Pre- and Postcare Instructions

For best results with our cosmetic procedures, please follow these instructions.

Injectable Procedures (botox, dermal fillers, mesotherapy, threadlift)

Before Treatment…

• Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 72 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood, increasing the risk of bruising). If you drink regularly (i.e., more than two drinks per week), you should avoid alcoholic beverages for at least a week prior, and premedicate with Arnica pills every 4-6 hours for 3 days prior, to prevent bruising. Continue two days after.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory / blood thinning medications ideally, for a period of two (2) weeks before treatment.  Medications and supplements such as Aspirin, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Mobic, and other NSAIDS are all blood thinning and can increase the risk of bruising / swelling after injections. Tylenol will not cause blood thinning, so it is safe to take.
• Schedule your injectable procedure at least 2 weeks prior to a special event, i.e., wedding, vacation, etc.  It is not desirable to have a very special event occurring and be bruised from an injection, which could have been avoided.
• Be sure that you will be able to remain in an upright position for 4 hours after botulinum neurotoxin treatment, and avoid pressure on areas that are filled with dermal filler. For instance, do not schedule a massage within four hours after injectable treatments.
• This treatment is not recommended if you have an important event within 2 weeks of injection due to potential for bruising.
• Avoid herbal supplements such as Gingko, green tea and anti-inflammatories of any kind for 2 weeks before and following treatment to limit bruising.

Sign up for rewards programs at Alle.com, Aspirerewards.com, or Xperiencemerz.com PRIOR to your arrival, to receive discounts (can’t get points / awards if not in their system), and remind Dr. Ling that you are a member.

After Treatment:
• No straining, heavy lifting, vigorous exercise for 2-3 hours following treatment. It is now known that it takes the toxin approximately 2 hours to bind itself to the nerve to start its work, and because we do not want to increase circulation to spread to unwanted areas or dissipate before taking effect.. 
• For the first 5-6 hours following Botox/Dysport/Xeomin, remain upright and periodically perform facial movements in the areas of injections in order to to stimulate the binding of the toxin only to this localized area. – e.g., smile, squint, etc.
• Avoid Manipulation of area for 6 hours following treatment. (For the same reasons listed above.) This includes not doing a facial, peel, or microdermabrasion after treatment with Botox®. A facial, peel, or microdermabrasion can be done in same appointment only if they are done before the neuromodulator injection.
• Avoid irritating products for 24 hours following Botox/Dysport/Xeomin.
• Make-up may be applied gently before leaving the office, remember to wipe up and away from your eyes or brows.
• Bruising in the area injected is normal and often expected, especially if treated around the eyes. Bruising can last up to several weeks. Using/taking Arnica may help diminish bruising.
• Retin-A, Glycolic acid, Vitamin C, and Kinerase can be used, but avoiding (for 24 hrs) the Botoxed areas.
• It can take 4-14 days to take full effect. It is recommended that patient contact the office no later than 2 weeks after treatment if desired effect was not achieved.
• A follow-up visit at 10 days to 2 weeks is suggested to assess results for subsequent treatments, particularly if you are a first time client. If full correction is not achieved, you will need to purchase additional Botox/Dysport/Xeomin for injection.
• Next treatment is typically needed 2-6 months later.
• Regular injections usually yield a longer lasting Botox/Dysport/Xeomin result.
• If your upper lip was treated you will not be able to drink through a straw, whistle, or enunciate some words for approximately 2 weeks.
• Although rare, infection in the injected area is possible. Signs of infection may include redness and tenderness in the infected area and fever. Should you develop an infection, antibiotics may be necessary. Please contact us should you have any concerns.

Secret RF / Fraxis Pro CO2 Fractional Laser

Pretreatment Instructions

  • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment 
  • Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 2 weeks prior to treatment
    • Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc.
    • If you have been overexposed to the sun (sunburn) the week preceding your appointment, you will need to log on reschedule your appointment > 24 hours prior, to avoid the no-show fee
  • Avoid skin irritants for one week before and after treatment
    • Products containing topical retinoids (tretinoin and retinoic acid (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa), benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc. 
    • More aggressive treatments or use of irritants in the days prior to or after treatment can lead to longer downtime, hyperpigmentation, and other complications
    • Avoid anti-histamine and inflammatory drugs once week prior to treatment. These negate the effects of the procedure. The body’s histamine and inflammatory responses are needed post procedure.
    • Avoid Vitamin E, fish oils, and Ginkgo Biloba for one week prior to treatment
    • Laser Hair Removal, Electrolysis, Waxing, and Depilatory creams
  • This procedure may not be performed on active breakouts or open lesions.
  • Notify us of any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment 
  • History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment; please text us with your name, dob, pharmacy phone number two days prior.
  • You must wait 6 months after isotretinoin (Accutane) use before your microneedling procedure, as isotretinoin use may impair wound healing and increase risk of scar tissue formation.
  • Avoid spray or self-tanning lotions after your microneedling procedure.

