Frequently Asked Questions

Pre Treatment

Schedule your injection at a time when minor swelling or bruising will not disrupt your social obligations.

Each time you are treated outcomes may vary.

To lesson the likelihood of bleeding or bruising, discontinue use of blood thinning products for 10 days prior to treatment, if approved by your primary care provider. This includes all aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, fish oil, Saint Johns wart, flax, vitamin E, vitamin D, garlic, ginkgo, Ginsing, etc.

Alcohol is to be avoided 24 hours pre and post treatment as it is a blood thinner.

Consider taking arnica Montana - a natural supplement to help dissolve bruising faster.

Please notify your provider if you have any history of cold sores, as well consider pre-medicating with an antiviral prescription prior to injections.

Cancel your appointment if you have any open sores in the treatment area.

Any injection introduces a risk for infection. For this reason, the following is taken into consideration when proceeding with injections: We will delay injectables if you call and have an infection, cold, virus, or flu in the past week, have had any dental procedures in the past 15 days or are anticipating dental procedures or cleaning in the next 15 days. Have had a surgical procedure in the past 30 days or are anticipating a surgical procedure. Have had immunizations in the past 30 days or if you're anticipating immunizations soon. Have had any tattooing or permanent makeup within the past 30 days. Or if you take any immunosuppressants.

Additional contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies to dermal fillers, open sores, or being immune compromised.

Post treatment instructions

Swelling, bruising, tenderness, numbness, or an area of firm nodules may occur.

Cosmetic fillers are long lasting but not permanent. Longevity depends on the areas treated your body's metabolism.

Do not apply anything to the skin until the day after treatment including cleanser, moisturizer, and makeup.

Do not massage, touch or manipulate the injection site.

Avoid heavy exercise the day of your treatment. Ice packs may be used on the treated area during the first 12 hours. Ice for only 15 minutes on every hour.

Avoid dental work for 30 days after filler injection.

Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for 24 hours post treatment to prevent dispersing the product. We recommend you sleep elevated on your back and use pillows to stabilize yourself. You may take Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness or discomfort.

Wait a minimum of two weeks before receiving any skin care or laser treatment.

For most patients, the benefit of dermal fillers can be enhanced by using a medical grade skin care system. Please contact your provider or us for product recommendations.

****Call and text us immediately if you experience dusty or white discoloration in the areas of injection, malting or unusual bruising, severe or increasing pain, redness, increasing warmth or coolness to touch, severe swelling, itching blisters, or smiling, fever, or chills. If you notice on set of any of these symptoms call immediately at (647) 446-8783.

Pre-Treatment

Avoid sun exposure (apply sunscreen daily and do not tan at all – including self-tanner) for 4 to 6 weeks before and after treatments.

Do not use any retinol products (or products containing tretinoin) or exfoliants on the area to be treated for one week.

Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior. Let your doctor know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation.

If you have a history of fever blisters, notify Nurse Cathy Douglas. We will write you a prescription for a prophylactic antiviral therapy to start on the day of the treatment to prevent a flare up of cold sores.

If you have a current prescription, Valtrex 500mg should be taken by mouth twice daily on the day before, the day of, and the day after your treatment.

You must notify the technician if you have had any cosmetic tattooing on or near the area to be treated.

Photosensitizing medications including doxycycline and minocycline should be discontinued three days prior to the treatment.

Anticipate a social “down-time” of 2-3 days before any redness, swelling and sloughing of the sunspots has subsided.

On the day of your appointment: Come to your appointment with clean skin. Remove all makeup if area to be treated is the face. If applicable, dress so that you may modestly expose the treatment area.

Post Treatment

You may have a mild sunburn (burning) sensation following the treatment that is usually gone within a few hours.

Skin redness is normal and may last a few days.

There may be a slight amount of swelling.

Crusting or blistering is uncommon and not serious.

Pigmented areas may begin to flake after a few days.

Cold compresses may be useful for the first 24 hours.

Your skin will be fragile for 2-3 days. Use gentle cleansers (we recommend Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser), do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time.

Do not use your Clarisonic or loofah for one week. Do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, alpha or beta hydroxy products, vitamin C products, scrub, exfoliate, or have chemical peels performed on the areas treated for one week. We recommend Saraghrae Snail Mucin Serum 96.

Makeup can be applied immediately (if the skin is not broken). We recommend mineral based makeup such as Jane Iredale.

Avoid the sun and use sun block.

Avoid excessive heat or friction to the treated area (heavy exercise, saunas).

Sunspots and age spots will DARKEN with the IPL treatments BEFORE they begin to respond and resolve. This is an expected and normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off on their own.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you experience any blistering or increase pain. Contact us if you are concerned about infection. If any pigment changes are bothersome or persist beyond 4 weeks, please contact us at (647) 446-8783.

Pre-Treatment

Schedule your appointment four or more weeks prior to a special event (such as a wedding or a vacation) to allow for optimal results.

Mild bruising may occur where the needle punctures the skin.

Let your provider know in advance of your treatment if you get cold sores.

Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to treatment as alcohol has been shown to increase bruising in the injection sites.

Post Treatment

Avoid touching or massaging the treated area.

Avoid wearing a hat if you had your forehead lines treated.

Avoid wearing makeup for three hours post treatment.

Avoid lying down and bending over for 3 hours post treatment.

Avoid exercising for 24 hours and avoid excess sun or heat for 24 hours post treatment.

Use Tylenol for discomfort for moderate swelling.

Arnica ointment can be applied after the treatment.

It takes 14 days for the full effects to be seen so please schedule a follow up appointment for treatment assessment at the two week mark.