Post-Treatment Instructions

How you care for your skin in the days after treatment plays a real role in how quickly you heal and how your results ultimately look.

Post-Treatment Instructions: How to Care for Your Skin Afterward

Recovery looks different depending on the treatment you've had, but a few general habits support healing across almost every service we offer. Below, you'll find general guidance along with instructions specific to injectables, laser and light treatments, skin treatments, and body contouring.

Your provider will also review any instructions specific to your exact treatment before you leave your appointment, so use this page as a helpful reference rather than a substitute for that conversation.

General Guidelines for Most Appointments

A few habits in the days after almost any treatment can support healing and help protect your results.

Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days or when staying mostly indoors
Avoid picking, scratching, or otherwise disturbing the treated area as it heals
Keep the treated area clean, following any specific washing instructions your provider gives you
Contact our office if you notice signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge
Follow up with your provider as scheduled to track your results and plan any additional sessions

Caring for Skin After Injectable Treatments

After Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, Sculptra, Kybella, or SkinVive, a few precautions help support smooth healing and even results.

Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying pressure to the treated area for the first 24 hours
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after treatment, since increased blood flow can worsen swelling or bruising
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment to help minimize bruising
Skip saunas, hot tubs, and extended sun exposure for the first day or two after treatment
Sleep with your head slightly elevated the night of treatment if you received filler in the face
Applying a cold compress can help reduce mild swelling or bruising in the treated area

Caring for Skin After Laser and Light Treatments

After IPL, Laser Genesis, laser hair removal, CO2 fractional laser, Morpheus8, or RF microneedling, your skin needs extra protection while it heals.

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area until fully healed
Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment
Keep the treated area moisturized as directed by your provider, especially after more intensive resurfacing treatments
Avoid picking at any peeling, flaking, or micro-scabbing, which can lead to scarring or uneven healing
Hold off on makeup application for the timeframe your provider recommends, which varies by treatment intensity
Avoid retinoids and other strong actives until your provider confirms your skin has fully healed

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Caring for Skin After Skin Treatments

After HydraFacial, chemical peels, VI Peel, or dermaplaning, recovery is generally minimal, though a few precautions still help.

Avoid direct sun exposure and apply sunscreen daily while your skin is more sensitive
Skip harsh exfoliants, retinoids, and other strong actives until any peeling has fully resolved
Avoid picking or peeling flaking skin manually, and allow it to shed naturally instead
Keep skin well moisturized to support the healing process
Hold off on other facial treatments until your provider confirms your skin is ready

Caring for Your Body After Body Contouring Treatments

After Evolve or Morpheus8 Body treatments, recovery is typically minimal, though a few steps support your results.

Stay well hydrated to support your body's natural fat clearance and healing processes
Wear loose, comfortable clothing over the treated area for the first day or two
Avoid extended sun exposure directly on the treated area if any redness is present
Follow any activity guidance your provider gives you specific to the treatment you received
Attend all scheduled sessions in your treatment series, since results build progressively over time

Post-Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I notice more swelling or bruising than expected?

Mild swelling and bruising are common after many treatments, but contact our office if you're concerned, especially if symptoms worsen rather than improve after the first few days.

When can I resume my normal skincare routine?

This varies by treatment. Your provider will let you know when it's safe to reintroduce retinoids, exfoliants, and other active ingredients, since resuming too soon can irritate healing skin.

Is it normal for results to take time to appear?

Yes, for many treatments. Injectables like Botox take days to weeks for full results, while collagen-stimulating treatments like Sculptra, Morpheus8, and RF microneedling can take months to reach their full effect.

Can I wear makeup after my treatment?

This depends on the treatment. Many skin treatments and lighter procedures allow makeup the same day, while more intensive treatments may require you to wait until any visible healing signs have resolved.

What if I have a question that isn't answered here?

Contact our office directly. Our team can address treatment-specific questions and will connect you with your provider if needed.