* Immediate pinpoint bleeding may occur, which will resolve within 10 minutes.
* Minor redness and swelling will occur for 1-2 days.
* Minor peeling and flakiness will occur after a few days. Don’t pick at the loose skin; keep skin moist with the ointments provided
* Bruising, redness and swelling may occur and resolve with time
* Text our office if you experience excessive redness, swelling, pain or drainage, as they might indicate an infection

After Treatment:

The initial 72 hours post-procedure are the most critical.
* Use only the aftercare products provided for the first 48 hours. Avoid use of any topical products not provided by your skincare professional for specific use with this procedure. This includes but is not limited to cosmetics, cleansers, sunscreens, moisturizers, etc.
* For the CO2 laser: apply gauze soaked in white vinegar (2 tsp white vinegar in 1 L water) solution to the treatment area and let sit for 10 – 20 minutes. Then soak with whole milk. Then apply a post-procedure barrier ointment such as Vaseline, Aquaphor, or the aftercare cream we provided. Repeat this routine every 3-4 hours for 3-5 days. 
* Wait at least 4 hours before washing face or applying soap, cream to the treatment area
* Strictly avoid sun exposure as you will not be wearing sunscreen today. You may return to sunscreen use the day following the procedure. 
* Avoid direct sun and heat. This includes simple day-to-day tasks such as gardening, cooking over a hot stove for a long period of time, sitting next to a bonfire or fireplace, etc. 
* Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive perspiration, hot tubs / saunas, as excess blood flow and sweat can cause discomfort and irritation to compromised skin.
* For one week after, avoid products containing topical retinoids (tretinoin and retinoic acid (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa), benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, alpha-hydroxy acids, You may resume your homecare regimen when skin is no longer flaking and peeling.
* Use hydrating and reparative products after 48 hours. Products rich in soothing and healing ingredients are best to encourage new, healthy cell growth. Peptides, antioxidants, stem cells, Vitamin A, C, and E, and growth factors work very well.
* After the first 24-48 hours, use physical sunscreen. Sun care products should be applied every 60-90 minutes. DO NOT go outside without sun protection (even on a cloudy day).
* No scratching or peeling.
* Drink plenty of water.
* Return to the office for your follow-up in 12 weeks. CO2 laser follow-up is in 4-6 weeks. This should be scheduled before you leave today.
* If you have any questions or concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.), text us at 512.656.5464.

 

Laser Treatments

It is prudent to follow some simple guidelines before treatment that can make all the difference between a fair and great result, by reducing some possible side effects associated with laser treatments. We realize that this is not always possible.  However, minimizing these risks is always desirable.
*Special instructions for those receiving laser treatments (skin tightening, spider veins, hair removal, acne, photofacials, picogenesis, lasergenesis, juliet, erbium or CO2 fractional laser treatments) or skin tag removal: **You must present a negative PCR COVID Antibody test prior to receiving the CO2, erbium, Juliet, or tattoo removal laser treatments, and mole removal** Avoid retinols and suntanning / sun exposure and self-tanner for at least one week prior to and one week after for best results. **If you have a tan, we may not treat you, but you will be responsible for the wasted appointment slot ($50 fee).** Please shave the night before treatments; there will be an additional fee of $20 – $60 if we have to shave you here. Reapply sunblock every 2 hours while exposed to the sun. Arrive at least 30 minute early to numb.
*Special instructions for those receiving the CO2 or erbium fractional laser or Secret RF treatments: please email if you have any allergies to medications, if you are prone to cold sores, and the pharmacy phone # of your choice. Also include your birthdate; I need it to call in your prescription. Please pick up your prescriptions, aquaphor, white vinegar (2 tsp), whole milk, saran wrap, old t-shirts, and a large hat prior to the visit. Get all your public activities, like grocery shopping, out of the way, before you come in. **Arrive ONE HOUR early to numb for CO2 or Secret RF** Plan for at least three days of staying inside after the CO2 laser (CO2 Aftercare Instructions), and please schedule your Follow Up to CO2 laser Treatment three days after this laser treatment. Secret RF patients receive ONE microderm, 12 weeks after at the Secret RF 12-week follow-up.

