Sofwave
SOFWAVE PRE-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure your comfort during your Sofwave treatment, please follow these preparation steps:
1. APPLY TOPICAL ANESTHETIC CREAM
Apply the prescribed numbing cream 60–90 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to the area being treated.
• If treating the face, apply to the entire forehead and cheeks — from the upper cheekbones down to the jawline and forward to just in front of the ears.
• Apply a thin even layer and leave it in place until you arrive at the office. To avoid excessive absorption of lidocaine, do not apply to larger surface area (if treating face neck and chest, apply anesthetic cream only to face. Then when you arrive to our office we will apply to neck and chest).
2. TAKE AN OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEVER
Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen at your regular adult dose before leaving for your appointment. This helps maximize your comfort during the procedure.
3. ARRIVE EARLY
Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled procedure time. Our team will apply an additional layer of anesthetic cream in the office to ensure optimal comfort before we begin.
If you have any questions or concerns prior to your appointment, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to seeing you!
SOFWAVE POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
To support your results and ensure a smooth recovery, please follow these aftercare guidelines:
1. CLEANSE & MOISTURIZE
Gently wash the treated area with a mild, gentle cleanser. Follow with a moisturizer and any collagen-boosting topical treatments recommended by your doctor (such as Plated, or Alastin Skin Nectar/Alastin Restorative Skin Complex).
2. AVOID HEAT TO THE TREATED AREA
For the first couple days following your procedure, avoid sources of heat to the treated area, including:
• Wash with lukewarm, not hot water. Avoid excessively hot showers or baths, saunas or steam rooms, steam facials
• Wait until redness has faded before engaging in strenuous exercise that causes significant sweating
3. PAUSE POTENTIALLY IRRITATING SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Avoid potentially irritating skincare products for 2–3 days after your procedure. This includes:
• Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin)
• Acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic, etc.)
• Exfoliating scrubs or treatments
• Any other products that may cause sensitivity
You may resume these products after 2–3 days, or as directed by your provider.
4. PROTECT FROM SUN EXPOSURE
Sun protection is essential for preserving your results. UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin — the very proteins Sofwave works to stimulate. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, wear protective hats and clothing, and limit direct sun exposure as much as possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Some mild redness or swelling immediately following your procedure is normal and typically resolves within a few hours to a day. Sofwave results develop gradually as your body produces new collagen, with optimal results typically visible over the following several weeks to months.
If you experience any unexpected symptoms or have concerns about your recovery, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We're here to support you every step of the way!
FRAXEL
FRAXEL DUAL LASER PRE-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure your safety and comfort during your Fraxel Dual Laser treatment, please carefully follow all of the preparation steps below. If you have any questions, contact our office prior to your appointment.
1. IF YOU ARE PRONE TO COLD SORES (Oral Herpes/HSV)
Patients with a history of cold sores should take Valtrex (valacyclovir) as a preventive measure, as laser treatments can trigger an outbreak that can spread to the laser treated areas.
• Begin taking Valtrex 1 day before your procedure. Standard dose is 500 mg twice daily (may adjust dose if kidney disease)
• Continue taking it after the procedure for a total course of 5 days.
• If you do not have a current prescription, please call or email our office in advance so we can provide one.
2. IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF STAPH INFECTIONS OR MRSA
Please contact our office before your appointment so we can prescribe mupirocin ointment for you.
• Apply mupirocin ointment inside both nostrils twice daily (use Q-tip).
• Begin treatment 3 days before your procedure and continue for a full 7 days after your procedure.
•This is only needed if you have a history of Staph or MRSA infection. If unsure, contact the office.
3. AVOID SUN EXPOSURE & WEAR SUNSCREEN DAILY
Active or recent sun exposure can increase the risk of complications, including burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning — including tanning beds and self-tanners — in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day for at least 2–4 weeks before your procedure, even on cloudy days.
• Do not proceed with your treatment if you have a recent tan. Please contact our office to reschedule if needed.
4. DISCONTINUE RETINOIDS
Stop using all retinol, tretinoin, and Retin-A products 5–7 days before your procedure. These ingredients increase skin sensitivity and should be paused prior to laser treatment.
5. APPLY TOPICAL ANESTHETIC CREAM AT HOME
Apply the topical numbing cream 60–90 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to the area being treated. Apply a thin even layer and leave it in place until you arrive at our office. To avoid excessive absorption of lidocaine, do not apply to larger surface area (if treating face neck and chest, apply anesthetic cream only to face. Then when you arrive to our office we will apply to neck and chest).
