Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving optimal results and minimising complications following aesthetic treatments. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based protocols for all major aesthetic procedures, helping practitioners deliver consistent care and empowering patients with clear instructions for their recovery journey.
Whether you're a practitioner refining your protocols or a patient seeking reliable aftercare information, this guide covers immediate post-treatment care, weekly recovery timelines, and long-term maintenance for over 8 different aesthetic procedures.
Important Medical Notice
This guide provides general aftercare information and does not replace specific instructions from your practitioner. Always follow the personalised aftercare plan provided by your clinic and contact them immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Universal Aftercare Principles
Before diving into specific treatments, it's important to understand the fundamental principles that apply to all aesthetic procedures. These guidelines form the foundation of safe recovery.
Core Aftercare Principles
Hydration & Nutrition
- • Drink 2-3 litres of water daily
- • Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours
- • Eat anti-inflammatory foods
- • Consider vitamin C supplements
Sun Protection
- • SPF 50+ daily application
- • Avoid direct sun exposure
- • Wear protective clothing
- • Reapply every 2-3 hours
Temperature Control
- • Avoid hot showers/baths
- • No saunas or steam rooms
- • Keep environment cool
- • Use cool compresses if needed
Activity Restrictions
- • Avoid strenuous exercise
- • No swimming for 48-72 hours
- • Gentle movement only
- • Elevate head when sleeping
Botox Aftercare Protocol
Botulinum toxin treatments require specific aftercare to ensure optimal results and prevent migration of the product. Following these guidelines helps achieve the desired muscle relaxation while minimising side effects.
Immediate Aftercare (0-4 hours)
First 4 Hours Post-Botox
DO:
- ✓ Remain upright - no lying down
- ✓ Gently exercise treated muscles (frowning, raising eyebrows)
- ✓ Apply ice if experiencing swelling
- ✓ Keep the treatment area clean
- ✓ Stay well hydrated
DON'T:
- ✗ Touch or massage injection sites
- ✗ Bend forward or do yoga positions
- ✗ Exercise vigorously
- ✗ Wear tight headwear or headbands
- ✗ Consume alcohol
Week 1 Guidelines
When to Contact Your Clinic
Action:
Dermal Filler Aftercare Protocol
Dermal filler aftercare is crucial for minimising swelling, preventing infection, and ensuring even product distribution. The protocol varies slightly depending on the treatment area and filler type.
Immediate Aftercare (0-24 hours)
First 24 Hours Post-Filler
DO:
- ✓ Apply ice intermittently (10 mins on/off)
- ✓ Sleep with head elevated on 2 pillows
- ✓ Use prescribed arnica gel/tablets
- ✓ Keep lips moisturised (if lip filler)
- ✓ Drink through a straw carefully
DON'T:
- ✗ Apply makeup for 12 hours
- ✗ Kiss or massage treated areas
- ✗ Drink alcohol or smoke
- ✗ Exercise or increase heart rate
- ✗ Expose to extreme temperatures
Week 1 Guidelines
Filler Massage Technique
If Instructed to Massage:
1. Clean hands thoroughly - Use antibacterial soap
2. Apply gentle pressure - Using fingertips, not nails
3. Circular motions - 30 seconds per area, 2-3 times daily
- 4. Follow filler direction
- Massage along the injection path
5. Stop if painful - Should feel firm but not painful
Chemical Peel Aftercare Protocol
Chemical peel aftercare varies significantly based on peel depth. Proper care is essential for preventing complications and achieving optimal skin renewal.
Aftercare by Peel Depth
Superficial Peel
Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic acids (20-30%)
Aftercare Protocol:
- • Gentle cleanser twice daily
- • Hydrating serum and moisturiser
- • SPF 50+ reapplication every 2 hours
- • No exfoliants for 5-7 days
- • Minimal peeling expected
Medium Peel
TCA 35%, Jessner's, Glycolic 50-70%
Aftercare Protocol:
- • Prescribed healing ointment
- • No water on face for 24-48 hours
- • Vinegar soaks as directed
- • Sleep upright to reduce swelling
- • Expect significant peeling days 3-5
Deep Peel
Phenol, TCA >50%
Aftercare Protocol:
- • Strict wound care protocol
- • Pain medication as prescribed
- • Antibiotics if prescribed
- • No sun exposure for 3 months
- • Weekly follow-up appointments
Post-Peel Skincare Timeline
Skincare Reintroduction Schedule
Microneedling Aftercare Protocol
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen. Proper aftercare prevents infection and maximises the skin's healing response.
