After Care

After Care

Everything you need to know to get the most out of your treatments

1. Avoid massage or manipulation in the treated are for at least 4 hours.
2. Contract the treated muscles as much as possible for the first hour post treatment.
3. Maintain an upright position for a minimum 4 hours after treatment.
4. Avoid excessive exercise on the day of treatment.
5. Avoid any heavy lifting on the day of treatment.
6. The effects of the treatment will be evident in approximately 5-10 days.
7. The results of the treatment are temporary. You will need further injections
approximately every 3-5 months to maintain results.
8. It is not unusual to experience a mild headache after treatment and you can take
paracetamol as required.
9. Although uncommon – you may notice minor bruising at the injection site especially
around the eyes; pressure can be applied at the time and immediately after the
treatment as required.
10. Immediately after the treatment you may notice some mild swelling this will settle in
an hour or so once the medication has been absorbed by the muscle.

1. Gently rub or massage the area for 24 hours.
2. Avoid putting excessive pressure on the treatment area for 24 hours.
3. Avoid alcohol and smoking for 24hours post treatment.
4. Do not use AHA’s, retinol, Vitamin C, IPL, Chemical peels, or microdermabrasion
for 2 weeks after treatment.
5. Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day post treatment.
6. Apply a cool compress for 10 mins every hour on the day as tolerated for swelling &
pain.
7. It is recommended to avoid extended exposure to excessive heat or freezing
temperatures for up to 2 weeks.
8. It is recommended to avoid extended exposure to the sun or UV light for up to 2
weeks.
9. While you may experience no side effects at all, you may experience redness, pain,
swelling, firmness, bruising, itching or discolouration at the treatment site for 1-7
days.
10. It is not recommended to apply make-up for 12 hours after treatment.
11. It is advisable to consume at least 2L of water a day for the first 3 days post treatment
to get the most hydration to the gel as it settles in the skin.
12. The treated area may feel lumpy for up to 4 weeks this can be normal, it can take
several weeks for the gel to settle.
13. It is advisable to see your practitioner 4 weeks post treatment to review the results.
14. Your filler will gradually decrease and metabolise over time and can last from 4-
18months depending on the product chosen and where it is placed.
15. To maintain optimal results, see your injector for a review appointment in 6 months.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
  • The treatment area will look pale due to the local anaesthetic used and will feel numb.
  • There can be some redness, stinging and burning within 15 minutes to 2 hours after
    treatment and later swelling and bruising which peaks between 6-72 hours.
  • Should any redness or a small limp be experienced, use warm compresses several
    times a day. You may experience several post-inflammatory nodules. These indicate
    ongoing fat necrosis (a good thing……) these will disappear within 30 days.
  • Results from treatment can often be noted about 4-5 weeks after your last treatment
    depending on your metabolism and body type.
  • Evidence of milk skin retraction may begin to appear at 10-14 days post-injection.
    This improvement may be more evident in a photograph than in your own estimation.
  • Inflammation will be present up to 4 weeks after treatment, which will limit any
    visible result.
  • The inflammatory response continues and you may not see the final result for up to
    one year.

AFTER CARE:
  • Immediately following the procedure, ice should be applied to the area and may be
    applied as needed to reduce swelling for the first 48 hours.
  • Do not wash or take a shower for at least 4 hours after treatment.
  • Arnica gel can be applied three times a day for 48 hours to resolve bruising.
  • Do not take anti-inflammatories (aspirin) or Vitamin E for 24 hours after injections.
    You can use painkillers (paracetamol) for any discomfort.
  • Hot tubs, saunas, Jacuzzis and massages are not recommended for 48 hours after
    treatment. After 48 hours, these ARE recommended to assist in healing.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds for two weeks post treatment.
  • Massage the treated area for about 15 minutes per day for two weeks after treatment
    to aid the process of fat elimination.
  • Walking 20-30 minutes daily during the course of treatment will aid in effectiveness.
    Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours.
  • Drink lots of fluids (water) for the first 24 hours.
  • Avoid alcohol to facilitate hepatic handling of toxins.