6. TAKE AN OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEVER
Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen at your regular adult dose before leaving for your appointment to help maximize your comfort during the procedure.
7. ARRIVE EARLY
Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled procedure time. Our team will apply an additional layer of anesthetic cream in the office to ensure you are as comfortable as possible before we begin.
FRAXEL DUAL LASER POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
Proper aftercare is essential to your healing, results, and safety. Please follow all instructions below carefully. Contact our office if you have any concerns during your recovery.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your skin will go through a predictable healing process over the next several days:
• Days 1–4: Expect redness and swelling similar to a sunburn. This is completely normal and expected.
• Days 4–7: The redness will begin to subside and the skin will develop a light dusting of tiny brown dots with a coffee-ground appearance. This is the treated skin naturally shedding — it is a normal and important part of the healing process.
• Do NOT scratch, pick, or rub the skin at any stage. Allow it to shed on its own to avoid scarring or infection.
1. MANAGE REDNESS & SWELLING
• Apply cool compresses to the treated area on the first day to help soothe discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Avoid all sources of heat, including hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise, until the redness has significantly subsided.
2. CONTINUE ANY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
If your doctor prescribed Valtrex (valacyclovir) or mupirocin ointment for your procedure, continue taking or applying them for the full duration as directed. Do not stop early.
3. CLEANSE & MOISTURIZE GENTLY
• Wash the treated area with a gentle foaming cleanser — nothing harsh or abrasive.
• Follow with a collagen-boosting serum such as Alastin Skin Necar/Alastin Restorative Skin Complex or Plated and a plain, simple moisturizer.
• Avoid thick, occlusive ointments such as Aquaphor or Vaseline petroleum jelly. Despite being commonly recommended after other procedures, these can clog pores and hair follicles after Fraxel, leading to acne breakouts and folliculitis.
• For the first several days, use only skincare products that come in tubes or pump bottles. Avoid any products in jars, as dipping fingers into jars introduces bacteria that can cause infection on healing skin.
4. AVOID IRRITATING SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Do not use any of the following until your skin has fully healed and your provider clears you to resume:
• Retinol, tretinoin, or Retin-A
• Acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic, etc.)
• Exfoliating scrubs or treatments
5. PROTECT FROM SUN EXPOSURE & WEAR SUNSCREEN DAILY
Sun protection is critical after Fraxel. Freshly treated skin is highly vulnerable to UV damage, which breaks down the new collagen your skin is actively producing and significantly increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
• Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during healing.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day, even when indoors or on cloudy days.
• Wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors.
6. PREVENT SKIN INFECTION
Your skin barrier is compromised during healing, making infection prevention especially important. Please follow these precautions:
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
• Use a fresh, clean towel on your face.
• Change your pillowcase before your first night post-procedure and keep it clean throughout healing.
• Do not allow pets to touch, lick, or nuzzle your face until the skin has healed.
• Use only skincare products in tubes or pump bottles for the first several days. Avoid jar-packaged products, which can harbor bacteria once opened.
7. FOLLICULITIS OR ACNE-LIKE BREAKOUTS
A small percentage of patients may develop folliculitis or acne-like bumps following the procedure. If this occurs, please contact our office promptly so we can prescribe an appropriate prescription topical antibiotic lotion.
• Do NOT apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or bacitracin to the treated area, as these are not appropriate for post-Fraxel skin and may worsen the condition or cause an allergic reaction.
WHEN TO CALL OUR OFFICE
Contact us promptly if you experience any of the following:
• Increasing pain, warmth, or swelling beyond the first 1–2 days
• Folliculitis or acne-like bumps
• Pustules, crusting, or signs of infection
• A cold sore or blister outbreak
• Any unexpected changes to the skin that concern you
If you have any questions during your recovery, please don't hesitate to call our office. We are here to support you through every stage of healing!
Picosure laser
PICOSURE LASER PRE-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure your safety and comfort during your PicoSure Laser treatment, please carefully follow all of the preparation steps below. If you have any questions, contact our office prior to your appointment.
1. IF YOU ARE PRONE TO COLD SORES (Oral Herpes/HSV)
Patients with a history of cold sores must take Valtrex (valacyclovir) as a preventive measure, as laser treatments can trigger an outbreak.
