Post care information

Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment.

There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment. It may take a full 2-4 weeks for all swelling to settle; until this time we cannot re-treat.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For 7 days avoid:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes

Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment.

There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment. It may take a full 2-4 weeks for all swelling to settle; until this time we cannot re-treat.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For 7 days avoid:

• Avoid wearing glasses altogether, or use the type of glasses that rest on the sides of the nasal bridge rather than directly on the bridge.

Aftercare Notes:

Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment. There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment.

It may take a full 2 weeks for all swelling to settle; until this time we cannot re-treat.

Please wait up to 4 weeks for any massage or facial.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For 4 weeks avoid:

• No Dental Work for 2 weeks before & after treatment.

• No Massage of treated area.

Please notify us immediately if you notice any blanching of the skin (areas of white/ yellow/ grey discolouration), any bruise that tracks in an unusual pattern, extreme pain, visual disturbances or any new bruise that develops after a few days.

Following proper aftercare instructions after having dermal filler dissolved is essential for optimal healing and results. Here's what you need to know:

Immediately After Treatment (First 24 Hours)

• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area: This helps prevent infection and allows the dissolving agent to work effectively.

• Avoid strenuous exercise: Skip intense workouts for at least 24-48 hours to prevent increased blood flow to the area.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body process and flush out the dissolved filler.

First Few Days (24-48 Hours)

• Skip makeup if possible: Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours to reduce infection risk.

• Avoid alcohol: Refrain from drinking alcohol for 24-48 hours as it can increase swelling and bruising.

• Take paracetamol if needed: If you experience discomfort, take paracetamol rather than aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase bruising.

First Week

• Monitor for side effects: Some swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising are normal. Contact your practitioner if you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, or signs of infection.

• Avoid dental work: Postpone dental treatments for at least a week if the treated area is near your mouth.

• Be patient with results: It may take several days to see the full dissolving effect. The enzyme (hyaluronidase) works gradually.

• Avoid facial treatments: Skip facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments for at least 2 weeks.

When to Contact Us

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain

• Excessive swelling that doesn't improve

• Signs of infection (warmth, pus, fever)

• Unusual discolouration or skin changes

• Vision changes or severe headache

• Any other concerning symptoms

Aftercare Notes for Botox & Relfydess:

• Mild redness and swelling around injection sites after treatment is normal and usually subsides within 30 minutes.

• Antiwrinkle treatment starts to take effect within 2-5 days, reaching full effect at 14 days post injection. Sometimes, the onset of the medication may differ within the same muscle and cause temporary asymmetry. Should this occur, please wait the full 14 days as we are not able to inject any additional medication until this time

• Even if you are happy with your results after your first treatment, we highly recommend you attend a review appointment so we can assess your dosing and results. At this time, we can make any adjustments if required.

• Please wait up to 2 weeks for any facial.

For 4 hours avoid:

• Lying down

• Applying makeup

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

For optimal results, patients should:

• Avoid touching or manipulating the treated area for 48 hours: This helps prevent infection and allows the filler to settle properly.

• Wait at least 1 week before wearing earrings: Give the earlobes time to heal and avoid unnecessary pressure on the treated area.

• Apply ice if swelling occurs: Use ice packs wrapped in a clean cloth for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours: Physical activity can increase blood flow and potentially cause bruising or swelling.

• Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds: Protect the treated area from UV exposure for at least 2 weeks.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours: Alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.

• Do not massage the area unless instructed: Only massage if specifically directed by us.

• Keep the area clean and dry: Gently cleanse with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh products.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and very cold environments for at least 1 week.

• Contact us if you experience unusual symptoms: These include severe pain, excessive swelling, signs of infection, or any concerns about the results.

Aftercare Notes for Sunekos, Profhilo & Plinest:

• Needle entry points, redness, bruising, swelling and asymmetry around injection sites immediately after treatment is normal due to the very nature of the treatment.

• There may also be some tenderness present as the bruising and inflammation sets in. These symptoms will resolve over the next 2-7 days, depending on your individual response to the treatment.

For 24 hours avoid:

• Touching your face

• Applying makeup

• Skincare with active ingredients

For 48 hours avoid:

• Intense physical activity

• Sleeping on side or front

• Spa's/Saunas

• Massage/facials

• Touching/rubbing/massaging/exfoliating/applying pressure to treated areas

• Alcohol & blood thinning medications

Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)

• Avoid touching the treated area: Keep your hands away from the injection sites to prevent infection.

• Stay upright: Remain in an upright position for at least 4 hours after treatment.

• Follow the "Rule of 5s": Massage the treated area 5 times a day, for 5 minutes each time, for 5 days following treatment.

