Welcome to Associates In Plastic Surgery
Your Guide to Spa Pre- and Post-Treatment Care
At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we want to ensure you get the best possible results from your spa treatments while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Following the right pre- and post-care instructions is essential to maximizing benefits and minimizing irritation. Whether you’re receiving laser treatments, facials, microneedling, or chemical peels, this guide will help you prepare for your appointment and care for your skin afterward.
Why Pre- and Post-Treatment Care Matters
- Proper preparation can enhance treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.
- Following post-care instructions helps ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.
- Protecting your skin from sun exposure, harsh products, and irritation is key to maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion.
Each treatment has specific guidelines to follow, so be sure to review the instructions before your appointment. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to assist you!
Clinical Facial or DiamondGlow Pre-Treatment Instructions
To ensure the best results from your facial, please follow these guidelines before your appointment:
✅ Avoid exfoliating products (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and scrubs) for 3-5 days prior to treatment.
✅ Discontinue use of Accutane or similar medications for at least 6 months before treatment.
✅ Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your facial.
✅ Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) for at least one week before treatment.
✅ If you are receiving microdermabrasion or dermaplaning, let your provider know if you have sensitive skin or a history of cold sores.
✅ If you use Botox, fillers, or other injectables, schedule your facial at least 2 weeks after your injections.
✅ Arrive with a clean face (no makeup, lotions, or sunscreen).
💡 Not sure if a certain skincare product is safe before treatment? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise you!
Post-Treatment Instructions
Your skin will be refreshed, glowing, and more receptive to skincare products after your facial. To maintain and enhance your results, follow these aftercare tips:
✅ Avoid heavy makeup and excessive touching of your face for 24 hours.
✅ Skip active skincare ingredients (retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or harsh scrubs) for 3-5 days.
✅ Moisturize and hydrate your skin regularly to maintain results.
✅ Avoid excessive sweating (workouts, saunas, or hot showers) for 24-48 hours after your treatment.
✅ Wear SPF 30+ daily, as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
✅ Refrain from waxing or threading for at least 48 hours post-treatment.
✅ If your facial included microdermabrasion or dermaplaning, mild redness or flaking may occur—this is normal and should subside within a few days.
💡 Want to maintain your glow? We recommend scheduling a facial every 4-6 weeks for the best long-term skin health!
Laser Hair Removal Pre-Treatment Instructions
roper preparation will ensure the best results from your laser hair removal treatment. Please follow these guidelines before your appointment:
✅ Shave the treatment area the morning of your session. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading for at least 4 weeks before treatment. The laser targets the hair follicle, so it must be intact.
✅ Avoid sun exposure and self-tanners for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Tanned skin increases the risk of complications.
✅ Discontinue retinoids, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide on the treatment area for 5-7 days before your session.
✅ If using antibiotics or photosensitizing medications, check with your provider before treatment, as some medications can increase skin sensitivity.
✅ Keep the skin clean and free of lotions, deodorant, or makeup on the day of treatment.
✅ Do not schedule your session around vaccinations to reduce the risk of increased skin sensitivity.
✅ If treating the bikini area, avoid shaving within 12 hours of your appointment to prevent irritation.
💡 Not sure if your skincare products or medications are safe before treatment? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise you!
Laser Hair Removal Post-Treatment Instructions
After laser hair removal, your skin may be sensitive. To ensure proper healing and optimal results, follow these aftercare tips:
✅ Redness and mild swelling in the treated area are normal and typically subside within a few hours. Apply a cool compress if needed.
✅ Avoid sun exposure and always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen on treated areas to prevent hyperpigmentation.
✅ Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the treated area for at least 1 week to allow the skin to heal.
✅ Skip hot showers, saunas, and workouts for 24-48 hours post-treatment to avoid irritation.
✅ Avoid tight clothing that may rub against the treated skin.
✅ Do not wax, tweeze, or thread hair between sessions. Shaving is allowed.
✅ Shedding of treated hair is normal and may occur over 7-21 days post-treatment. Gently exfoliate to help the process.
✅ Schedule your next session as recommended by your provider—typically every 4-6 weeks for best results.
