Your Guide to Pre & Post-Care
Proper preparation and aftercare can make an important difference in your treatment experience and results. Below, you’ll find service-specific pre- and post-care instructions to help you know what to expect, support your skin’s healing process, and get the most from your treatment.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Facials
To prepare for any esthetics treatment, avoid using any physical or chemical exfoliants and retinols 3-5 days prior to your treatment. Avoid getting injectables no less than 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
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Avoid touching your face, wearing makeup for the rest of the day, direct sunlight, working out, swimming, steam, and saunas.
Make sure to use a freshly clean pillowcase and towels!
Wait 2-3 days before using skincare products that would exfoliate the skin or increase skin sensitivity (toners, exfoliants, acne treatments, retinols, etc).
It is normal to have some redness or breakouts for a few days post-treatment. In the instance you've had extractions, you can expect redness, swelling and possible purging to occur.
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For 24 hours post treatment: Avoid touching your face as much as possible, direct sunlight, swimming, saunas, steam, and working out.
Use a gentle cleanser the first night post-treatment. Wait to resume normal home care products that are exfoliating, acne treatments, products that contain retinols, AHA's, BHA's, or toners for 2-3 days.
Do not use makeup after your treatment. It is recommended to avoid makeup for 48 hours, if possible. DO use SPF!
Wait at least 2 weeks before having any other cosmetic procedures or skin treatments (facials, laser, waxing, etc).
Mild redness is normal and should subside shortly after your service. Your skin will be more sensitive up to a week post-treatment in some circumstances. It is normal to experience breakouts, or a purge, after your treatment. If you are experiencing puffiness/soreness one week post-treatment, you may have an adverse reaction. Don't apply creams in an attempt to help! Please contact your Esthetician/ our office to advise you on how to proceed during an adverse reason.
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Do not cleanse skin for 12 hours post-peel. Do not put face directly under hot water, avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam, and working out.
Do not use any scrubs, retinoic acids, AHA's, BHA's, or astringents for at minimum 7 days.
DO NOT PICK OR PEEL THE SKIN. Let the dead skin exfoliate and come off naturally!
Follow the home care AM & PM routine provided in your post-peel kit given to you at your appointment. Continue your normal home care after healing process is completed.
The use of retinols can resume 14 days post-peel.
In the first few hours after your peel, some redness, tingling, tightening, burning sensation of the skin is normal. Your skin will begin to look flaky or peel within a 2-3 days post-treatment. If you do not experience the "peeling" process, rest assured this is normal! Your skin is still receiving a great treatment and your skin cells are doing their job and turning over faster than previous to the chemical peel. Discolorations or imperfections may be more noticeable temporarily. Around 7 days later, your skin should start to look more "normal". Within 2 weeks, you will see healthy, new skin however some redness or discoloration may last for the next few weeks.
Contact your Esthetician or our office when in need for any further clarification.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Permanent Makeup
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For 2 weeks prior, do not use Retin-A or retinoids close to the procedure area. IPL and Laser Hair Removal should be performed no less than 2 weeks prior. For one week prior to your appointment, do not take oral fish oil supplements or vitamin E to prevent excessive bleeding. Electrolysis treatments should be performed no les than 5 days prior.
Waxing/threading should be performed no less than 3 days prior to your procedure. Do not take NSAIDs 2 days prior to your procedure, and do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior. Avoid scheduling any social plans on the day of or after your procedure.
Please arrive to your appointment wearing your normal makeup. A senstivity test will be performed, unless waived upon request.
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Only use freshly washed hands when cleaning the PMU area. For brows, wet a 2x2 or clean paper towel with water and pat off any excess lymph fluid, then pat dry. Apply ointment provided at your appointment for 2 days, then dry heal. For lips, apply ointment when dry until healed. Circadia Lip Renewing Hydrator (naked) may be used the day after your service until lips are healed.
If there is any lymph fluid, you may wipe gently with a piece of wet gauze. Do not scrub, rub, or pick at the scabbing that forms. Allow it to flake off by itself, otherwise you may lose pigment.
Healing times vary person to persons and service to service. Swelling, itching, scabbing, light bruising, dryness, and tightness can all be expected post procedure. Ice packs may be used for swelling or bruising. Aftercare ointment should be applied for scabbing, tightness, and dryness. Do not use any retinols or actives, including serums, during the PMU process (initial appointment to follow up appointment).
Avoid water, sweating, tanning beds, wearing makeup, exposure to steam, etc. for 2 weeks post procedure. Always use a sun block after the procedure area is healed to protect it from sun fading.
