Patient Resource

Pre & post treatment instructions.

A complete reference for every aesthetic treatment at Body Tonic RX — what to do before your appointment, how to care for your skin after, and what to avoid for the best, safest results. Always follow the specific written instructions provided by your provider, which take precedence over anything on this page.

Always disclose

Tell your provider about

  • • All prescription medications, including blood thinners (Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, aspirin)
  • • All antibiotics — especially aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, doxycycline, minocycline, and sulfa drugs (photosensitizing)
  • • Isotretinoin (Accutane) — current use or within the last 6 months
  • • Hydroquinone, retinoids, and other prescription topicals
  • • All supplements: fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, St. John's Wort, turmeric, CBD
  • • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or active fertility treatment
  • • Autoimmune disease, bleeding disorders, keloid history, herpes (cold sore) history
  • • Recent or upcoming dental work, vaccines, surgery, or travel
  • • Allergies — especially to lidocaine, latex, or specific ingredients

Universal contraindications

Reschedule if you are

  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding — most injectables, lasers, and peels are not performed
  • • Fighting an active cold, flu, fever, or COVID infection
  • • Within 2 weeks of a vaccine (flu, COVID, shingles) — increases risk of filler reactions
  • • Within 2 weeks of dental work for filler patients
  • • Recently sunburned or freshly self-tanned (for any laser)
  • • Within 6 months of finishing isotretinoin (Accutane)
  • • Experiencing an active cold sore, rash, or skin infection in the area

By treatment

Detailed pre & post care.

Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, Jeuveau)

Wrinkle-relaxing injections that soften dynamic lines. Results begin in 3–5 days and peak around 2 weeks.

Before your appointment

  • • Stop blood thinners and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, naproxen) 5–7 days prior if medically cleared by your physician.
  • • Stop fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, St. John's Wort, and turmeric supplements 5–7 days prior.
  • • Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before — it thins blood and increases bruising risk.
  • • Arnica (oral or topical) for 3–5 days before can reduce bruising.
  • • Come with a clean face — no makeup in the treatment area if possible.
  • • Tell your provider about all medications, antibiotics, and supplements.

After your treatment

  • • Stay upright for at least 4 hours — no laying down, bending over, or inversions (yoga, massage face-down).
  • • Make exaggerated facial expressions in the treated areas for the first hour (frown, raise brows, squint) to help product uptake.
  • • Gentle skincare only for 24 hours. You may apply makeup after 4–6 hours if skin is intact.
  • • Use cool compresses for any swelling — never ice directly on skin.
  • • Sleep on your back the first night if possible.
  • • Allow 2 full weeks before judging final results or scheduling touch-ups.

What to avoid

  • • No exercise, sauna, hot yoga, steam rooms, or hot tubs for 24 hours.
  • • No facials, microdermabrasion, lasers, microneedling, or chemical peels for 2 weeks.
  • • No facial massage, dermaplaning, or pressure on the treated area for 24 hours.
  • • No alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment.
  • • Avoid blood thinners and NSAIDs for 24 hours unless medically required.
  • • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 24 hours.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • • Active skin infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
  • • Untreated or uncontrolled autoimmune condition (discuss with your provider)
  • • Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use — typically within the last 6 months
  • • Known allergy to any product ingredient
  • • Neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton, ALS)
  • • Current aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, tobramycin) — can potentiate effect

Dermal Filler (Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero, RHA)

Hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume, contour, and hydration. Most swelling resolves in 3–7 days; final results at 2–4 weeks.

Before your appointment

  • • Stop blood thinners and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve, naproxen) 5–7 days prior if medically cleared.
  • • Stop fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, and high-dose turmeric 5–7 days prior.
  • • Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before treatment.
  • • Begin oral Arnica 3–5 days before; topical Arnica or bromelain may also help.
  • • Avoid dental work (cleanings, extractions) for 2 weeks before and after filler.
  • • Schedule at least 2 weeks before any major event — bruising and swelling are normal and unpredictable.
  • • If you have a history of cold sores, request antiviral prophylaxis before lip filler.

After your treatment

  • • Expect swelling, bruising, tenderness, and possible asymmetry for 3–14 days.
  • • Sleep elevated on your back the first 2–3 nights to reduce swelling.
  • • Apply cool compresses (not ice directly) 10 minutes on / 10 minutes off as needed.
  • • Drink plenty of water — hyaluronic acid binds to water.
  • • Continue Arnica and consider bromelain to speed bruise resolution.
  • • Tylenol (acetaminophen) is fine for discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen for 24–48 hours.
  • • Lip filler: gentle lip balm only, no kissing or straws for 24 hours.

