Post-Treatment Instructions
Injectables Preparation
If you want to be pro-active to decrease bruising during injection treatments such as Restylane, Botox and Mesotherapy; the following prescriptions and non-prescription medications may be discontinued for at least two weeks prior to having any injection procedure to ensure that your platelets have time to recover. These specific preparations have been found to affect your blood by decreasing the amount of time it takes for coagulation and decreasing the amount of red blood cell production which can lead to increased bruising. If you are taking any antiarthritics or anticoagulants for control of a medical disorder, you will need to consult your treating physician for recommendations as to the alternatives. If you must take these medications, appropriate determinations as to whether they may be a detriment during the procedure may be discussed.
Please avoid for 2 weeks pre-treatment:
Aspirin combinations
Alka-Seltzer Cominations
Ibuprofen Combinations
Midol
Vanquish
Excedrin
Anti-gout medications
Controlled Analgesics Containing Aspirin
Filler Post-Treatment Instructions
Checklist Please observe the following after treatment:
Immediately after treatment, the most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to four days with cold compresses.
Cold compresses may be used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling. Make sure that the compresses are only applied to one side of the face at a time holding it with bare hands. If you are still numb, you will not realize how cold your face is becoming. As a rule of thumb: if your hand is cold, so is the area of your face; change sides. Save your ice pack, as intermittent 20 minute sessions of icing will reduce any pain or swelling for up to the next 4 days. If the inconvenience continues beyond four days or if other concerns arise, please contact Dr. Helton’s office at (949) 646-3376.
Avoid massaging the treated area within six hours following treatment. The area can then be gently washed with soap and water, and make-up may be worn the next day.
The enzyme Bromelain can help dissolve bruises. Arnica can help prevent bruises. Both may be found at Mothers health food store. Take as directed on bottle.
If you experience asymmetric pain or asymmetric blue or white discoloration within 6 hours of the filler, please contact Dr. Helton.
Don’t “love it or hate it” until 5 days have passed. Fillers are hydrophilic (water-loving), there is always a period of swelling where one cannot judge size or evenness. If after 2-4 weeks have passed and the augmentation is not satisfactory, you may need more product. This is more common after the age of 40.
If you are sore to the touch, you are swollen and therefore cannot judge size or evenness. The swelling will resolve.
The product integrates into your body for up to a year, and evidence shows that having a follow-up treatment 6 months before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect. Please be sure to consult Dr. Helton about recommendations for follow-up treatments. Hyaluronic Acid is synergistic, meaning if more is administered before the product has totally dissipated, a greater augmentation will be realized. It will seem like 1+1=3.
If you have previously suffered from peri-oral cold sores, if injections were made at the lips, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence. Speak to Dr. Helton about medications that may minimize a recurrence.
One week prior to your next treatment, avoid taking aspirin, Motrin, non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications and high doses of Vitamin E. These agents may increase bruising. Should you require some form of medication prior, Dr. Helton recommends Tylenol only. You may resume these medications the day after treatment.
IPL Instructions
Please observe the following instructions after your IPL treatment:
You may use sun-screen and makeup immediately post treatment.
For 3-5 days post treatment (or as long as your skin is pink), the skin should be treated lightly.
No harsh creams (glycolics, Benzyl Peroxide, or Retin A).
Tepid water only.
Avoid sun exposure.
If crusted areas appear after treatment, they should be kept soft with a lubricating cream such as Aquaphor or Vaseline.
The darkened areas are scheduled to fall off in 1-4 weeks.
The face usually resolves faster than the neck or chest.
In the rare possibility that any open areas should occur, Bacitracin may be used, 3 times a day.
If crusting occurs, avoid picking at it. Any change in pigmentation will usually resolve in a few months.
Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the treated area every 12 hours for the first 48 hours after treatment if needed, i.e., the skin may feel sunburned.
Occasionally swelling occurs the day following treatment. You may take 1 Benadryl tablet as needed every 3-4 hours to reduce swelling.
Moisturize with Aloe Vera gel or any light moisturizer, like Cetaphil.- Chemical Peels or microdermabrasion may be done 2 weeks after treatment, only if all areas of sloughing have resolved.
Use of a sunblock of 30 spf or greater is mandatory. Remember, you are here to resolve sun damage!
Cold Sores: A person who has already had cold sores can experience an outbreak in response to sunlight and trauma. The IPL light can (rarely) trigger one of these outbreaks in someone who has already had cold sores. If you have a history of cold sores, please let us know. We will give you a prescription for an anti-viral medication.
Results:
Maximum results for discoloration is usually seen about the 3rd treatment.
The appearance of fine lines are usually noticeable less after the 3rd treatment.
Chest and neck discoloration require at least five treatments. One treatment per decade of life is recommended for optimal results.
NOTE: For further skin refinement, Medium Chemical Peels are recommended following a series of IPL treatments. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns following your treatment. Our office number is: 949-646-3376.
TCA Peel Instructions
Day of your peel:
Eat before your peel
Don’t wear make-up
Take pain medication prior, if you think you will need them, but you will need to have a driver
Wear loose fitting V-neck T-shirts
Patients with a history of cold sores will need an anti-viral medication
After treatment:
Wash your face with a mild gel cleanser that night
DO NOT PICK. Picking will only delay healing and could result in scarring
When the skin begins to peel, apply lotion (Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer) as often as needed
Avoid prolonged or strong showers, pat dry
Splash cool water on face several times daily, but don’t dry. Water will help you peel faster
If you feel you are getting a cold sore, call your doctor.
On day 5 after your peel, come into the office for an enzyme peel with one of our esthetician. This will take about 30 minutes. Remember to wear loose fitting clothing (V-neck preferred)
As soon as peeling has stopped, use sunscreen every single day. Your skin will be more sensitive now. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Dr. Helton at 949-646-3376
Sclerotherapy Instructions
Before treatment:
Wear support hose.
No birth control pills or extra estrogen.
No excessive weight gain.
No standing in line.
No jobs that require standing.
Bring shorts or a bathing suit to wear during the procedure.
Eat a light breakfast or lunch an hour or so prior to your appointment.
Do not put moisturizer on your legs the day of treatment.
Do not shave your legs for two days prior to your appointment.
After treatment:
Bring long pants to wear home after the procedure.
Walk for 30 minutes immediately following the injections.
Keep the bandage on until the day after the procedure.
If you notice any type of adverse reaction or if you are concerned, call Dr Helton at 949-631-3376.
Avoid strenuous physical activity (aerobics and weight lifting) for the first 48 hours.
No hot baths for two weeks.
Make sure you move around when standing for a long time.
Maintain normal daytime activities and walk at least an hour a day—the more the better, within reason.