How to Prep, Treat & Care After Injectables

Goal: help you feel prepared, calm, and confident before, during, and after an injectable treatment—while keeping safety front and center.

Disclaimer: This guide is informational and not medical advice. Always follow the instructions of a qualified healthcare professional and the product’s official guidelines.

Before Your Appointment: Prep Checklist (3–7 Days Out)

  • Hydrate well and keep your skin barrier happy (gentle cleanser, moisturizer, SPF).
  • Avoid alcohol 24–48 hours prior; alcohol can increase the chance of bruising.
  • Check meds/supplements with your clinician. Blood thinners, high-dose omega-3s, ginkgo, and some pain relievers can increase bruising risk. Never change medication without medical guidance.
  • Pause aggressive skincare (retinoids, peels, scrubs) 2–3 days before to reduce irritation.
  • Plan your calendar around events. Mild swelling or pinpoint bruising can appear for a few days.
  • Bring documentation if relevant: previous treatments, sensitivities, or allergies.

Treatment Day: What to Expect

  • Arrive with clean skin—no makeup, sunscreen, or oils if possible.
  • Review consent & goals with your provider; agree on conservative, natural results.
  • Numbing & prep may be used; sterile technique is essential in clinical settings.
  • Immediate reactions like redness, swelling, or tenderness are common and usually settle within hours to a few days.

Aftercare: First 24 Hours

  • Do: keep the area clean and hands off; sleep with your head slightly elevated; apply cool compresses (wrapped, not directly on skin) 10–15 minutes at a time.
  • Avoid: makeup over injection sites for 12–24 hours, strenuous workouts, saunas/steam, hot yoga, or hot baths (heat can increase swelling).
  • Skip alcohol the first night; it may worsen swelling or bruising.

Days 2–7: Settle & Support

  • Hydrate inside & out: water + hydrating skincare (think hyaluronic acid serums and barrier-friendly moisturizers).
  • Sun care: broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily; avoid direct sun and tanning beds.
  • Gentle skincare only: pause acids/retinoids and facial devices until tenderness resolves.
  • Expect “micro changes” as swelling reduces—final results typically become clearer in 1–2 weeks depending on the product and area treated.

What’s Normal vs. When to Call a Professional

Common & Temporary: mild redness, swelling, small bruises, tenderness to touch.

Contact a professional urgently if you notice:

  • Increasing, severe, or uneven pain
  • Skin that turns pale/white, dusky, or mottled
  • Vision changes, dizziness, or severe headache
  • Rapidly worsening swelling, heat, or fever

When in doubt, seek licensed medical help immediately.

Longevity Tips

  • Follow your provider’s plan for maintenance visits; subtle touch-ups often look the most natural.
  • Protect your results with sun care, sleep, and barrier-friendly routines.
  • Lifestyle matters: smoking, excessive sun, and dehydration can shorten visible benefits.

Helpful Products for Recovery

  • Gentle cleanser (non-stripping)
  • Barrier moisturizer (ceramides, panthenol)
  • Soothing mist or gel (aloe, madecassoside)
  • SPF 30+ broad spectrum—reapply as directed

Final Word

Thoughtful prep and simple, consistent aftercare help you achieve natural-looking results that feel like you—just refreshed. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to a qualified professional.