Activities to Avoid

• Strenuous exercise: Avoid vigorous physical activity for 24-48 hours.

• Sun and heat exposure: Stay away from direct sunlight, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for at least 24 hours.

• Alcohol consumption: Avoid alcohol for 24 hours as it can increase bruising and swelling.

• Makeup: Wait at least 12-24 hours before applying makeup to the treated area.

• Dental work: Postpone any dental procedures for at least 2 weeks after treatment.

Massage Technique

Proper massage is crucial for even distribution of Sculptra and optimal results:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before massaging.

2. Use gentle, circular motions over the treated areas.

3. Massage for 5 minutes, 5 times daily, for 5 days.

4. Be firm but gentle – the massage should be comfortable, not painful.

Managing Side Effects

• Swelling: Mild swelling is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Continue using cold compresses as needed.

• Bruising: Some bruising may occur and can last up to a week. Arnica cream or tablets may help reduce bruising.

• Redness: Temporary redness at injection sites is common and should subside within hours to a few days.

• Tenderness: The treated area may feel tender for several days. This is normal.

Long-Term Care

• Sun protection: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to protect your skin.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support skin health and collagen production.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular skincare routine will help maintain your results.

• Attend follow-up appointments: Keep all scheduled appointments to monitor your progress and determine if additional treatments are needed.

When to contact us:

Contact us immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort

• Signs of infection (increased warmth, pus, or fever)

• Unusual lumps or bumps that persist beyond a few weeks

• Vision changes or difficulty breathing

• Any other concerning symptoms

Expected Timeline

Sculptra works gradually by stimulating collagen production:

• Weeks 1-2: Initial swelling subsides; you may notice minimal changes.

• Weeks 3-6: Collagen production begins; subtle improvements may be visible.

• Months 2-3: Gradual improvements become more noticeable.

• Months 3-6: Optimal results typically appear as collagen continues to build.

• Results duration: Results can last up to 2 years or more with proper maintenance.

Remember that individual results vary, and patience is key as Sculptra works with your body's natural processes to restore volume gradually and naturally.

Endolift Aftercare Instructions

Endolift is a minimally invasive treatment, so most patients recover quickly and return to normal life within a few days. Some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the first one to two weeks is completely normal and part of how the treatment works. The care you take in these early days plays an active part in your final result, so please read this guidance through and follow it closely. If anything is unclear, ask us at your appointment or get in touch afterwards.

Compression garment

This is one of the most important parts of your aftercare, so please take it seriously. Wear the garment non-stop, day and night, for the first three days. Only remove it briefly to wash the area and the garment itself, then put it straight back on. After the first three days, keep it on as much as possible for a full month, including while you sleep. The more consistently you wear it, the better it controls swelling, supports the tissue as it heals, and helps your final result settle smoothly. Make sure it is snug and supportive but not so tight that it digs in or feels uncomfortable.

Head position and sleep

For the first week, sleep with your head elevated on two or three pillows, or slightly raised in whatever way is comfortable. Keeping your head above your heart overnight helps fluid drain away and noticeably reduces morning swelling. Try to avoid sleeping face down during this time.

Massage

Firm massage is essential to a good result, so please do not skip it. Massage the treated areas exactly as shown in your appointment, two to three times a day, for 15 to 30 minutes each session. This encourages lymphatic drainage, helps disperse fluid, softens any firmness, and speeds up how quickly swelling settles. It may feel a little tender at first, but consistency over the first few weeks makes a real difference to both your comfort and the smoothness of the final result. If you are unsure of the technique, ask us to talk you through it again.

Pain relief and medication

Any discomfort is usually mild and settles quickly. Try to avoid paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin if possible in the first few days. If you feel you need something for pain, please contact us first so we can advise you on what is best to take.

Make-up and the treated area

Avoid make-up for the first 24 to 48 hours to let the skin settle. Do not touch, press or rub the treated areas beyond your prescribed massage, and try not to pick at or examine them constantly, as this can irritate the skin and slow healing.

Skincare

Keep your routine gentle while you heal. Avoid harsh skincare products, active ingredients and exfoliants for at least one week. Once the skin has calmed, you can gradually return to your usual products. Keep the treated areas out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks, then apply an SPF 30 or higher every day to protect both your skin and your result.

Exercise and movement

Avoid strenuous exercise and anything that raises blood flow to the face for 7 to 14 days. This includes high-intensity workouts, hot yoga, heavy lifting and vigorous cardio. Gentle walking and light day-to-day activity are absolutely fine and even help circulation, so there is no need to rest completely.