💡 For optimal results, a series of treatments is needed, as hair grows in cycles. Consistency is key to achieving smooth, hair-free skin!
IPL Therapy Pre-Treatment Instructions
To ensure the best results from your IPL treatment, please follow these guidelines:
✅ Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 4 weeks before treatment. IPL targets pigmentation, and tanned skin increases the risk of complications.
✅ Wear SPF 30+ daily in the weeks leading up to your treatment to protect your skin.
✅ Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroquinone for at least 5-7 days before treatment.
✅ If using antibiotics or other photosensitizing medications, check with your provider before treatment, as these can increase skin sensitivity.
✅ Avoid waxing, threading, or chemical peels on the treatment area for at least 1 week prior.
✅ Do not schedule your session around vaccinations to reduce the risk of increased skin sensitivity.
✅ Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, or perfumes) on the day of your treatment.
💡 Not sure if your skincare routine is safe before treatment? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise you!
IPL Therapy Post-Treatment Instructions
Your skin may feel warm and slightly sensitive after IPL. To ensure proper healing and optimal results, follow these aftercare tips:
✅ Redness and mild swelling are normal and typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days. Apply a cool compress if needed.
✅ Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 weeks post-treatment and always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation.
✅ Dark spots may temporarily darken before flaking off over the next 7-10 days—this is a normal part of the process. Do not pick or scratch.
✅ Avoid retinoids, acids, and exfoliating products for 5-7 days post-treatment.
✅ Keep the skin hydrated and use a gentle moisturizer to soothe any dryness or sensitivity.
✅ Skip hot showers, saunas, and workouts for 24-48 hours post-treatment to avoid irritation.
✅ Avoid waxing or chemical peels on the treated area for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
✅ Multiple sessions are required to achieve full results—schedule your next treatment as recommended by your provider.
💡 For best results, IPL is typically performed in a series of treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Be patient as your skin continues to improve over time!
Microneedling Pre-Treatment Instructions
To ensure the best results from your microneedling treatment, please follow these guidelines:
✅ Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 1 week before treatment.
✅ Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroquinone for at least 5-7 days before treatment.
✅ If using antibiotics or photosensitizing medications, check with your provider before treatment, as these can increase skin sensitivity.
✅ Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil) for 24-48 hours before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
✅ Hydrate well in the days leading up to your treatment—healthy, hydrated skin responds better to microneedling.
✅ Do not schedule your session around vaccinations to reduce the risk of increased skin sensitivity.
✅ Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, or sunscreen) on the day of your treatment.
💡 Not sure if your skincare routine or medications are safe before treatment? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise you!
Microneedling Post-Treatment Instructions
Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin, so post-care is essential for healing and maximizing results:
✅ Redness, mild swelling, and sensitivity are normal and should subside within 24-48 hours.
✅ Avoid sun exposure for at least 1 week post-treatment and always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect healing skin.
✅ Do not apply makeup for 24 hours to allow the skin to heal properly.
✅ Use only gentle, hydrating skincare products (avoid retinoids, acids, and exfoliants) for 5-7 days post-treatment.
✅ Keep the skin hydrated by using a soothing moisturizer and drinking plenty of water.
✅ Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the treated area while the skin is healing.
✅ Avoid excessive sweating, saunas, and hot showers for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
✅ Mild skin flaking or dryness may occur as your skin regenerates—let this process happen naturally.
✅ Multiple sessions are required to achieve full results—schedule your next treatment as recommended by your provider.
💡 Microneedling is typically performed in a series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for the best results. Be patient as your skin continues to improve over time!
Matrix RF Microneedling Pre-Treatment Instructions
To achieve the best results from your Matrix RF Microneedling treatment, please follow these guidelines:
✅ Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
✅ Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and exfoliating products for at least 7 days prior.
✅ Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E) for 7 days before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
✅ Stay hydrated—healthy, hydrated skin responds better to treatment and heals more efficiently. Drink skin EXTRA hydrated for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
✅ If you have a history of cold sores (HSV-1), notify your provider—a preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.
✅ Do not schedule your session around vaccinations to reduce the risk of increased skin sensitivity.