Before Treatment:

  • You must shave the hair off the body part to be treated.
  • If you cannot shave yourself, then advise the technician and our staff prior to treatment in order schedule extra time in the appointment and we can do it for you for a fee of $50 per area per occurrence.
  • Do not wax, pluck or use depilatories during your series of laser hair reduction
  • Avoid sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks prior to treatment and use SPF 30 daily to ensure coverage against UVB and UVA rays.
  • Do not use self-tanning products for 1 to 2 weeks prior to and/or post treatment.
  • Discontinue use of Tretinoin type products (Renova, Tretinoin, Retin A, Retin A Micro, Tri-Luma, Solage, etc.) or Hydroquinone at least 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
  • Many medications that are sun sensitive will also make you more sensitive to the laser.
  • Please disclose any medications that you may be taking.
  • If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar no later than the day prior to your laser hair treatment.
  • Notify the center if you develop a cold sore, acne, open lesions in the area being treated, or experience any type of illness prior to your treatment.
  • Longevity of Botox and fillers done any time within 6 months prior to face treatment may be affected. Botox done within 2 weeks prior to treatment is not recommended.

After Treatment:

  • REMEMBER – Laser hair reduction is never 100%. Industry standard is 75 to 90% reduction in the hairs. Not all hairs will be destroyed. Hormonal changes can cause hair to grow back.
  • You may experience small red bumps around the hair follicle. This is normal and expected. Do not pick, rub or scratch these until they have cleared. Your skin overall may be sensitive for several days following your laser hair removal treatment.
  • If your skin scabs or crusts, or you experience a burn, do not pick, rub or scratch these areas. Doing so can result in infection, permanent pigment changes in your skin or even scarring.
  • Gently cleanse the area and apply hydrocortisone cream several times a day for one week.
  • If the area is open, also apply a layer of antibiotic ointment over the hydrocortisone cream.
  • Please contact us immediately if you experience any burns.
  • Do not sunbathe or use a tanning bed for at least 2 weeks following your treatment.
  • If you need to be out in the sun, wear an SPF 30 minimum.
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs and saunas for several days following your treatment.
  • It can take several weeks for the hair in the treated area to “fall out” (push up and out of the follicle). This time frame is normal.
  • Do not expect your hair to “not grow back” after a single session. Laser hair removal is a process.
  • Subsequent treatment sessions should be 6 to 8 weeks if done on the face and 8 to 12 weeks if done on the body.
  • Although rare, infection in the treated area is possible. Signs of infection may include redness and tenderness in the infected area and fever. Should you develop an infection, antibiotics may be necessary. Please contact us should you have any concerns.

Microneedling

Before Treatment

Avoid Vitamin E, fish oils, and Ginkgo Biloba for one week prior to treatment.
Avoid ASA (Abbreviation on a medication that indicates it contains acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) 2 weeks before treatment. (Please consult with your physician first if you are on ASA therapy).
Avoid anti-histamine and inflammatory drugs once week prior to treatment. These negate the effects of the procedure. The body’s histamine and inflammatory responses are needed post procedure.
Stop Laser Hair Removal, Electrolysis, Waxing, and Depilatory creams one week prior to treatment.
Stop topical retinoids (tretinoin and retinoic acid (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa)) one week prior to treatment.
If using Accutane, a 3-month waiting period after discontinuation of medication is required.
Please notify our office if you have ever been diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)- You may require prophylactic therapy.The treated area may be pink and mildly inflamed (similar to the appearance of a mild sunburn) for 24-48 hours following your SkinPen procedure.
Your physician will advise you to keep your skin clean of cosmetics or sunscreen for the remainder of your day post-procedure.
If you are prone to herpes simplex infections, such as cold sores, ask your physician whether prophylaxis therapy is appropriate prior to the procedure.
If you have been overexposed to the sun (sunburn) the day preceding your appointment, please call our office to reschedule your appointment.
This procedure may not be performed on active breakouts or open lesions. Please consult your physician prior to your SkinPen procedure to address any such issues.
Wait at least six months post isotretinoin use before your SkinPen procedure, as isotretinoin use may impair wound healing and increase risk of scar tissue formation.
Allow 48 hours after spray or self-tanning lotions before your SkinPen procedure.
Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours prior to the procedure.
Discontinue the use of topical products containing Retinol or Vitamin A for 24 hours prior to your microneedling  procedure.
If you are on autoimmune therapy, ask your physician if you should refrain from taking any medications prior to your microneedling procedure.