• Begin taking Valtrex 1 day before your procedure.
• Continue taking it after the procedure for a total course of 5 days.
• If you do not have a current prescription, please call our office in advance so we can provide one.
2. AVOID SUN EXPOSURE & WEAR SUNSCREEN DAILY
Active or recent sun exposure can increase the risk of complications, including burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning — including tanning beds and self-tanners — in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day for at least 2–4 weeks before your procedure, even on cloudy days.
• Do not proceed with your treatment if you have an active tan. Please contact our office to reschedule if needed.
3. CONTINUE ANY PRESCRIBED SKIN BRIGHTENERS
If your doctor has recommended a skin brightening treatment prior to your laser procedure, such as hydroquinone or azelaic acid, please continue using it as directed up until the day of your treatment. These products help prepare the skin and reduce the risk of post-procedure hyperpigmentation.
4. DISCONTINUE RETINOIDS
Stop using all retinol, tretinoin, and Retin-A products 5–7 days before your procedure. These ingredients increase skin sensitivity and must be paused prior to laser treatment.
5. APPLY TOPICAL ANESTHETIC CREAM AT HOME
Apply your prescribed numbing cream 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to the area being treated. Apply an even layer and leave it in place until you arrive at our office. To avoid excessive absorption of lidocaine, do not apply to larger surface area (if treating face neck and chest, apply anesthetic cream only to face. Then when you arrive to our office we will apply to neck and chest).
If you have any questions or concerns prior to your appointment, please don't hesitate to call our office. We look forward to seeing you!
PICOSURE LASER POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
Proper aftercare is essential to your healing, results, and safety. Please follow all instructions below carefully. Contact our office if you have any concerns during your recovery.
WHAT TO EXPECT
PicoSure is a gentler laser than ablative treatments, so downtime is typically minimal. You may experience:
• Mild redness and swelling immediately following the procedure, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically resolves within a few hours to a day.
• Some patients experience minor skin texture changes or light flaking in the days following treatment as the skin renews itself.
• Do NOT scratch, pick, or rub the skin. Allow it to shed naturally to avoid irritation or infection.
1. MANAGE REDNESS & SWELLING
• Apply cool compresses to the treated area on the first day to help soothe discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Avoid all sources of heat, including hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise, until the redness has significantly subsided.
2. CONTINUE ANY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS
If your doctor prescribed Valtrex (valacyclovir) for your procedure, continue taking it for the full duration as directed. Do not stop early.
3. CLEANSE & MOISTURIZE GENTLY
• Wash the treated area with a gentle cleanser — nothing harsh or abrasive.
• Follow with a skin brightening treatment recommended by your doctor and a plain, simple moisturizer.
4. AVOID IRRITATING SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Do not use any of the following until your skin has fully healed and your provider clears you to resume:
• Retinol, tretinoin, or Retin-A
• Acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic, etc.)
• Exfoliating scrubs or treatments
5. PROTECT FROM SUN EXPOSURE & WEAR SUNSCREEN DAILY
Sun protection is critical after PicoSure. UV exposure increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
• Avoid sun exposure as much as possible during healing.
• Apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day, even when indoors or on cloudy days.
• Wear a hat and protective clothing when outdoors.
WHEN TO CALL OUR OFFICE
Contact us promptly if you experience any of the following:
• Increasing pain, warmth, or swelling beyond the first 1–2 days
• Pustules, crusting, or signs of infection
• A cold sore or blister outbreak
• Any unexpected changes to the skin that concern you
If you have any questions during your recovery, please don't hesitate to call our office. We are here to support you through every stage of healing!
BOTOX /DAXXIFY— POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications, please follow these aftercare guidelines carefully.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Botox does not work immediately. It typically takes 1–2 weeks to see the full effect of your treatment. Please be patient and avoid judging results until then. If you have any concerns after 2 weeks, contact our office.
1. KEEP YOUR HEAD UPRIGHT
For the first 3 hours following your treatment, keep your head in an upright position.
• Do NOT lie down, bend over at the waist, or lower your head below heart level during this time.
• This helps prevent Botox from migrating to unintended areas before it has had time to settle.
2. AVOID PRESSURE TO TREATED AREAS
For the first several days after your procedure, be gentle with the treated areas and avoid applying direct pressure.
• When washing your face, use only light, gentle touch — do not rub or massage the skin.