Immediate Aftercare (0-24 hours)
First 24 Hours Critical Care
- • No water on face for 4-6 hours
- • Apply prescribed growth factors/serums only
- • Use clean pillowcase
- • Avoid touching face
- • No makeup for 24 hours minimum
- • Stay in clean environment
- • Avoid sweating/exercise
- • No skincare products unless approved
Week 1 Recovery Protocol
Approved Post-Treatment Products
Safe Ingredients First Week:
✓ Use These:
- • Hyaluronic acid serums
- • Copper peptides
- • Growth factors
- • Ceramide moisturisers
- • Mineral SPF only
✗ Avoid These:
- • Retinoids/retinol
- • AHAs/BHAs
- • Vitamin C (acidic forms)
- • Fragranced products
- • Chemical sunscreens
Laser Treatment Aftercare Protocol
Laser treatments range from gentle photofacials to aggressive resurfacing. Aftercare intensity matches the treatment depth and wavelength used.
Aftercare by Laser Type
IPL/BBL Photofacial
Aftercare:
- • Cool compresses for comfort
- • Darkening of pigment is normal
- • Gentle cleanser and moisturiser
- • Strict sun avoidance 2 weeks
- • Pigment will flake off in 7-10 days
Fractional Non-Ablative
Aftercare:
- • Vinegar soaks 4x daily for 3 days
- • Healing ointment between soaks
- • Sleep elevated on clean linens
- • No picking at bronzed skin
- • Expect sandpaper texture days 3-5
CO2/Erbium Ablative
Aftercare:
- • Strict wound care protocol
- • Prescribed antibiotic ointment
- • Vinegar soaks every 2-3 hours
- • Pain medication as needed
- • Complete sun avoidance 3 months
Laser-Specific Complications
Action:
Thread Lift Aftercare Protocol
Thread lifts require careful aftercare to ensure proper integration and prevent thread migration or extrusion. The first two weeks are critical for optimal results.
Immediate Aftercare (0-48 hours)
Critical First 48 Hours
Sleep Position
Sleep on back only, head elevated 30-40 degrees. Use travel pillow to prevent rolling.
Facial Movements
Minimal facial expressions. No wide mouth opening. Soft diet only.
Two Week Protocol
Fat Dissolving Injections Aftercare
Fat dissolving treatments like Aqualyx or Kybella cause controlled inflammation to destroy fat cells. Proper aftercare manages swelling and optimises results.
Immediate Response
Expected Reactions
Normal Symptoms:
- Significant swelling (peaks day 2-3)
- Tenderness and warmth
- Numbness or tingling
- Firm nodules under skin
Management:
- • Compression garment if advised
- • Gentle lymphatic massage after 48h
- • Anti-inflammatories as directed
- • Cool compresses for comfort
- • Increase water intake
Recovery Timeline
General Post-Treatment Care Guidelines
While specific treatments have unique requirements, these general guidelines apply to most aesthetic procedures and support optimal healing.
Infection Prevention
Infection Prevention Protocol
Hand Hygiene:
- • Wash hands for 20 seconds before touching face
- • Use antibacterial soap
- • Never touch treatment area with unwashed hands
Environmental Cleanliness:
- • Change pillowcases daily for first 3 days
- • Clean phones and glasses with alcohol wipes
- • Avoid public pools, gyms, saunas for 48-72 hours
Product Safety:
- • Use only prescribed/approved products
- • Check expiry dates on all skincare
- • Never share skincare products
Lifestyle Modifications
Optimise Healing Through Lifestyle
Nutrition for Healing
- • Protein: 1.2-1.5g per kg body weight
- • Vitamin C: 500-1000mg daily
- • Zinc: 15-30mg daily
- • Omega-3 fatty acids
- • Colourful fruits and vegetables
Lifestyle Support
- • Sleep: 7-9 hours nightly
- • Stress management techniques
- • No smoking (delays healing)
- • Limit alcohol consumption
- • Gentle movement/walking
Emergency Contact Information
Knowing when and how to seek help is crucial for patient safety. Keep this information readily accessible.
Emergency Contact Protocol
Call 999 Immediately For:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Loss of vision or severe visual disturbance
Signs of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
Contact Your Clinic For:
- Unexpected or worsening pain
Signs of infection (fever, pus, spreading redness)
- Excessive swelling or bruising
- Unusual symptoms not mentioned in aftercare
- Any concerns about your recovery
Your Clinic Emergency Line:
_________________
Fill in your clinic's emergency number
Summary of Best Practices
Successful aesthetic treatment outcomes depend on proper aftercare. These key principles apply across all procedures:
Universal Aftercare Checklist
Immediate Post-Treatment
- • Follow specific treatment protocols
- • Keep area clean and protected
- • Apply ice as directed
- • Take prescribed medications
- • Document your recovery with photos
First Week
- • Maintain treatment area hygiene
- • Avoid sun exposure
- • Follow activity restrictions
- • Attend follow-up appointments
- • Monitor for complications
Long-term Care
- • Daily SPF application
- • Maintain results with skincare
- • Schedule maintenance treatments
- • Healthy lifestyle choices
- • Regular skin assessments
Communication
- • Keep clinic contact info handy
- • Report unusual symptoms promptly
- • Ask questions when unsure
- • Follow up as scheduled
- • Provide feedback on results
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