What to avoid

  • • No exercise, sauna, hot yoga, steam, or hot tubs for 24–48 hours.
  • • No alcohol for 24–48 hours (worsens swelling and bruising).
  • • No facials, lasers, microneedling, or energy-based treatments for 2 weeks.
  • • No dental procedures for 2 weeks.
  • • No flights for 48 hours if possible (cabin pressure can worsen swelling).
  • • Avoid extreme heat, cold, and prolonged sun for 2 weeks.
  • • Do not massage, press, or sleep face-down on the treated area for 1 week.
  • • Avoid retinols, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and exfoliants on injection sites for 3 days.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • • Active skin infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
  • • Untreated or uncontrolled autoimmune condition (discuss with your provider)
  • • Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use — typically within the last 6 months
  • • Known allergy to any product ingredient
  • • Known allergy to lidocaine or hyaluronic acid
  • • History of severe hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis
  • • Active inflammatory skin condition in treatment area

Sculptra & Biostimulators (PLLA, Radiesse)

Collagen-stimulating injectables that build natural volume over 2–6 months. Multiple sessions typical.

Before your appointment

  • • Same blood thinner, supplement, and alcohol guidance as filler (stop 5–7 days prior).
  • • Hydrate well in the days leading up to your appointment.
  • • Plan for 1–2 days of social downtime — bruising and swelling are common.

After your treatment

  • • MASSAGE: 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days (the 5-5-5 rule for Sculptra).
  • • Swelling immediately after is normal and will resolve — this is NOT your final result.
  • • Final collagen-building results take 8–12 weeks per session.
  • • Sleep elevated for 2–3 nights.
  • • Tylenol for discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen 24–48 hours.

What to avoid

  • • No exercise, sauna, or heat for 24–48 hours.
  • • No alcohol for 48 hours.
  • • No facials, lasers, or microneedling for 2 weeks.
  • • No dental work for 2 weeks.
  • • Avoid sun and tanning beds for 2 weeks.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • • Active skin infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
  • • Untreated or uncontrolled autoimmune condition (discuss with your provider)
  • • Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use — typically within the last 6 months
  • • Known allergy to any product ingredient
  • • History of keloid scarring or hypertrophic scars
  • • Autoimmune connective tissue disease (relative)

Lasers (BBL HERO, HALO, MOXI, Helix CO₂, CoolPeel)

Energy-based resurfacing and pigment/vascular treatments. Downtime varies from 1–7 days depending on device.

Before your appointment

  • • NO sun exposure or self-tanner for 2–4 weeks before treatment. A tan dramatically increases burn and pigmentation risk.
  • • Stop retinoids, retinols, Retin-A, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide 5–7 days prior.
  • • Stop waxing, threading, and depilatory creams in the treatment area for 2 weeks.
  • • If you have a history of cold sores and are treating the face, request antiviral prophylaxis (valacyclovir) starting 1–2 days before.
  • • Disclose all photosensitizing medications — doxycycline, minocycline, tetracyclines, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, St. John's Wort, NSAIDs, isotretinoin (no Accutane within 6 months).
  • • Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, lotion, sunscreen, or deodorant in the treatment area.
  • • Eat and hydrate before — fainting on an empty stomach is common.

After your treatment

  • • Expect redness, warmth, swelling, and a sandpaper or 'sunburn' feel for 24–72 hours.
  • • Brown spots (BBL/HALO) will darken to 'coffee grounds' and flake off over 5–10 days. DO NOT pick.
  • • Cool compresses, Aquaphor or a bland occlusive, and gentle cleansers for 5–7 days.
  • • Mineral SPF 30+ every 2 hours when outdoors — for at least 4 weeks.
  • • Sleep elevated on your back for 2–3 nights if facial swelling.
  • • Resume actives (retinol, acids, vitamin C) only when skin is fully healed — usually 7–10 days.

What to avoid

  • • NO direct sun exposure for at least 4 weeks. Sun causes hyperpigmentation (PIH).
  • • No tanning beds or self-tanner for 4 weeks.
  • • No exercise, sweating, sauna, steam, or hot showers for 48–72 hours.
  • • No swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans for 5–7 days.
  • • No retinol, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, scrubs, or exfoliants until healed (7–10 days).
  • • No picking, peeling, scratching, or scrubbing flaking skin.
  • • No makeup for 24 hours after CO₂/Helix/CoolPeel; mineral makeup OK 24 hours post-BBL/MOXI if skin intact.
  • • No injectables in the treated area for 2 weeks.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • • Active skin infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
  • • Untreated or uncontrolled autoimmune condition (discuss with your provider)
  • • Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use — typically within the last 6 months
  • • Known allergy to any product ingredient
  • • Recent tan or self-tanner
  • • Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months
  • • Active herpes simplex outbreak in treatment area
  • • Photosensitizing medications (relative — discuss with provider)
  • • History of melasma (relative — requires special protocol)

Microneedling & SkinPen

Controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen for texture, pores, and scars. Series of 3+ recommended.

Before your appointment

  • • Stop retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and exfoliants 3–5 days before.
  • • No sun exposure or tanning for 1 week.
  • • Stop blood thinners and NSAIDs 3–5 days prior if medically cleared.
  • • Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior.
  • • Cold-sore history? Request antiviral prophylaxis if treating around the mouth.
  • • Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.