After Treatment:

The initial 72 hours post-procedure are the most critical.
* Use only the aftercare products provided for the first 48 hours. Avoid use of any topical products not provided by your skincare professional for specific use with this procedure. This includes but is not limited to cosmetics, cleansers, sunscreens, moisturizers, etc.
* Strictly avoid sun exposure as you will not be wearing sunscreen today. You may return to sunscreen use the day following the procedure. 
* Avoid direct sun and heat. This includes simple day-to-day tasks such as gardening, cooking over a hot stove for a long period of time, sitting next to a bonfire or fireplace, etc. 
* Avoid strenuous exercise or excessive perspiration, as excess blood flow and sweat can cause discomfort and irritation to compromised skin.
* Discontinue use of any Alpha-Hydroxy products. You may resume your homecare regimen when skin is no longer flaking and peeling.
* Continue to minimize sun exposure for one week following the procedure.
* Use hydrating and reparative products. Products rich in soothing and healing ingredients are best to encourage new, healthy cell growth. Peptides, antioxidants, stem cells, Vitamin A, C, and E, and growth factors work very well.
* After the first 24-48 hours, use physical sunscreen. Sun care products should be applied no less than every 30-90 minutes. DO NOT go outside without sun protection (even on a cloudy day).
* No scratching or peeling.
* Limit exercise the first week.
* Drink plenty of water.
* Return to the office as directed by provider or sooner with any complications. 
* If you have any questions or concerns, text us at 512.656.5464.

Waxing

Before Treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds to treated areas 1 week prior to treatment (we recommend this indefinitely).
  • Daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is always recommended.
  • Avoid applying lotion on treatment for 24 hours prior to treatment.
  • Avoid excessive exfoliation or scrubs on treatment areas 48 hours prior to treatment.
  • Avoid any irritants to your skin, such as any products containing: Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic, salicylic acids, astringents or Vitamin C for 1 week before your treatment.
  • DO NOT wax, tweeze, or use a depilatory on treatment areas for 1 week prior to your treatment

After Treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds to treated areas 1 week after treatment (we recommend this indefinitely).
  • Daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is always recommended.
  • Avoid any irritants to your skin, such as any products containing: Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic, salicylic acids, astringents or Vitamin C for 1 week after your treatment.
  • Avoid hot showers, chlorinated pools, spas, and saunas.
  • Please call us if you have any questions.ior to your treatment.

Threadlift

Before Treatment

  • It is ideal to schedule this procedure at least 3 weeks prior to a big event
  • If you have a history of medication allergies, anaphylaxis, or any other medical problems, please inform one of our technicians or physicians
  • You may have some bruising or swelling after this procedure.
  • Over the counter Arnica supplements have been shown to decrease swelling. You may begin taking them 3 days prior treatment.
  • Do NOT use aspirin, motrin, advil, ibuprofen, Vitamin E, gingko biloba, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, garlic pills, or other anti-inflammatory medications for 1-2 weeks prior if okay with your primary care physician as they can increase the risk of bruising.
  • You may take Tylenol for mild pain or headaches

After Treatment:

Treatment Results.
1. It may take a minimum of two weeks for treatment results to become noticeable.
2. Minor bruising and swelling is normal and to be expected.
3. Minor pain at the injection site is normal and to be expected. Pain may last up to 2 weeks after treatment.
4. Asymmetry and irregularity of tissues treated is common post treatment and usually resolves itself.

Due Diligence:
1. Avoid exercise and alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
2. Avoid excessive chewing and hard foods for 2 weeks post treatment. Do not drink through a straw.
3. Avoid animated facial expressions for a month post treatment.
4. To avoid additional swelling, sleep with head elevated for 2-3 days post treatment.
5. Avoid massaging treatment area(s) excessively. Do not get a facial or massage in treated areas for 2 weeks after your procedure.
6. Avoid washing your face for 12 hours following treatment.
7. Don’t not wear makeup or apply facial creams for 48 hours following treatment.
8. If bruising occurs, you may continue Arnica supplements or apply topical Arnica gel, drink fresh pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements to help bruising resolve faster
9. DO NOT undergo dental procedures for 3 to 4 weeks if areas treated were around the mouth

Contact Us by text at 512.656.5464.
1. If you experience increased redness, swelling or pain at the injection site.
2. If one or more threads begins to extrude.
3. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding your treatment/treatment follow-up.

Teeth Whitening

Before Treatment

  • Please arrive with clean teeth, or bring a toothbrush / paste with you to clean prior to the procedure.
  • If you are prone to cold sores, please text us two days prior, with your name, DOB, and pharmacy phone number, so you may premedicate with Valtrex.

After Treatment:
* Avoid staining foods, beverages, cosmetics for the next two days…This includes coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, colas, citrus drinks and fruits, etc. 