ADDITIONAL VISITS:


Make a follow up appointment for 4 weeks. If you are having more than one body part treated
simultaneously, make an appointment in two weeks alternately.
Failure to follow the above advice will result in less than desired results.

It is normal for the area treated to have redness and swelling. It is uncommon for a blister or
bruise to develop. Should you develop a blister, a topical antibiotic ointment such as
polysporin can be used twice daily until healed.


⋅ An ice pack should be avoided to maximize treatment results. Pain medication post
treatment is not necessary.
⋅ Makeup can be applied immediately post treatment.
⋅ Waxing, tweezing, and depilatory creams can be resumed 3 days post treatment.
⋅ Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and exercise post treatment. However, all other
normal activity can be resumed.
⋅ A non-exfoliant cleaner and light moisturizer can be used the day of treatment. You
can resume normal skin care the next day.
⋅ All skin irritants (glycolic/ salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinol products, or
vitamin C) can be resumed 3 days post treatment.
⋅An SPF 30 or higher with Zinc Oxide will be applied immediately post treatment.


Please continue apply sunblock daily to maximize your results and minimize
irritation.


Anti wrinkle injections, chemical peels, and dermal fillers can be resumed 1 week post your
treatment.

⋅ Expected downtime is 2-5 days, redness, slight swelling, bruising and possibly small
bumps or pinpoint bleeding may occur. In order to avoid scab formation, apply
moisturizer often if skin feels tight, itchy or dry. You may apply up to 3 layers of
moisturizer provided by your practitioner. Do not apply more than 3 layers at a time
to avoid bacterial buildup, infection or over occlusion, to allow the skin to breathe and
heal properly. You may apply up to 3 layers, clean and repeat as often as you need to
keep skin moist and comfortable. When removing old product after 3rd application
use a cool, moist, clean wash cloth wrung out well, prior to applying a new layer.
Again, up to but not more than 3 layers then remove and repeat.


⋅ A grid pattern may be present up to 7 days post treatment. Do not apply cosmetics,
products or anything other than what is instructed by your practitioner for post skin
care till the pattern has sloughed off or your practitioner has approved the resumption
of your regular skin care regimen, products or cosmetics.


⋅ Peeling may begin 2-4 days post treatment and last up to 10 days. Do not scratch, pick
or exfoliate the skin but instead keep well moisturized. Do not let water hit treatment
areas directly in the shower for at least 2-3 days and use tepid or cool water only to
cleanse the skin. After day 3 or 4 you may use recommended skin care products
provided by your practitioner. You may not see a grid pattern nor have peeling or
sloughing with the Non-Invasive Fractional RF treatment.


⋅ Downtime after “first” treatment: redness and sunburn feeling for several hours or up
1 day if aggressive treatment has been performed. Pale (conservative) to dark brown
(aggressive). Needle pattern on days 1-5 with flaking. Swelling in aggressively treated
areas through day 3-5. Full recovery is expected by days 5-7. Down time is decreased

with subsequent treatments. Since this is a heat generated treatment, patients with
more moisture in their skin may experience more redness and sensation and achieve
better results in fewer treatments. Similarly, a patient with dry skin may require more
treatments.


⋅ Number of sessions: 5-6 for aggressive and 3-4 for conservative treatments at 4-
6week intervals. Results will continue to improve over 6-12 months once treatments
are complete. Maintenance treatments twice a year.


⋅ For optimal results, it is recommended to follow up and repeat treatments 3-5 times,
4-6 weeks apart.

⋅ Expect swelling and tenderness for 48 – 72 hours. Possible bruising may last about 7
days.


⋅ You may apply cold/ice packs to treated areas for the first 24 hours to minimize
swelling.


⋅ Arnica gel may be used to massage the areas to help reduce bruising and swelling


⋅ Normal activities may be resumed immediately following treatment.


