Pre & Post Treatment Instructions

Overview

• Patients should be in good overall health
• Do not use fillers/Botox if you are pregnant/breastfeeding
• Active skin infections are a contraindication to treatment
• Stay well hydrated before and after filler treatment.  Dermal filler attracts and binds to water to add volume to the skin.
• The most common side effect is bruising and swelling.  It is NOT advisable to have injections less than 2 weeks prior to big event.
• Make sure to schedule your follow-up 2 weeks after treatment.

7 Days Prior to Fillers/Botox

• To avoid bruising it is best not to take any anti-inflammatory medications or pain reliever that are blood thinners containing aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin).
• Avoid the following vitamins & supplements: Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Ginko Biloba, Garlic, Ginger, Cayenne, Licorice, Flax Seed Oil and CoQ10. 
• Avoid drinking alcohol a few days before treatment since it, too, is a blood thinner.
• Sunburned skin is difficult to treat so avoid exposure to the sun before your appointment.
• Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, facial scrubs or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated
• Avoid the use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids higher than 10% (retinol and retinol A).
• If you have a tendency to bruise easily, start taking Arnica Montana, an oral homeopathic medication 3-4 days before treatment to help promote healing and to minimize bruising and swelling. It is available at health food stores, and Whole Foods/Giant pharmacy department.  It comes in both pill and cream forms.  Creams may be beneficial after treatment.  
• If you have a history of cold sores please have your primary provider prescribe you medication to start the day before your appointment.  
• Always inform your clinical of all medication including antibiotics, high blood pressure medication, blood thinners, as well as your medical history. This will help prevent complications. 

After Care Fillers

• Do not massage, rub or apply pressure to the treated area for at least 6 hours after treatment (unless directed by provider).
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and drinking alcohol for a few days following treatment 
• Do not exercise for 24 hours
• Apply topical Arnica Montana cream to any areas with redness, bruising or swelling
• You may use ice to sooth areas for up to 72 hours post injection (20 mins on, 10 mins off).  Only light pressure should be used as to not displace the filler.
• Avoid sun exposure and cold outdoor activities until redness from treatment disappears.
• Do not restart Reticol or Retin-A for 2 days.
• Avoid kissing, puckering, using a straw and lip plumper for the healing period after injections.  This can displace the filler materials and cause complications.
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid facials, peels, micro-dermabrasion, dental treatment,
• Avoid face down positioning while sleeping, massages etc. for 2 weeks. 
• If possible avoid make-up for the day of your procedure.  Gentle cleaning and moisturizer is fine.
• Do not be alarmed as swelling may occur for the immediate days post procedure and will come down.  Allow 7-14 days to see the result.
• Call immediately to report pain, redness, blisters, skin blanching (white/paleness) at the injection site 610-809-4936.

After Care Botox

• Do not massage, rub or apply pressure to the treated area for 6 hours after treatment
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and drinking alcohol for a few days following treatment
• Do not exercise for 24 hrs.
• Apply topical Arnica Montana cream to any areas with redness, bruising or swelling
• Avoid exposure to the sun and cold outdoor activities until redness from treatment disappears
• Do not restart Retinol or Retin-A for 2 days
• Stay erect; do not lie down for at least 4 hours
• You may experience occasional tingling sensations
• An immediate headache is common especially if it is your first Botox treatment
• It can take 2-14 days to take full effect.  Botox can last 3-4 months.
• Touch-up may be necessary in 1-2 weeks
• Make-up can be reapplied after treatment
• Facial exercise in that area of treatment is recommended (frown/smile 1 hour)
• Avoid manipulation of the area for the first 4 hours after the procedure.
• It is normal to have small red bumps post procedure. They will subside in 1-2 hours.
• Call the office if you believe you are having an adverse reaction 610-809-4936

Pre Treatment:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks and spicy foods for 24 hours 
• Avoid blood thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for 7-10 days.  Always consult your provide before discontinuing prescribed medications.
• Avoid supplements which are blood thinning: multivitamins, fish oil, glucosamine, vitamin B & E
• Rest and avoid exercise of heavy labor
• Do not expose treatment ares to the sun or UV rays.  Do not shave or utilize active skin agents for several days.
  

After Care:

• Apply ice as directed to alleviate bruising/swelling
• Arnica cream or tablets may be helpful in reducing bruising. These may be started days prior to procedure.
• Once bruising can be seen, apply warmth to the area to encourage your body to reabsorb.  
• Lightly massage the areas gently with a recommended moisturizer or arnica cream for 5-7 days if desired.
• Do not wash hair for at least 12 hours (for hair restoration only)
• Avoid chemical processing for 2 weeks (for hair restoration only)

Pre Treatment Instructions

• Drink at least 2 liters of water daily for several days leading up to your treatment.  
• Although you may see immediate results, multiple sessions are necessary or they may not be long lasting.  
• Maintenance treatment along with healthy diet and exercise are key to long-lasting success.