Too dark and slightly uneven appearance is normal. Full results can be seen in 4 weeks. A follow up should be scheduled 30-45 days after the first session (no additional cost) to address any color change/loss. A touch up may be needed 1-5 years after the initial procedure depending on your skin, medications, and sun exposure.
Failure to follow aftercare instructions may result in infections, pigment loss, or discoloration.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Tox, Fillers, & PRP
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Refrain from taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, as well as Fish oil, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John's Wort, and high doses of vitamin E for at least 7-10 days before your appointment unless deemed necessary by your primary care provider.
You may take Tylenol® (if it's safe for you) an hour before your appointment to help manage any discomfort.
If you're on prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix, consult your prescribing provider to determine if it's safe to stop these medications for 7-10 days before your appointment and at least 2 days after the procedure.
Let your provider know at least one week in advance if you have a history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face. This allows time for medication to be prescribed to prevent an outbreak.
Avoid dental work (including cleanings) for 2 weeks before and after receiving fillers.
Arrive at your appointment with a clean face, meaning no makeup or moisturizer.
It's advisable to eat a light meal or snack before your appointment.
Expect increased bruising and swelling for the first 24-48 hours following your dermal filler injections. Avoid exercising for the rest of the day after your injections, and consider postponing any special events during this two-week recovery period.
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The most common reactions to dermal fillers include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness after the injections. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days but can last a week. If symptoms persist beyond a week or if you notice any new symptoms, please contact our office.
You can use cold compresses after treatment to help alleviate swelling and soreness. Tylenol (if safe for you) can be taken every 4-6 hours post-treatment to manage discomfort.
To avoid post-procedure complications, avoid makeup application for 24-48 hours after the procedure.
For the first 24 hours post-treatment, limit exposure to sunlight or UV lamps. Excessive sun, heat, and alcohol may temporarily worsen redness, bruising, or swelling at injection sites.
Remember your SPF.
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It is recommended to refrain from using aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and high doses of vitamin E for 7-10 days before the procedure, as these may elevate the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site(s). Taking regular multivitamins and Tylenol® is acceptable (if not contraindicated).
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before the procedure, as this can also increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the treated areas.
Take Tylenol® (if safe for you) one hour before your appointment to alleviate any potential discomfort.
Let your provider know at least one week in advance if you have a history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face. This allows time for medication to be prescribed to prevent an outbreak.
Have a light meal or snack before your appointment.
Always inform your provider about all medications, including any supplements you are taking and your medical history.
PRECAUTIONS
You are not a suitable candidate for Neurotoxins if you have any of the following conditions:
Myasthenia Gravis
Allergy to Botulinum Toxin
Neuromuscular disorder
Pregnant or breastfeeding
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Avoid facials/saunas/hot yoga after your neurotoxin treatment.
At least four hours after the procedure, remain upright, bring your phone up to your face, and avoid tilting your head down.
Do not massage or lay on affected areas to avoid migration. Be gentle when washing your face 24 hours post-procedure.
The full effects of your treatment may take up to 14 days to be visible, although most patients notice changes sooner. Please wait until 14 days have elapsed before evaluating your results.
Remember your SPF.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Morpheus8
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For 2 weeks prior to treatment, avoid self-tanner. For one week prior, avoid any treatments that may irritate the skin (waxing, threading, etc.). Clients with darker skin tones ideally should be using a pigment inhibitor for 4 weeks prior to treatment, and clients. with lighter skin should be using a pigment inhibitor for 2 weeks prior to limit post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Pigment inhibitors should be stopped 48 hours prior to the treatment.
One week prior, avoid taking NSAIDs, ginkgo blob, ginseng, flax oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and retinoid/retinals to minimize bruising. Arrive at your appointment with no makeup on the area to be treated. Your appointment time includes 1 hour of numbing prior to treatment. Please do not utilize any numbing creams yourself.
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A topical moisturizer will be applied to your skin post-treatment. Be sure to keep the treated area moisturized with the aftercare products provided after your first treatment session. Avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF 30+ on the treated area daily.
Avoid touching the treated area for 48 hours, and after 48 hours ensure that you clean your hands thoroughly prior to touching the area. Do not apply any makeup for 48 hours.
Small needle marks may be present for a few days post-treatment, and bruising, redness, and swelling are possible for up to 2 weeks.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for SkinPen Microneedling
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For 5-7 days prior, do not wax/thread the area and avoid products with active ingredients (Retin-A, retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, AHA, BHA, hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide). Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.) for 3 days prior to treatment.
Do not shave on the day of your appointment to avoid skin irritation. If there is dense hair in the treatment area, shave the day prior to your appointment.