• When applying skincare products, pat or lightly smooth them in rather than rubbing.
• Avoid resting your face on your hands or applying any sustained pressure to treated areas.
• Pressure can cause the Botox to shift from the intended treatment area before it has fully set.
3. AVOID STRENUOUS EXERCISE FOR 24 HOURS
Please refrain from vigorous physical activity for the rest of your day after your treatment. Increased blood flow from exercise can cause Botox to migrate away from the intended treatment area and may worsen any swelling or bruising at the injection sites.
4. AVOID ALCOHOL FOR 24 HOURS
Alcohol dilates blood vessels and can increase bruising and swelling. Please avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following your procedure.
5. AVOID EXTREME HEAT FOR 24 HOURS
Heat increases circulation, which can contribute to swelling and may affect how Botox settles. For the first 24 hours, please avoid:
• Saunas and steam rooms
• Hot yoga or heated exercise classes
• Hot tubs and very hot showers or baths
6. AVOID FACIALS, MASSAGES & PRESSURE-INDUCING ACTIVITIES
For 1 week after your Botox treatment, avoid the following:
• Facial massages or face massaging devices
• Professional facials or facial treatments
• Wearing swim goggles, which apply direct pressure to the treated area around the eyes
7. AVOID FACIAL LASER PROCEDURES
Wait at least 2 weeks before undergoing any facial laser or energy-based treatments (such as Fraxel, PicoSure, Sofwave, IPL, etc.). If you have upcoming treatments scheduled, please inform your provider.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
If after 2 weeks you feel your results are uneven, less effective than expected, or you have any other concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We're happy to evaluate your results and discuss next steps.
DERMAL FILLER — POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
Please follow these aftercare guidelines carefully to protect your results and ensure your safety.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Some swelling, bruising, and mild tenderness to the touch in the treated areas is completely normal after filler injections. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few days to 1–2 weeks depending on the area treated and the individual. Final results are best assessed once swelling has fully subsided.
1. AVOID MAKEUP & SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR 24 HOURS
Do not apply makeup or any skincare products to the injected areas for the first 24 hours after your treatment. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to the injection sites while they are healing.
• Makeup and skincare products may be resumed 24 hours after your procedure.
• When you do resume, apply products gently — avoid rubbing or applying firm pressure to treated areas.
2. APPLY ICE FOR SWELLING & BRUISING
Applying a cold pack or ice wrapped in a clean cloth to the treated areas can help reduce swelling and bruising.
• Apply for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24–48 hours as needed.
• Do not apply ice directly to the skin — always wrap it in a cloth or use a gel cold pack.
3. AVOID STRENUOUS EXERCISE FOR 24–48 HOURS
Please refrain from vigorous physical activity for 24–48 hours after your treatment. Increased heart rate and blood pressure from exercise can worsen swelling and bruising. Avoid upside-down inverted positions (such as with yoga) for 72 hours as this can increase the risk of bruising.
4. AVOID BLOOD THINNERS FOR 24–48 HOURS
To minimize bruising, avoid the following for 24–48 hours after your procedure:
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin
• Alcohol
• Fish oil and omega-3 supplements
• Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) instead if you need pain relief.
5. AVOID EXTREME HEAT FOR 24–48 HOURS
Heat increases blood flow and can worsen swelling and bruising. For the first 24–48 hours, please avoid:
• Saunas and steam rooms
• Hot yoga or heated exercise classes
• Hot tubs and very hot showers or baths
6. AVOID VACCINES FOR 2 WEEKS
Please do not receive any vaccines for 2 weeks following your filler injections. Immune activation from vaccines can trigger an inflammatory response around filler, which may affect your results. If you have a vaccine scheduled, please inform your provider.
7. AVOID DENTAL PROCEDURES FOR 2 WEEKS
Dental procedures can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, which may lead to an inflammatory reaction around filler. Please avoid all dental work, including routine cleanings, for 2 weeks following your treatment. If a dental procedure is unavoidable, inform your dentist that you have recently had filler injections.
WARNING SIGNS — CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY
While filler is very safe, rare but serious complications can occur. Please contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following after your procedure:
• Significant or unexpected pain that is severe or worsening
• Unusual skin discoloration, such as white, blue, or purple patches or a mottled appearance
• Do not wait — contact us right away if you experience these symptoms.
If you have any questions or concerns following your treatment, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are here to support you!