ensure your face is washed and please arrive make-up free. 

• Ensure you have eaten something before arrival.

• Limit use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), St. John’s Wort, and high doses of Vitamin E a week before treatment, if possible. These agents can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site.

• Notify us of a history of cold sores, as injection punctures can contribute to a recurrence. 

Post-Treatment

• Due to the anesthetic in the gel, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the treatment. You may also have swelling, redness, bruising and tenderness over the treated areas, most which will subside in 48-72 hours. Mild, non-painful swelling can last up to 2 weeks. Bruising can be visible initially, increase over the next day, and then slowly subside within 14 days. A minority of bruises can last 4-6 weeks. 

• You may apply a cool compress post-treatment, but avoid ice as this may cause injury. 

• Avoid alcohol and exposure to UV or extreme heat (sauna, steam, sun beds, strenuous exercise, very hot showers) for 48 hours after treatment.  

• Avoid touching your treatment area for 6 hours after treatment (prevents infection). 

• Avoid makeup application for 24 hours after treatment. 

• Avoid facial massages or skin resurfacing treatments until the area is fully healed.

• Evidence shows that having a follow-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance its lasting effect.  A follow-up appointment at 7-10 days may be advised by your injector or on request to ensure consistency of the product within the skin. 

Contact us

• Swelling, puffiness, or lumpiness that does not fade in the first week with gentle massage. 

• The filler becomes hard, nodular, or lumpy, especially if there is redness or tenderness after 48 hours. These symptoms may indicate the need for medical assistance. 

• IMPORTANT: Contact us immediately if you have symptoms of a blocked blood vessel.

  • If you develop increasing pain near or above the site of injection which is getting worse over time, especially if it is associated with a pale area of skin (indicating a lack of blood flow), you should contact us IMMEDIATELY. In rare cases, an urgent reversal or other medical interventions may be necessary. 

Pre-Treatment

• Do Not Take ASPIRIN (Anacin, Bufferin, or Baby Aspirin) or IBUPROFEN (Advil, Motrin, or Nuprin), or NAPROXEN (Aleve) or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) similar to these medications, for TEN (10) days before procedure.

• Vitamin E, Fish Oils: These substances impair platelet function in the normal clotting process and thus promote bleeding and bruising. 

• It is permissible to take acetaminophen (Tylenol or Anacin-3).

• Provide your body with adequate hydration for 72 hours prior to procedure. This increases the quantity of available PRP for your treatment.

• Do Not Drink Alcohol for Two (2) days prior to Procedure, this may cause excessive bleeding, decreased resistance to infection. 

Post-Treatment

• Do Not wash your hair or use direct shower pressure to scalp for 24 hours.

• After 24 hours you may gently wash your hair for the first 72 hours.

• Do Not touch the injection sites for 3 days.

• Do Not wear hats, headbands, or ponytails for 3 days.

• Do Not swim or undertake any strenuous exercise for 3 days.

• Do Not expose yourself to long periods of the sun.

• Do Not expose yourself to extreme hot or cold temperatures or to large swings in temperature for 3 days.

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid retinols, AHAs, acids, bleaching creams, or Vitamin A compounds for 3 days prior to treatment. 

• Avoid exposure to the sun or tanning beds 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Avoid any form of self-tanner for at least 1 week prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment

• Can use an ice pack or cool compress on the day of treatment to help cool the skin and reduce swelling. 

• Avoid retinols, AHAs, acids, bleaching creams, or Vitamin A compounds for 3 days after treatment. 

• Avoid exposure to the sun or tanning beds 2 weeks after treatment.

• Avoid hot showers or baths in the treated area until the skin is fully healed. Warm water is ok.

• Avoid exfoliation for 3 days or until skin is not as sensitive. 

• Mild swelling, redness, and crusting is common after treatment and can last up to 5 days.

• Do not scratch skin or dark spots, as this may cause scarring or hypo/hyperpigmentation.

• Use gentle facial cleanser daily.

• Sheer Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 should be worn daily. 

• Jane Iredale can be applied immediately after treatment. 

Pre-Treatment

• Ensure face is washed and please arrive make-up free

• Ensure you have eaten something before arrival

• Limit use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), St. John’s Wort, and high doses of Vitamin E a week before treatment, if possible.  These agents can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site.

• Do NOT use the following products 2 days prior to your treatment (or until pinkness has subsided): RetinA, Retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, harsh scrubs or exfoliating products, or bleaching creams

• Gentlemen: Shave the treatment area one day before your scheduled treatment.

• Schedule your Kybella appointment at least 2-4 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending (due to bruising and prolonged swelling).

• Reschedule your appointment if you have a severe rash, cold sore, or blemish in the treatment area. 

Post-Treatment

• Do NOT use the following products 2 days prior or 2 days after your treatment (or until pinkness has subsided): RetinA, Retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, harsh scrubs or exfoliating products, or bleaching creams.

• Avoid extreme temperatures of heat for 24 hours post treatment (i.e, Jacuzzi, hot showers).

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours post treatment. 

• Sleep on your back with your head elevated to decrease swelling.

• You will experience swelling and bruising for 3-5 days post treatment, which will begin decreasing over a period of a few weeks.  Swelling can last 4-6 weeks.

• Many patients need 2-3 treatments for desired results.  Please schedule a follow-up appointment 4-6 weeks after your first treatment.

• Ice Packs may be used to the treated area during the first 12 hours, not exceeding 15 minutes at a time.

• Do NOT massage the injection site.  Swelling, tenderness, bruising, numbness, and areas of firm nodules may occur and will resolve over time without intervention. 

• Results are not immediate.  Results may be seen as early as 4-6 weeks post-treatment, but full results will not be noticed until 12 weeks post-treatment.  Numbness can last up to 12 weeks.