Heat

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and very hot showers or baths for at least 7 days. Heat widens the blood vessels and can make swelling and bruising worse, so keep things cool and comfortable while you heal.

Diet and hydration

Follow a low-sodium diet for two weeks, as too much salt encourages your body to hold on to fluid and can prolong swelling. Drink at least two litres of water a day to stay well hydrated, which supports your circulation and helps your body heal.

Smoking and alcohol

Avoid both while you heal. Smoking restricts blood flow and slows the body's ability to repair itself, while alcohol thins the blood and increases both swelling and bruising. The longer you can avoid them, the smoother your recovery is likely to be.

What is normal

Some bruising and swelling is expected and usually lasts one to two weeks. Some patients experience moderate to severe swelling for a little longer, along with temporary lumps, firmness or areas that feel uneven. This is a normal part of healing and settles gradually as your body recovers and the massage does its work. Try not to judge your result in the early weeks, as the tissue is still settling.

Expected recovery timeline

Day 1 to 3: mild to moderate swelling and possible bruising, at their most noticeable.

Day 4 to 7: swelling begins to reduce and bruising starts to fade.

Day 8 to 14: most visible signs of treatment resolve and you feel more like yourself.

Day 15 onwards: gradual improvement continues as the deeper tissue settles.

Month 2 to 3: early results begin to show as new collagen forms.

Final results are typically visible after three to six months, as your body continues to produce new collagen and break down fat cells. Depending on your goals and starting point, more than one session may be recommended for the best outcome. Your practitioner will discuss this with you at your follow-up.

Follow-up appointments

Please attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing, check your progress and make sure you are happy with how things are settling. These visits are an important part of your care.

When to contact us

Contact us straight away if you experience severe or increasing pain, unusual or worsening swelling or bruising, signs of infection such as heat, pus or spreading redness, persistent redness, a fever, or if you have any other concerns about your recovery. We would always rather hear from you and reassure you than have you worry at home.

Post-Treatment Care for Abdomen

• Movement Restrictions: Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but avoid strenuous exercises for 7-14 days.

• Compression Garment: Wear a compression garment continuously for the first 72 hours, then as much as possible for 2 weeks.

• Avoid Heat: Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, and very hot showers for at least 7 days.

• Diet and hydration: Follow a low-sodium diet for 2 weeks to minimise fluid retention and swelling. Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily.

• Massage: Firm massage the treated areas as instructed to promote lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling (2-3 times a day - 15 min each).

• Avoid paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, if possible.

• Avoid strenuous exercise

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

Post-Treatment Care for Upper Arms

• Arm Position: When resting, keep arms elevated on pillows when possible to reduce swelling.

• Movement Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting (anything over 2kg) and strenuous exercises for 7-14 days.

• Compression Garment: Wear a compression garment continuously for the first 72 hours, then as much as possible for 2 weeks.

• Avoid Heat: Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, and very hot showers for at least 7 days.

• Diet and hydration: Follow a low-sodium diet for 2 weeks to minimise fluid retention and swelling. Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily.

• Massage: Firm massage the treated areas as instructed to promote lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling (2-3 times a day - 15 min each).

• Avoid paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, if possible.

• Avoid strenuous exercise

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

General Aftercare for Both Areas

• Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and results.

• Bruising and Swelling: Bruising and swelling is normal and may persist for 1-2 weeks. This will gradually subside.

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep treated areas out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks, and apply SPF 50 sunscreen thereafter.

• Contact us if: You experience severe pain, excessive swelling, redness, warmth in the treated area, fever, or any concerns about your recovery.

Final results will typically be visible after 3-6 months as your body continues to produce new collagen and eliminate fat cells. Multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results.

Your result depends as much on how you heal as it does on the treatment itself. The days after your CO₂ treatment matter, and following this properly protects both your comfort and your outcome. You will be given the full pre and post care guide before your treatment, which covers everything in more detail.

The timings below describe a light or medium treatment, which is what most people have. If Dr Karwal has treated you at a deep setting, every stage takes a few extra days. Your depth is decided at your consultation, so you will already know which applies to you.

What to expect as your skin heals

For the first 24 to 72 hours your skin will feel hot and tight, much like a strong sunburn, and will look red or flushed. Swelling is common and tends to peak around day two or three, particularly across the cheeks and around the eyes. A small amount of pinpoint bleeding or clear to slightly yellow oozing can occur on the first day and is normal. Dab it gently with the sterile gauze we give you, using a fresh piece each time, and never wipe or rub. Sleeping elevated on extra pillows for the first two to four nights makes a real difference to overnight swelling.