✅ Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, or sunscreen) on the day of your treatment.
✅ No Facial Fillers or Botox treatments for 2-4 weeks prior to treatments.
✅ Shave any hair in the treatment area if required.
✅ Apply numbing cream to clear skin 30 minutes prior to treatment time.
💡 Not sure if your skincare routine or medications are safe before treatment? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise you!
Matrix RF Microneedling Post-Treatment Instructions
Matrix RF Microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy, so post-care is essential for healing and maximizing results:
✅ Redness, swelling, and a warm sensation similar to a mild sunburn are normal and should subside within 24-72 hours.
✅During the first 24 hours apply only hydrating cream several times.
✅The day after treatment cleanse the area with an oil cleanser and apply lipid serum followed by Hyvia cream (AM&PM)
✅ Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks post-treatment and always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect healing skin.
✅ Do not apply makeup OR suncreen for 48 hours to allow the skin to heal properly.
✅ Use only gentle, hydrating skincare products (avoid retinoids, acids, and exfoliants) for 5-7 days post-treatment.
✅ Keep the skin hydrated by using a soothing moisturizer and drinking plenty of water.
✅ Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the treated area while the skin is healing.
✅ Avoid excessive sweating, saunas, and hot showers for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
✅ Mild skin flaking or dryness may occur—allow this process to happen naturally.
✅ Multiple sessions are required to achieve full results—schedule your next treatment as recommended by your provider.
💡 For optimal skin rejuvenation, Matrix RF Microneedling is typically performed in a series of 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Results continue to improve over time as collagen production increases!
ZO® 3-Step Peel Pre-Treatment Instructions
To achieve optimal results from your ZO® 3-Step Peel, please follow these guidelines:
✅ Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
✅ Discontinue retinoids, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliating products for at least 5-7 days prior, unless otherwise directed by your provider.
✅ If using the ZO® Getting Skin Ready (GSR) protocol, continue as directed—this helps prepare your skin for the peel and enhances results.
✅ Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E) for 24-48 hours before treatment to minimize the risk of bruising and irritation.
✅ If you have a history of cold sores (HSV-1), notify your provider—a preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.
✅ Do not schedule your session around vaccinations to reduce the risk of increased skin sensitivity.
✅ Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, or sunscreen) on the day of your treatment.
💡 Not sure if your skincare routine or medications are safe before treatment? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise you!
ZO® 3-Step Peel Post-Treatment Instructions
The ZO® 3-Step Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel designed to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity. Post-care is essential for proper healing and optimal results:
✅Avoid washing face or treated area for at least 5 hours after the peel. Preferably, wait until the next morning.
✅The day after the peel:
- Wash face or treated area with cleanser from your daily ZO® Skin Health program. Wash face gently for 30-40 seconds and pat dry.
- Apply entire packet of Retinol Crème Complex.
- Apply a thin layer of Hydrating Crème.
✅Hydrating Crème may be applied 3 times daily or more often in needed.
✅ Expect redness, mild swelling, and warmth for the first 24-48 hours—this is normal and should gradually subside.
✅Avoid running water directly on your face while showering.
✅ Peeling and flaking typically begin 2-3 days post-treatment and can last 5-7 days.
✅ Do not pick, rub, or manually exfoliate peeling skin—allow the process to happen naturally to avoid irritation and hyperpigmentation.
✅ Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks post-treatment and always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect healing skin. Sunsceen may be used after the skin is completely healed.
✅ Keep skin hydrated by using a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer as recommended by your provider.
✅ Avoid active skincare ingredients (retinoids, acids, exfoliants, and hydroquinone) for at least 7-10 days post-treatment or until peeling has completely stopped.
✅ Do not apply makeup for 24-48 hours to allow the skin to recover.
✅ Avoid excessive sweating, saunas, and hot showers until skin is healed.
✅Avoid procedures, such as facials, hair removal, microdermabrasion, and lasers until skin is fully healed.
✅ Stay hydrated and follow your provider’s post-care regimen to enhance healing and results.
💡 For best results, a series of 2-3 peels spaced 4-6 weeks apart may be recommended based on your skin concerns and goals.