Make arrangements to have all workouts and errands complete for the day as you will most likely look like a beautiful ripe tomato for 24 hours. On the day of your appointment, wear comfy clothes. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment. Arrive with no makeup, moisturizers perfume, cologne, or any other products on the skin. Your appointment duration includes 1 hour of numbing time. Please be sure to be on time.
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For 24 hours post-treatment, avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, pedicures, and exercise/sweating. Do not apply makeup on the same day of the treatment. After 24 hours, apply SPF daily. Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for 2 weeks. If you must be exposed to the sun, wear a hat and apply sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours.
Do not take any antinflammatory medications for 1 week. Do not ice your face or use arnica or bromelian. These may interfere with the natural healing process that is required for skin rejuvenation. Once the skin starts to flake, do not pick, scratch, or scrub at skin! Keep moisturized at all times.
After 5-7 days you may begin your regular skin care routine if your skin is no longe irritated.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Laser Hair Removal
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Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to treatment, as well as any self-tanners
Avoid waxing/tweezing. Laser Hair Removal works by targeting the dark pigment in the follicle, so pulling the hair out at the root through waxing/tweezing will negatively impact the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatment
Shave the area to be treated 24 hours before your appointment (or the day of)
Cleanse and lightly exfoliate the area to be treated 24-48 hours before your appointment
No makeup on the area to be treated
Wear comfy clothes
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment
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Avoid sun exposure
Avoid tight clothing that may rub and irritate the treated area
Do not apply makeup the same day
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, pedicures, and exercise/sweating for 24 hours
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for IPL & PicoWay
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For 2 weeks prior to treatment, avoid direct and excessive sun exposure and spray tanning (including self-tanner). For 7 days prior to treatment, avoid Retinol/Retin-A/Tretinoin, and chemical or physical exfoliants. Avoid caffeine and alcohol 24 hours prior.
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Redness and slight warming of the skin are normal post-treatment. Usually this subsides within an hour. Skin will be sensitive to sunlight post-treatment. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and tanning.
Over the next 24-48 hours, pigmented spots will darken. In the week after treatment, these spots will begin to flake off and leave an even skin tone. After treating vascular lesions, the vein may blanch and disappear or change in color. This usually dissipates after a few days.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Body Treatments
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Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to treatment, as well as any self-tanners
Avoid waxing/tweezing. Laser Hair Removal works by targeting the dark pigment in the follicle, so pulling the hair out at the root through waxing/tweezing will negatively impact the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatment
Shave the area to be treated 24 hours before your appointment (or the day of)
Cleanse and lightly exfoliate the area to be treated 24-48 hours before your appointment
No makeup on the area to be treated
Wear comfy clothes
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment
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Avoid sun exposure
Avoid tight clothing that may rub and irritate the treated area
Do not apply makeup the same day
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, pedicures, and exercise/sweating for 24 hours
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For 2 weeks prior to treatment, avoid self-tanner. For one week prior, avoid any treatments that may irritate the skin (waxing, threading, etc.). Clients with darker skin tones ideally should be using a pigment inhibitor for 4 weeks prior to treatment, and clients. with lighter skin should be using a pigment inhibitor for 2 weeks prior to limit post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Pigment inhibitors should be stopped 48 hours prior to the treatment.
One week prior, avoid taking NSAIDs, ginkgo blob, ginseng, flax oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and retinoid/retinals to minimize bruising. Arrive at your appointment with no makeup on the area to be treated. Your appointment time includes 1 hour of numbing prior to treatment. Please do not utilize any numbing creams yourself.
-
A topical moisturizer will be applied to your skin post-treatment. Be sure to keep the treated area moisturized with the aftercare products provided after your first treatment session. Avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF 30+ on the treated area daily.
Avoid touching the treated area for 48 hours, and after 48 hours ensure that you clean your hands thoroughly prior to touching the area. Do not apply any makeup for 48 hours.
Small needle marks may be present for a few days post-treatment, and bruising, redness, and swelling are possible for up to 2 weeks.
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To prepare for any esthetics treatment, avoid using any physical or chemical exfoliants and retinols 3-5 days prior to your treatment. Avoid getting injectables no less than 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Waxing, Threading & Lashes
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Keep the waxed area clean, and avoid heat and friction during the next 24-48 hours.
This means NO: hot baths or showers, saunas, hot tubs, steam, tanning, working out, swimming, scratching or touching the area with unwashed hands, wear clean and loose-fitting clothes, and do not apply makeup, deodorants, body sprays, powders, lotions, or any other products to the area other than those recommended by your Esthetician.
