What should I do if something feels off? If something does not feel right, trust your instincts. It is always better to contact the clinic for reassurance and evaluation rather than waiting.
Are serious complications common? Serious complications are rare but possible with any injectable treatment. These may include infection, allergic reaction, vascular occlusion, tissue necrosis, delayed inflammatory nodules, granuloma formation, or extremely rare vision loss. Early communication and prompt treatment significantly improve outcomes.
When should I contact the clinic? Contact RN Christine immediately if you experience severe or worsening pain, skin that appears pale, white, blotchy, dusky, or grey, spreading redness, significant swelling that worsens after 48 hours, fever, visual disturbances, severe headache, shortness of breath, or persistent painful lumps.
What symptoms are normal after treatment? Mild swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, minor asymmetry during settling, and small injection site bumps are common and typically temporary. These usually resolve within a few days to two weeks depending on the treatment.
PREVENTATIVE TREATMENTS
What are the best preventative treatments after age 30? After age 30, collagen production decreases by approximately 1 percent per year. Preventative treatments may include neurotoxin to reduce dynamic lines, skin boosters for hydration, microneedling to stimulate collagen, PRP or PRF for regenerative support, biostimulators such as Sculptra or Radiesse, and medical-grade skincare combined with daily SPF.
What should I expect after microneedling? Skin may appear red for 24–72 hours. Avoid makeup, exercise, and sweating for 24 hours. Avoid sun exposure and apply SPF daily for at least one week. Avoid active ingredients such as retinol, acids, and Vitamin C for 5–7 days.
MICRONEEDLING
How should I prepare for microneedling? Avoid retinoids, Vitamin C, acids, and other active ingredients for 5–7 days prior to treatment. Avoid blood thinners if medically appropriate.
What should I expect after a chemical peel? Mild redness and peeling are normal depending on the depth of the peel. Avoid sun exposure and wear SPF daily. Avoid exfoliating products, retinol, and active ingredients for 5–7 days. Keep the skin hydrated and do not pick or peel flaking skin.
Chemical Peels
How should I prepare for a chemical peel? Stop using retinoids and active ingredients such as Vitamin C, AHA/BHA, and salicylic acid 5–7 days before treatment. Avoid waxing, laser treatments, or exfoliation one week prior. Avoid excessive sun exposure and inform the clinic if you are prone to cold sores.
What is the difference between a Lip Flip and Lip Filler? A Lip Flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin to relax the upper lip muscle, allowing the lip to gently roll outward for subtle enhancement without adding volume.
What is the difference between traditional dermal filler and biostimulators? Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate volume and contour.
What should I expect after filler or biostimulator treatment? It is common to experience temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, and mild asymmetry as the product settles. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours and avoid heat exposure such as saunas or hot yoga for 48 hours. Avoid facial massage unless specifically instructed. Sculptra requires massage as directed. Dental procedures should be avoided for two weeks.
Dermal Fillers, Sculptra®, and Radiesse®
What should I do before filler or biostimulator treatment? Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before treatment and avoid blood-thinning supplements or NSAIDs if medically appropriate. Dental work should be avoided for two weeks before and after treatment. Please disclose any autoimmune conditions and previous filler history during your consultation.
What should I do after neurotoxin treatment? Remain upright for four hours following treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours and do not massage or apply pressure to treated areas. Avoid facials, laser treatments, or microneedling for one to two weeks, and avoid excessive heat for 24 hours.
Neurotoxin (Botox® / Dysport®)
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before my neurotoxin appointment? To help minimize bruising, please avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours prior to treatment and avoid NSAIDs such as Advil or Motrin, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo for 5–7 days if medically appropriate. Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin, and reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell or have an active infection.