• Do not wrap the treated area and do not take anything to prohibit swelling the day of the treatment or for the days following treatment.

Contact us

• If you develop a side effect, such as significant swelling, bleeding, pain, dusky discoloration, difficulty swallowing or smiling, or fever. 

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid retinols, AHAs, acids, bleaching creams, or Vitamin A compounds for 3 days prior to treatment. 

• Avoid exposure to the sun or tanning beds 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Avoid any form of self-tanner for at least 1 week prior to treatment.

• No waxing, tweezing, bleaching, or threading the treatment area for 2 weeks prior to treatment. 

• Ensure that the treatment area is shaved the day before or the day of treatment. No hair should be present on treatment day. 

Post-Treatment

• The treatment area may be red, itchy, and/or inflamed. This can last up to several days. Regular application of cooling gels, Aquaphor, or hydrocortisone can help with relief. 

• Avoid hot showers or baths and use cool or room temperature water the day of treatment. Wash gently and do not treat abrasively. 

• Avoid activities that cause the skin to become warm (i.e. exercising) immediately post treatment. 

• Avoid irritating soaps, scrubs, medications, or chemicals (retinols, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, astringents) until the skin looks and feels healed. 

• Avoid direct sun exposure for 3-4 weeks after treatment.

Pre-Treatment

• Ensure that it has been at least 2 weeks since last Botox treatment, if applicable. 

• Ensure that it has been at least 4 weeks since dermal filler treatment, if applicable. 

• Ensure your face is washed and please arrive make-up free. 

• Ensure Retinol is discontinued 1 week prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment

• Expect redness and mild swelling for 24-48 hours and avoid sun exposure. 

• It is common for peeling to occur during days 1-5 post-treatment. Do not use any abrasive or drying topical medications (i.e. retinols) until after the peeling subsides. 

• Before bed on the night of your treatment, apply the HydraBalm or Aquaphor. For the next few days, wash the treatment area with our facial cleanser twice daily.

• Avoid the use of makeup for 2 days following treatment, with the exception of our Jane Iredale mineral makeup. 

• Apply our Sheer Physical Sunscreen SPF 50 daily following treatment. 

• Using our medical grade skin products is a necessity!  Applying the wrong products post procedure can result in adverse side effects. If choosing not to use our products, Serenity MedSpa is not responsible for any negative outcomes.

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid any type of tanning 3-4 weeks prior to treatment and use sunblock with any exposure

• Avoid irritant topicals for 2-3 days prior to treatment (i.e. retinol)

• Avoid anticoagulants for 7-10 days prior to treatment, if permitted by your doctor

• Notify us if you have a history of cold sores. A prescription may be ordered prior to the treatment.

• Arrive with clean, makeup free skin. No moisturizers or lotions prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment

• Expect redness over the treated area. Some crusting may appear over treated areas 1-3 days post-treatment. They will fall off naturally. Do not rub harshly or remove manually. 

• Expect swelling over the treated area. Bruising may occur. Both should subside over a few days post treatment but can last longer depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment. 

•  Itching is expected as the treated area heals. Do not scratch! You can use over-the-counter hydrocortisone OINTMENT (not cream) starting 24 hours after treatment. Do not use it for longer than 3 days. 

• Clients with darker pigmented skin should use healing ointment for 3 days post-treatment, even if there is no itching. This is to lessen inflammation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

• You can apply Aquaphor/Vaseline immediately post-treatment and as needed for 1-3 days. 

• Once micro channels are healed (around 1-3 days), you can apply our sheer physical SPF 50 sunscreen, and mineral makeup. (Jane Iredale)

• Avoid sun exposure, exfoliants, glycolic or salicylic acids, retinols, or clarisonic for 1 week.

• Improvements in skin texture, tightening, and wrinkle reduction will occur over 3-4 months.

Pre-Treatment

• Ensure that you have a documented normal Pap smear within the last 12 months. 

• If you are on your menses, we suggest rescheduling. 

• Please notify us of any discharge or unknown skin conditions on the area prior to your treatment day. If these are present, we require evaluation by a medical professional before proceeding. 

• Please shave the entire area COMPLETELY the day before your treatment. 

• Urinate right before the treatment begins. 

Post-Treatment

• Immediately following treatment prior to leaving the facility, urinate to decrease the chance of a urinary tract infection. 

• Avoid baths, hot tubs, or any sitting in water for 3-5 days post treatment (7 days if Morpheus technology was used).

• Avoid very hot water for 2 days after post treatment (up to 7 days if Morpheus technology was used). 

• Avoid sexual intercourse or mechanical contact with the area for 3 days post-treatment.  

• Scabs may appear on the outer skin. They should not be touched or scratched. Allow them to flake off naturally. 

Contact us

• Any indication of infection

• Excessive swelling, redness, or pain

• Any other unusual symptom

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin), fish oil, and alcohol for 48 hours prior to minimize the risk of bruising.
• Inform your provider of any autoimmune conditions, recent illness, or active infections. 
• Discontinue use of retinoids, acids, or exfoliants for 3–5 days prior to treatment in the treatment area.
• Hydrate well and arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
• Discuss any history of keloid scarring, hypersensitivity, or aesthetic concerns with your provider.

Post-Treatment

• Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the treated area for 24 hours.
• Refrain from intense exercise, saunas, and heat exposure for 24–48 hours.
• Do not apply makeup for at least 12 hours post-treatment.
• Use gentle skincare and sunscreen daily.
• Avoid harsh activities (retinols, exfoliants, acids) for 3–5 days post-procedure.
• Swelling or bruising may occur and is temporary; Arnica or ice packs can help reduce swelling.
• Follow your provider’s recommended treatment plan for best results, typically a series of 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.