⋅Makeup may be applied a few hours after treatment.


⋅ Avoid sun exposure until swelling has resolved.


⋅ Massage treated areas 5 times a day for 5 minutes for 5 days to distribute solution
and help prevent nodule formation – unless instructed not to. This may be
uncomfortable for the first couple of days, but is still necessary. The easiest time to
massage is when the face is moistened with cleanser or moisturizer.


⋅ Schedule your next appointment in 2-3 months to determine if additional treatments
are needed. Most patients require a minimum of two treatments.


⋅ Results may begin to appear 4 – 6 weeks after treatment and will gradually improve
for up to 12 months. Results last up to 2 – 3 years after initial treatment.


⋅ A possible side effect can be the delayed appearance of tiny nodules under the skin,
which can appear 6 – 12 months after treatment. They are palpable, but not visible
and development can be minimized by following the post treatment massage
instructions.

• You can resume most normal activities immediately after treatment.


• Avoid touching the area for 6 hours after the treatment.


•If you notice any bruising, applying a cool compress or using arnica may help minimise this.


• If you notice firm swellings at the injection sites, this is normal. Do NOT massage these. Instead leave them to disperse naturally and they will get absorbed within 24-48 hours.


• Avoid lying down for 6 hours and try to sleep face up that night.


• It is best not to apply makeup for 12 hours. 

•Avoid exercise and alcohol for 24hrs after treatment (this can increase the risk of bruising). 

•Avoid extremes of heat for the first 48 hours after treatment. For example hot baths, showers, saunas, steam rooms or sun exposure. 

•Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) or supplements (St Johns Wart, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, B or E) for 2 days before and after treatment, as these can increase your risk of bruising.


• Avoid cosmetic products containing Retinoids for 3 days either side of the procedure.


• Do not wear compressive masks, helmets or goggles for 5 days after treatment. Similarly avoid lying face down on treatment tables. (eg massages).


• Avoid chemical peels, dermabrasion or laser treatments 3 weeks either side of the procedure

The area will feel tender to touch, it’s best to avoid touching the area for at least 2 hours post-treatment for the injection sites to heal. Swelling is to be expected in the treatment area for up to 2 days post-treatment; using a cool compress can be used to help with comfort.

Immediate aftercare:

⋅Sleep elevated and on your back to help reduce swelling (use multiple pillows).

⋅Bruising can occur after treatment and can last for up to 2 weeks, use Arnica tablets, cream or spray to reduce the signs, or Yellow LED light therapy.

⋅Paracetamol can be used for pain relief, avoiding ibuprofen as swelling is part of the healing process.

⋅Avoid exercise, hot showers, sauna, steam rooms and spas, prolonged sun exposure and excessive alcohol consumption for 48 hours post-treatment.

Things to Do Before Thread Lift Treatment

Your practitioner will devise an appropriate action plan for you as per your skin type and the treatment required. However, the usual guidelines provided are as follows:

  • Smoking and all kinds of alcohol must be avoided for at least one week before the procedure as they can dehydrate the skin and even affect the anaesthetic step. It helps in speeding the recovery process and providing the best treatment results.
  • Avoid consuming omega fish oils, vitamin E, chilli ginseng, garlic, krill, and other such supplements at least two days before the treatment. It is best to avoid green and ginger teas as well.
  • Aspirin-based products, like Naproxen/Naprogesic, Neurofen, and Ibuprofen, must be avoided as they can cause bleeding, unwanted side effects and complications.
  • Avoid performing high-intensity exercises and going to a sauna or steam room.

Your practitioner may give you more guidance on what to do before the treatment.

Things to Do After Thread Lift Treatment

The treatment has a minimal recovery time, but there is still plenty you can do to enhance the recovery and get the best results. Some patients may experience nausea after the thread lift procedure due to anaesthesia. However, it will pass after sipping small amounts of water.