Potential Side Effects:
TOOTH SENSITIVITY: Although uncommon, some people can experience some tooth sensitivity during the first 24-48 hours after the whitening treatment. People with existing sensitivity, recently cracked teeth, micro-cracks, open cavities, leaking fillings, or other dental conditions that cause sensitivity may find that these conditions increase or prolong tooth sensitivity after the treatment. If you experience tooth sensitivity after the treatment, you can use Sensodyne toothpaste to ease the discomfort. Brush your teeth with this toothpaste until tooth sensitivity goes away. If you have tooth sensitivity do not begin with your touch-up pen treatment at home. Wait until the sensitivity goes away then begin with the home treatment.

RELAPSE: After the treatment, it is natural for teeth color to regress somewhat over time. This is normal and should be very gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents, such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, colas, citrus drinks and fruits, etc. Do not eat or drink anything except water for the first hour after the treatment because the gel opens the pores of the enamel and makes the teeth very vulnerable to staining agents. If you purchase a touch-up pen or a take-home kit, be aware that the pores of your enamel will remain open for as long as you use it, so you should refrain from staining agents until you stop using the pen. You can resume your normal habits 24 hours after you conclude the touch-up pen treatment. Also be aware that drinks and food are not the only things that can stain your teeth when the pores are open; lipstick, for example can stain too. Do NOT apply lipstick soon after whitening your teeth.
ALLERGY: Some people are allergic to peroxide but are not aware of it. If you had the treatment done and a few hours or a day later you have a blister on your lips, you are probably having an allergic reaction to the gel. Buy liquid vitamin E in any drugstore and apply it to the blister until it goes away. It generally goes away within a couple of days by itself.

How long the results will last depends on 2 main factors:
1. Your Habits
2. The porosity of your teeth

If you expose your teeth to staining agents such as tobacco, coffee, red wine, tea, colas, etc. on a regular basis, your whitening results will not last as long.

If you have naturally porous enamel, your teeth will be more vulnerable to staining agents and your teeth will get stained again sooner than the average person. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing ahead of time how porous your teeth are.

Generally speaking, if you have porous enamel and you expose your teeth to staining agents on a regular basis, your results may last for only 6 months. If you have non-porous enamel and you don’t expose your teeth to staining beverages on a regular basis, the results may last for up to 2 years.

Dermaplaning

Before Treatment:

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • It may take multiple treatments to visualize improvements.
  • Improved smoothness, texture, luminescence
  • Improved mild photo damaged skin-mottle pigmentation
    Comedonal acne
  • Improves acne scarring

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Exfoliation is contraindicated for those with active infection of all types, such as herpes simplex virus or flat warts.
  • Active acne
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Eczema, dermatitis
  • Skin Cancer
  • Vascular lesions
  • Oral blood thinner
  • Rosacea
  • Tattoos – not effective
  • Pregnancy

After Treatment

  • Use recommended skincare products such as the Post-Procedure Solution sold here or cetaphil gentle cleanser.
  • Discontinue use of hydroxyl acids and retinols following your treatment for approximately 3 days.
  • Do not use harsh scrubs or abrasive loofahs following your treatment for at least 3 days.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and wear a sunscreen daily.
  • Avoid vigorous activity and hot heat.
  • Do not go swimming or put face under water.
  • Do not take long hot showers or put face under a hot stream of water.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • Avoid surfaces that could irritate your skin i.e. pillows, beards, collared or turtleneck shirts.
  • Do not pick or prematurely peel the skin, as this will cause hyper pigmentation and/or surface scars.
  • Return to the office as directed by provider or sooner with any complications.
  • If you have any questions or concerns contact our office.

Trusculpt FLEX Treatments

Before Treatment:

  • Hair in the treatment and gel pad area may need to be shaved.
  • Be well hydrated prior to treatment.
  • Body piercings may need to be removed if under or near the treatment area.
  • Refrain from alcoholic beverages, caffeine and fatty foods during the treatment regimen.
  • Exercise is not recommended on the day of treatment.
  • Notify clinic of any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment.

After Treatment:

  • Frequent urination and/or bowel stimulation may be caused by the procedure.
  • Tingling in the area/s treated up to a few hours after procedure.
  • Slight muscle soreness/tenderness 24-72 hours after procedure.
  • Random muscle contraction after procedure.
  • Slimming in the area treated for up to 48 hours after procedure.
  • Increase in metabolic rate results in feeling hungry more frequently. Please be aware of this fact and DO NOT overeat.
  • Burns beneath the electrodes have been reported with the use of powered muscle stimulators. If this occurs, please call our office for wound management instruction.