Bikini/Brazilians: To prevent ingrown hairs, start exfoliating the area a few days after your appointment using a dry brush or exfoliating mitt, continuing a few times a week. Apply Fur oil to moisturize.
Regrowth after a week is normal, it may take up to 4 appointments for your hair to get on a growth cycle that gives best results.
DO NOT shave/pluck between your appointments. Schedule your appointments every 4 weeks to maintain!
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For 24 hours AVOID moisture, heat, steam, working out, makeup, and facial cleansers. Avoid sleeping on treated hair or touching hair for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, begin applying hydrating oil to treated hair daily in AM & PM.
After showers while hair is still wet, use a mascara wand to brush them into place.
Brow Lamination: Schedule a brow wax for 3-4 weeks out, and schedule your next lamination for 6-8 weeks out.
Lash lift: Schedule a lash tint 3-4 weeks out, and schedule your next lash lift for 6-8 weeks out.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Permanent Makeup
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For 2 weeks prior, do not use Retin-A or retinoids close to the procedure area. IPL and Laser Hair Removal should be performed no less than 2 weeks prior. For one week prior to your appointment, do not take oral fish oil supplements or vitamin E to prevent excessive bleeding. Electrolysis treatments should be performed no les than 5 days prior.
Waxing/threading should be performed no less than 3 days prior to your procedure. Do not take NSAIDs 2 days prior to your procedure, and do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior. Avoid scheduling any social plans on the day of or after your procedure.
Please arrive to your appointment wearing your normal makeup. A senstivity test will be performed, unless waived upon request.
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Only use freshly washed hands when cleaning the PMU area. For brows, wet a 2x2 or clean paper towel with water and pat off any excess lymph fluid, then pat dry. Apply ointment provided at your appointment for 2 days, then dry heal. For lips, apply ointment when dry until healed. Circadia Lip Renewing Hydrator (naked) may be used the day after your service until lips are healed.
If there is any lymph fluid, you may wipe gently with a piece of wet gauze. Do not scrub, rub, or pick at the scabbing that forms. Allow it to flake off by itself, otherwise you may lose pigment.
Healing times vary person to persons and service to service. Swelling, itching, scabbing, light bruising, dryness, and tightness can all be expected post procedure. Ice packs may be used for swelling or bruising. Aftercare ointment should be applied for scabbing, tightness, and dryness. Do not use any retinols or actives, including serums, during the PMU process (initial appointment to follow up appointment).
Avoid water, sweating, tanning beds, wearing makeup, exposure to steam, etc. for 2 weeks post procedure. Always use a sun block after the procedure area is healed to protect it from sun fading.
Too dark and slightly uneven appearance is normal. Full results can be seen in 4 weeks. A follow up should be scheduled 30-45 days after the first session (no additional cost) to address any color change/loss. A touch up may be needed 1-5 years after the initial procedure depending on your skin, medications, and sun exposure.
Failure to follow aftercare instructions may result in infections, pigment loss, or discoloration.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Tattoo Removal
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Avoid sun exposure for 2–4 weeks before treatment.
No tanning beds or self-tanner.
Stop retinol, tretinoin, acids (AHA/BHA), benzoyl peroxide, scrubs 3–7 days before.
Avoid antibiotics that increase sun sensitivity (delay treatment if taking them).
No heavy lotions, oils, or makeup on the area the day of treatment.
Shave the area the night before (no waxing/depilatory creams for 10 days).
Hydrate well the day before and day of.
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First 24 Hours:
• Keep the area cool (ice/cold compress with a barrier).
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Apply a thin layer of ointment (Aquaphor, A&D, Vaseline).
• Cover lightly if needed to reduce friction.
• Do not wash for 24 hours.
• Days 2–7 Gently wash once daily with cool water and fragrance-free soap.
• Pat dry only.
• Apply ointment 1–2 times per day.
• Do NOT pick scabs or pop blisters (let them heal naturally).
• Avoid sweating, saunas, pools, oceans, and hot tubs.
• Protect from friction and tight clothing.
• No exfoliating or makeup on the area.
• Moisturize normally once any scabs/blisters resolve.
• Daily SPF 30–50 on the area (no sun on the tattoo).
• Stay hydrated to help lymphatic clearing.
• Light exercise after 48–72 hours is okay.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions for Hair Restoration
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Please arrive with clean hair and no product in hair or on scalp for both services.
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No sweat or sun exposure for 24 hours post-procedure.
Ready for your treatment?
Have questions about preparing for your appointment or caring for your skin afterward? Our team is here to help. If you’re unsure about anything in your instructions, please reach out to Emily Anne Esthetics before your appointment.