What you do before and after a med spa treatment directly impacts your results and your safety. Most adverse events and disappointing outcomes can be traced to preparation lapses or aftercare mistakes. This guide covers what you need to know for the most common treatment categories.
01 Before any treatment: universal prep
Regardless of the specific treatment, these steps apply across the board:
- ✓ Disclose all medications — especially blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E), immunosuppressants, and antibiotics
- ✓ Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before injectables to minimize bruising
- ✓ Don't come sunburned — rescheduling is always better than treating compromised skin
- ✓ Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, lotion, or sunscreen unless instructed otherwise
- ✓ Have someone available to drive you if sedation is involved (rare in med spas, but confirm)
- ✓ Eat before your appointment — low blood sugar can cause lightheadedness
02 Before injectables (Botox, fillers)
Specific prep for neurotoxins and filler treatments:
- • Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil, vitamin E) for 7–10 days if possible — reduces bruising risk
- • No dental work within 2 weeks of filler (introduces bacteria that increases infection risk)
- • Discuss any herpes history with your provider — fillers can trigger outbreaks in susceptible patients; prophylactic antivirals may be recommended
- • Photos are helpful — bring images of yourself that represent your goals
- • Avoid scheduling right before major events; allow 2 weeks for bruising/swelling to fully resolve
Arnica
Starting arnica supplements (oral or topical) 5–7 days before injectable treatments can significantly reduce bruising. Ask your provider what they recommend.
03 After injectables: the first 24–72 hours
After Botox and neurotoxins: • No rubbing or massaging the treated area for 4 hours • Stay upright for 4 hours post-treatment • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours • No facials, laser, or heat treatments for 2 weeks • Results appear gradually — full effect at 10–14 days
After fillers: • Mild swelling and bruising is normal for 3–7 days • Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging treated areas • Sleep face-up for the first night • Avoid extreme heat (saunas, hot yoga) for 2 weeks • Follow up if you experience any blanching, pain, or mottled discoloration — rare but requires prompt attention
When to Call Immediately
After filler, contact your provider immediately if you notice blanching (white color), severe pain, or purple/blue mottling — these can indicate vascular occlusion and require emergency treatment within hours.
04 After laser and energy treatments
Recovery varies significantly by treatment intensity:
Light treatments (IPL, Clear+Brilliant): Mild redness 4–6 hours, back to normal next day. Wear SPF 50+ starting the next morning.
Moderate treatments (Halo, fractional resurfacing): Redness and warmth day 1–2, mild peeling days 3–7. Avoid all sun exposure. Use gentle cleansers and prescribed barrier creams only.
Intense treatments (CO2 ablative resurfacing): Plan for 7–14 days of social downtime. Skin will peel and requires careful wound care. Close follow-up with your provider is essential.
- ✓ SPF 50+ every day for 4–8 weeks post-treatment
- ✓ No retinol or active acids until fully healed
- ✓ No picking, scratching, or peeling skin manually
- ✓ Avoid heat and sweat for 48–72 hours minimum
- ✓ Hydrate aggressively — drink water and use barrier repair moisturizer