Post Treatment Instructions

• Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water daily.  This will assist in flushing your system and keep you hydrated.  
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine (at least 3 times a week).  Non-adherence may affect your desired results.
  

For 4-6 Hours AVOID:
1. Caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods/drinks, dairy and processed foods/meats
2. Hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, cold and windy conditions including low temperature air conditioning (related to temperature sensitivity)

REST:
Allow your body to rest and recuperate for several days after treatment.  Do not participate in strenuous physical activities for at least 24 hours.  This will assist in allowing the body to remove toxins from the lymphatic system.

It is normal to be aching, tired, have increased itchiness, diarrhea, bruising, muscle spasms in the first few weeks after treatment.  This is increased the first few days after the procedure.  The throat may have a feeling of fullness if your treatment was performed in the chin/neck area.  This is also short-lived.  

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us is if you have questions or concerns or if you think you are experiencing a medical issue.

Pre Treatment Instructions

It is prudent to follow some simple guidelines before your treatment. These guidelines can reduce possible side effects associated with the procedure and make all the difference between a fair result and a great result.

Medications- Avoid aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, or other medications that may thin your blood beginning three days before your CoolSculpting treatment. This will decrease bruising in the areas of treatment. If they are prescription medications please consult with the prescribing physician before stopping your treatment. If you are unsure if your medications cause blood thinning, please review them with our providers.

Supplements- Avoid Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E (or any other essential fatty acids) at least 3 days before treatment.

Alcohol and caffeine– Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine for three days before your CoolSculpting to reduce the risks of bruising.

Diet and Exercise Plan– Ensure you have a plan to maintain or improve your diet and exercise to maximize your CoolSculpting results.

Day of Treatment Instructions

Eat before your appointment- Please eat prior to arrival.

We recommend a light meal as a heavy meal can also trigger nausea at the start of the session. We will provide snacks and beverages during the session if you begin to feel hungry.

Pressure- The suction pressure of a vacuum applicator may cause sensations of deep pulling, tugging and pinching. You may experience intense cold, stinging, tingling, aching or cramping as the treatment begins. These sensations generally subside during treatment as the area becomes numb.

Clothing- Wear comfortable, loose clothing to your appointment.

Undergarments- Wear inexpensive undergarments and bring an extra pair to wear home. Gel pads will be applied with the applicator and will make any undergarments wet.

Measurements- Prior to your treatment, pictures, measurements, and weight will be taken for comparison on follow-up appointments.

Post Treatment Instructions

Return to daily routine- Typically, there is minimal discomfort and recovery time after the CoolSculpting procedure. Most patients can return to their daily routine immediately after the procedure.

Redness- Many patients experience redness in the treated area that can last a few hours after the applicator is removed. In rare cases, the redness may persist for up to two weeks.

Swelling and tenderness – The treated area may be swollen and tender to the touch for a few days after your treatment.

Submental (below chin) fullness- After a submental area treatment you may a feeling of fullness in the back of the throat may occur.

Possible sensations- Many patients have minimal discomfort following the procedure; however, you may experience one or more of the following sensations: swelling, itching, tingling, numbness, tenderness to the touch, pain in the treated area, cramping, aching, bruising and/or skin sensitivity. Consult your doctor if these conditions persist beyond two weeks or worsen over time.

Diarrhea has also been reported as your body rids itself of the dead fat cells.  It is completely normal if you experience this.  Maintaining adequate water intake will aid in preventing dehydration.  Eating foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast may calm your stomach.  Avoid caffeine and high fat foods that could exacerbate loose stool.

Results- Following the procedure, a gradual reduction in the thickness of the fat layer will take place. You may start to see changes as early as three weeks after the CoolSculpting procedure, and you will experience the most dramatic results after one to three months. Your body will continue to naturally process the injured fat cells from your body for approximately four months after your procedure.

Possible post-treatment effects- In rare cases, patients have reported darker skin color, hardness, discrete nodules, freeze burn, enlargement of the treated area, hernia or worsening of existing hernia following the CoolSculpting procedure. Surgical intervention may be required to correct the enlargement or hernia.

Managing discomfort - If you experience discomfort, you may use warm baths, warm showers or cool compresses to relieve the discomfort. DO NOT use heat pads.

Diet and exercise - Weight gain will prevent you from appreciating your full results. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine after your procedure to continue appreciating your full results.

Review results – Ensure you have a follow-up appointment on your schedule to review your CoolSculpting results. We’ll take follow-up photographs and discuss the potential benefits from additional treatments if you desire.