After your treatment

  • • Expect redness similar to a sunburn for 24–48 hours; mild flaking days 2–4.
  • • Use only gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, and bland moisturizer (Aquaphor, CeraVe) for 72 hours.
  • • Mineral SPF 30+ daily.
  • • Drink water and skip strenuous workouts for 24 hours.

What to avoid

  • • No makeup for 24 hours.
  • • No retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, or active serums for 5–7 days.
  • • No exercise, sweating, sauna, or hot showers for 24–48 hours.
  • • No swimming, hot tubs, or chlorinated water for 72 hours.
  • • No sun exposure for 1 week; SPF for 4 weeks.
  • • No other facials, lasers, or injectables for 2 weeks.
  • • Do not pick or peel flaking skin.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • • Active skin infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
  • • Untreated or uncontrolled autoimmune condition (discuss with your provider)
  • • Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use — typically within the last 6 months
  • • Known allergy to any product ingredient
  • • Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months
  • • Active acne flare, eczema, or rosacea in treatment area
  • • History of keloid scarring
  • • Blood-clotting disorders or anticoagulant therapy

PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) — Face, Under-Eyes, Hair

Your own concentrated growth factors used to rejuvenate skin, soften under-eyes, and stimulate hair growth.

Before your appointment

  • • HYDRATE aggressively for 48 hours — well-hydrated blood draws better PRF.
  • • Eat a full meal before your appointment.
  • • Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours prior.
  • • Stop blood thinners and NSAIDs 5–7 days prior if medically cleared.
  • • Avoid fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal supplements 5–7 days prior.

After your treatment

  • • Mild swelling, bruising, and a yellowish tint at injection sites for 24–72 hours.
  • • Leave the PRF on your skin overnight when used topically with microneedling.
  • • Sleep elevated the first night.
  • • Drink plenty of water — results depend on hydration.
  • • Full results develop over 8–12 weeks; series of 3 typical.

What to avoid

  • • No washing the treated skin for 8–12 hours after microneedling + PRF.
  • • No makeup for 24 hours.
  • • No exercise, sauna, or hot yoga for 24–48 hours.
  • • No alcohol for 24 hours.
  • • No retinol, acids, or active skincare for 5–7 days.
  • • No sun or tanning for 1 week.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • • Active skin infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
  • • Untreated or uncontrolled autoimmune condition (discuss with your provider)
  • • Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use — typically within the last 6 months
  • • Known allergy to any product ingredient
  • • Blood disorders, platelet dysfunction, or anticoagulant therapy
  • • Active cancer or chemotherapy
  • • Severe anemia

Clinical Facials, Chemical Peels & Dermaplaning

Medical-grade resurfacing and exfoliation. Downtime ranges from none (HydraFacial) to 5–7 days (deeper peels).

Before your appointment

  • • Stop retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and prescription actives 3–5 days before a peel.
  • • No waxing, threading, or depilatories in the area for 5–7 days.
  • • No sun exposure or self-tanner for 1 week before a peel.
  • • Disclose all medications, especially isotretinoin (Accutane within 6 months), hydroquinone, and antibiotics.

After your treatment

  • • Gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid, and bland moisturizer for 5–7 days after a peel.
  • • Mineral SPF 30+ daily — non-negotiable.
  • • Flaking and peeling days 2–5 is normal — let it slough naturally.
  • • Dermaplaning: makeup OK same day if no irritation.

What to avoid

  • • No picking, peeling, or pulling flaking skin.
  • • No retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, scrubs for 5–7 days post-peel.
  • • No exercise or sweating for 24 hours after a peel.
  • • No sauna, steam, or hot showers for 48 hours.
  • • No sun exposure for 1 week; SPF for 4 weeks.
  • • No other facial treatments or injectables for 1–2 weeks.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • • Active skin infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
  • • Untreated or uncontrolled autoimmune condition (discuss with your provider)
  • • Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use — typically within the last 6 months
  • • Known allergy to any product ingredient
  • • Isotretinoin (Accutane) within 6 months (for peels and dermaplaning)
  • • Active cold sore or skin infection
  • • Recent sunburn or compromised skin barrier

HydraFacial & Aqua Gold

Gentle, no-downtime treatments combining cleansing, extraction, hydration, and infusion of customized serums.

Before your appointment

  • • Stop retinoids and strong actives 24–48 hours prior for sensitive skin.
  • • Avoid waxing or depilatories in the area for 48 hours.
  • • Arrive with a clean face if possible.

After your treatment

  • • Skin can be washed and makeup applied within a few hours.
  • • Use SPF 30+ daily.
  • • Hydrate and continue your normal routine after 24 hours.

What to avoid

  • • No retinols or strong actives for 24–48 hours.
  • • No exfoliating scrubs, peels, or lasers for 1 week.
  • • No prolonged sun exposure for 72 hours.

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy (some serums omitted — discuss with provider)
  • • Active sunburn, rash, or open lesions
  • • Recent (within 2 weeks) injectables or laser in the area

Common questions

Across treatments.

Questions?

Your provider has the final word.

These instructions are a general reference. Always follow the personalized written instructions provided by your Body Tonic RX provider — and call us with any concerns before or after your treatment.

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