Here are some more things you should do after the treatment:

  • Ice the treated area for a few minutes for four to five times during the day for the first week if you are experiencing slight bruising or swelling.
  • Restrict facial movements for one day. Make sure to rest for a full day after getting the treatment.
  • You can move around wherever you want, but don’t perform any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for three weeks.
  • You can take pain killers as required after the procedure. Try consuming them after a meal to avoid any risk of nausea.
  • It is best to avoid aspirins for the next two weeks after the treatment.
  • Avoid applying makeup or facial cream for at least 48 hours.
  • You should not drink a beverage with a straw and focus on drinking liquids or consuming soft foods for at least a week.
  • Chewing gum should be avoided for at least two weeks.
  • Experiencing slight discomfort in the first two days after the procedure is normal, it will gradually reduce.
  • Try keeping your head elevated for a week.
  • Don’t pull your facial skin, massage, scrub or exfoliate the skin for at least three weeks. You are also not supposed to wash or touch your face for at least 12 hours.
  • Follow the care guidelines the practitioner gives you regarding the incision wounds.
  • It is recommended that you sleep on your back to prevent any swelling. Avoid straining or placing pressure on your face as it may result in threads misalignment.
  • Avoid getting any dental treatment for at least two weeks after getting the PDO thread lift.

DO’s

  • Be patient, the healing part is a process. Take time to rest, sleep and heal.
  • Oedema (swelling) may also occur. Sleeping on 2 pillows with your head elevated helps.
  • Ice the treated area for at least 10 minutes every hour. Don’t use ice directly on skin, use a clean towel covering the ice pack.
  • Apply nothing to the skin for the first 3 days.
  • Do not apply ANY other creams, ointments or products of any kind on face until the scabs have fallen off.
  • Do not pick the scabs off. Let them come off on their own. You will increase risk of infection and scarring if you pick the scabs. Let them exfoliate on their own,
  • Do not expose your skin to the sun or tanning beds. remember UVA light passes through house and car windows. Use of sunscreen with SPF 50 is crucial to maintain results and help prevent post inflammatory pigmentation (darker areas)
  • It is ok to shower but do not let the shampoo or hair products get on your face. 
  • Panadol may be used if needed
  • If you experience itching, an over the counter antihistamine may be helpful

AFTERCARE DON’TS

  • Do not pick the scabs. Let them fall off by themselves or you risk scarring. Do not rub, scrub or irritate your skin in anyway while healing.
  • Do not apply any make-up (even mineral) for the first 4 days or until the scabbing or peeling is complete.
  • Do not apply any plasters (liquid bandaid) on the treated areas as doing so can delay the natural healing process.
  • Do not work out, swim, get in a hot tub or steam bath (avoid sweating and soaking scabs).

SWELLING

Swelling is normal and expected. It is part of the recovery process after this controlled skin treatment. It is a natural side effect. Use cold compresses and sleep with your head elevated as described above. The swelling will subside over the next few days

Typical Course by Days

Day 0

The Day of procedure, you may feel numb in the area if you had numbing cream or injection of local anaesthetic. This is normal and will resolve within a few hours. After the numbing wears off the area will feel swollen and uncomfortable and like a sunburn. If there is pain, please take Panadol. Try to sleep on extra pillows

Day 1

Often after the eyes are treated, the patient will wake up with significant swelling the next morning. Swelling over the next few days will be worse in the mornings and will resolve over the day. There may be so much swelling that you have difficulty opening your eyes the first morning. The swelling peaks from 24-48 hours, so this is the worst of it. The swelling may spread to areas that weren’t treated (especially around the eyes). It is normal for skin to feel “sunburned” or “tight”. Itchiness is common

Day 2

Your swelling may be slightly better this morning or may not. If not, it will probably improve throughout the day. The dots may have formed a scab by now. Do not pick the scabs. There should be minimal discomfort and there may be some itch. Don’t scratch.

Day 3

Swelling should be improving today.