From day three to seven the redness settles into a bronzed or darker tone and the skin takes on a rough, sandpaper texture, with tiny brown flecks across the treated area. The skin then begins to flake and peel as the damaged surface sloughs away. This can feel itchy and look dramatic, but it is exactly what should happen. The single most important rule of this phase is to let it come away on its own.

The skin usually closes at around day six or seven, leaving fresh pink skin, and the last of the flaking finishes over the following few days. A pink or rosy tone can persist for several weeks before your normal colour returns. The deeper benefit, the collagen remodelling that improves texture, fine lines and scarring, develops slowly over the following two to three months, so your final result is not what you see at week two but what emerges over time.

Caring for your skin

From the day after treatment, cleanse with cool or lukewarm water and the Dermol 500 cleanser we have given you, using your fingertips only and never a flannel, brush or anything abrasive. Pat dry with a clean soft towel. Then apply the petroleum jelly generously all over the treated area, four times a day for the first five days, continuing to day six or seven if your skin has not yet closed, or seven to ten days if you have had a deep treatment. Your face must never be allowed to dry out, so reapply whenever the skin feels tight or looks dull. Keeping it constantly covered is the single most important thing you can do in these first days. Do not apply ice, and put nothing else on the skin.

You can wash your hair from three days after treatment. Tilt your head straight back with your back to the shower nozzle so the water and shampoo run down your back rather than over your face, use lukewarm or cool water and a mild or baby shampoo, and keep showers short. Reapply your petroleum jelly as soon as you have finished.

Sun protection

For the first five to seven days, while the skin is still closing, do not go out in the sun at all. You cannot use SPF on skin that is still open, so staying indoors and out of direct sun is the only protection you have. If you do have to go outside, wear a wide brimmed hat and keep to the shade.

At day six, look at your skin. If it has closed, meaning it is no longer open, raw, weeping or oozing anywhere, you can stop the petroleum jelly and start your broad spectrum SPF 50 that morning, reapplying through the day. If any part is still open, carry on with the jelly and no SPF until day seven, then look again. If it is still not closed at day seven, keep going with the jelly and email a photograph to contact@karwalaesthetics.com so we can advise.

Stay out of direct sun for four weeks after your treatment, keeping to the shade and wearing a wide brimmed hat whenever you are outdoors, and treat bright overcast days the same as sunny ones. No sunbeds, no tanning injections and no fake tan of any kind during those four weeks. New skin burns and pigments very easily, so this is the most important long term step you can take to protect your result.

If you have had a deep treatment, do not go out in the sun at all for the first seven to ten days, and start your SPF 50 at that point once the skin has closed.

Pain

If your face feels sore or hot, take 1000 mg of paracetamol every six hours as needed, up to a maximum of four doses and 4000 mg in twenty four hours. Do not take ibuprofen.

What to avoid

Do not pick, scratch, rub or peel the skin, and do not pull at flaking edges however tempting it is, as this is the most common cause of scarring and pigment marks. Avoid makeup until the skin has fully closed and you have been cleared to use it.

Keep away from heat and sweat for the first two weeks, which means no saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga or strenuous exercise, and no swimming pools because of the chlorine and infection risk. Avoid waxing, plucking, threading, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and other professional skin treatments for four weeks. Avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery, as both slow healing and worsen swelling. Do not touch your pets, and be careful of pet fur sticking to your face, as this can cause infection.

If you were using retinoids, a vitamin C serum or exfoliating acids before your treatment, you may restart them two weeks afterwards, once the skin has fully closed and settled, keeping your SPF 50 on every morning as you do. Scrubs and anything labelled brightening or resurfacing wait until four weeks. If you were not using these products beforehand, do not introduce them during your recovery. Speak to us and we will advise on the right time to start.

If you have had a deep treatment, nothing goes on your skin except the Dermol 500 cleanser and the petroleum jelly for the first seven to ten days. That means no moisturisers, no healing balms and no other product of any kind, however gentle it looks.

When to contact us

Some discomfort, redness, swelling, oozing, weeping and itching are all normal. Contact the clinic promptly if you notice anything that goes beyond expected healing, such as pain that is increasing rather than easing, spreading or intense redness, heat and tenderness, thick yellow or green discharge, a foul smell, blistering, or a fever. The early signs of a developing cold sore, including tingling or clustered spots, should also be reported straight away so we can act quickly. Trust your instinct, and if something does not feel right we would always rather hear from you.

Your reviews

We will see you at 3 months and 6 months so Dr Karwal can assess your healing and discuss any further treatment. Please keep both appointments even if your skin feels completely healed.

Karwal Aesthetics | 07340 664 388 | contact@karwalaesthetics.com