Day 4: Scabs may be present. Scabs come off at different times, continue to be patient with the scabs. The scabs will usually start coming off at day 5-7. Do not pick at it but allow scabs to come off on their own.

After Scabs have come off :

  • You may find that an increased sensitivity or irritation to anything that comes in contact with your skin such as detergents, fabric softeners in pillows, sheets and clothes may occur.
  • The new skin may be pink where the scabs have come off
  • You can resume use of regular cleansers/ moisturisers as advised by your doctor.
  • A small breakout is possible and is usually self limiting
  • Make up may be worn after scabs have come off, usually day 5-7.



Post Care Instructions:

 

1. Redness & Bumps are normal.
Immediately after your treatment, redness & bumps at the treatment area are common; these may last up to 2 hours or longer. It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. You should use a cold compress if the sensitivity continues. If there is any crusting, apply an antibiotic cream. Darker pigmented skin may have more discomfort than lighter skin & may persist longer.

 

2. Cleanse the area treated gently.

The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. Skin should be patted dry & not rubbed during the first 48 hours.  Stay Away From Skincare Products With Strong Ingredients Avoid skincare products that contain retinoids, hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. These potent ingredients can affect the pigmentation of the skin, causing either darkening or lightening. In some cases, it may result in redness.  

 

3. No makeup & lotion/moisturizer/deodorant for the first 24 hours.

Keep the treated area clean & dry, if further redness or irritation persists, skip your makeup & moisturizer, & deodorant (for underarms) until the irritation has subsided.

 

4. Dead hairs will begin to shed 5-30 days after your treatment.

Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. that is normal & they will fall out quickly.

 

5. Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding.

Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth. It is not new hair growth, but the dead hair pushing its way out of the follicle. You can help the hair come out by washing with a washcloth & shaving.

 

6. Avoid the sun.

Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark or light spots for 2 months. Use sunscreen (spf 25 or higher) at all times throughout the treatment period & for 1-2 months following.

 

7. Do not pick/scratch/wax/thread/tweeze the area.

Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. do not use any other hair removal methods or products, other than shaving, on the treated area during the course of your laser treatments, as it will prevent you from achieving the best results.

 

8. Hair growth varies.

On average, most will experience a level of hairless happiness after 6-9 sessions which will result in not even checking for stubble (yes, it’s life changing!).

Immediately after treatment with a PRP, there may be a slight redness, swelling, tenderness or an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection and generally disappears in a couple of days.
The swelling  after an eye treatment may last longer.

Please follow the instructions below:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
  • DO not wash your face for at least several hours post treatment
  • Sleep elevated on 2 pillows to improve swelling
  • Avoid touching your face for at least 4 hours
  • Do not expose the area to intense heat or sunlight (eg solarium or sauna)
  • Pain relief such as paracetamol may be taken as directed by your physician
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
  • Do not use active skin care eg AHA, Retinols/Vitamin C
  • Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy based treatments and microdermabrasion for 2 weeks after treatment (unless advised by your injectable doctor). Please check with your physician before undergoing other facials within this time.
  • Do not massage the treated area unless instructed by your physician.
  • No makeup until the day after the procedure is ideal
  • Do not smoke

AQUAGOLD POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

  • Use SPF daily. Strictly avoid any sun exposure or extreme heat for 14 days.
  • Do not pick, scratch or use any exfoliant on the treated area.
  • Avoid any sweat-inducing activities for 24 hours.
  • Do not perform strenuous exercise for 24 hours. 
  • Avoid active cosmeceutical products (AHAs, retinol, vitamin C) until sensitivity has subsided. 
  • Do not apply oil-based makeup for 24 hours. 
  • Avoid facial treatments for 2 weeks after treatment (including facials, waxing, chemical peels, skin needling, Hydrafacial, IPL or laser)
  • DO NOT apply spray tanning or fake tanning creams for 2-3 weeks after the treatment.
  • A cold compress or an ice pack can be used to provide comfort.