PRE & POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please click the link below that matches your upcoming treatment. It’s crucial to follow these Pre & Post Treatment instructions exactly for optimal results and minimal risk to your health and well-being. If you have any questions or concerns before or after your treatment please contact our office at 630-280-9720.
EYELASH EXTENSIONS
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- DO Remove your contact lenses.
- DON'T Wear makeup or mascara.
- DON'T Apply face creams or sunblock to the eye area.
- DON'T Curl your lashes on the day of your lash application.
- DON'T Wear large or dangly earrings.
Patients with an eye infection, like pink eye, need to wait until it has cleared before treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Now that your lashes are long, thick, and beautiful, please follow these easy care instructions and they can last indefinitely with regular touch-ups.
- Do not use saunas or steam for the first 48 hours.
- Avoid letting water or oil come in contact with the lashes for the first 24 hours.
- Refrain from picking, pulling, or rubbing your eyelashes.
- Gently groom your new lashes with an eyelash brush or comb.
- Enhance the dramatic effect of your lashes by applying thick liquid liner to the upper lashes.
- Avoid using waterproof mascara as it will shorten the life of your lash extensions.
- Do not perm or tint lashes after application; if tinting is needed, do it before applying eyelash extensions.
- Ensure eye creams and moisturizers do not come in contact with the lashes.
- Only use water-soluble mascara.
- Avoid washing the eyes or lashes with hot water or steam, as excessive heat can distort the lashes.
- Do not use oil-based eye makeup remover, as it can weaken the adhesive and cause lashes to fall out.
- Schedule a refill every 2-3 weeks to replace lost lashes.
- Avoid using any oil products near the eyes, such as moisturizer or eye cream.
- Expect to lose a few lash extensions within the first 24 hours of application; it's normal.
- Contact us immediately if you experience any itching or irritation.
- If necessary, have your eyelash extensions professionally removed to prevent damage to your natural lashes.
PLEASE NOTE: there is no guarantee on how long your lash extensions will last. Your individual lash cycle, combined with how well you care for the extensions will determine how long they last.
LASH LIFT & TINT
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- DO Remove your contact lenses.
- DON'T Wear makeup or mascara.
- DON'T Apply face creams or sunblock to the eye area.
- DON'T Curl your lashes on the day of your lash application.
- DON'T Wear large or dangly earrings.
Patients with an eye infection, like pink eye, need to wait until it has cleared before treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Avoid wearing makeup for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid hot water, steam rooms, and swimming pools for the first 24 hours.
- Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes immediately after treatment.
- Do not rub or pull on your eyelashes.
EYEBROW SHAPING | TINTING | LAMINATION | HENNA | FACE WAXING
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- DO clean your face and neck thoroughly and ensure your face is free of any lotions or creams, including acne or anti-aging facial products.
- DO make sure your face is free of any injured areas, including minor cuts, irritated pimples, or sunburn.
- DON'T wax if you're taking antibiotics or are on medical skin treatments such as Accutane, Retinol, Retin-A, or Renova.
- DON'T exfoliate before waxing.
- DON'T wax if you're pregnant or diabetic.
- DON'T drink coffee, tea, soda, or eat chocolate before your appointment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Avoid wetting your brows and lashes for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes or touching your lashes and brows.
- Avoid heat treatments for 24 hours.
- Avoid sunbathing for 24 hours, as this fades the tint.
- Avoid oil-based beauty products as they can cause the tint to fade faster.
- Do not apply makeup for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
- Do not apply Retin-A, AHA, or exfoliate around the brow area for 72 hours on either side of the treatment.
- No self-tanning products should be used on the face for one week before and 48 hours after treatment.
- Book your tinting/laminating treatment again after 4-6 weeks.
NOTE: If any stinging or swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the area and seek medical advice.
FACIAL | HYDRAFACIAL | GLO2FACIAL
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
There are several things you should (and shouldn’t!) do before any facial. Follow these tips to ensure you get the most out of your professional facial treatment.
- NO surgical procedures or ablative lasers for 6 weeks before your treatment.
- NO Botox, filler, or other injectables for 2 weeks before your treatment.
- NO chemical peels or aggressive exfoliation for 2 weeks before your treatment.
- NO topical retinoids for 3 days before your treatment.
DO'S
- DO be prepared to discuss your skin concerns and what your goals might be.
- DO stay out of the sun and away from tanning for 5 days before your facial.
- DO wash your face gently so you arrive with clean skin. Your provider needs a clean slate to work with.
- DO continue with your normal morning skincare routine, except for masks, peels, or deep exfoliation. It’s fine to moisturize and use sunscreen, but skip any treatments as these may interact negatively with your facial treatment.
- DO create a list of the skincare products and ingredients you’re currently using. This helps your aesthetician understand your current skincare habits and make recommendations or adjustments to improve your routine.
- DO let your provider know what skincare concerns you have. This will help them create a targeted treatment that gives you the results you want.
- DO consider taking a shower before your appointment. This helps open your pores and also ensures you arrive at your most hygienic.
- DO drink plenty of water so you’re well hydrated, but not so much that you have to run to the bathroom during your appointment!
- DO take some time to relax so you don’t go into your appointment stressed out. Facials are just as much about relaxing self-care as they are about healthy skin.
- DO speak up if you’re nervous. Your provider’s goal is to give you a great experience, and they can talk you through the process or answer any questions to put you at ease.
DONT'S
- DON’T wear makeup to your appointment. Your aesthetician can’t treat your skin until your face is clean.
- DON’T make changes to your skincare routine a week or sooner before your appointment. If you change up your routine, you won’t know if your post-facial results are because of the treatment or one of the changes you made.
- DON’T do any intensive or invasive skincare treatments, like facial masks, peels or peel-off masks, or exfoliating treatments. Also, make sure to stop using chemical exfoliants and potential irritants a week or so before your treatment. This can irritate the skin when combined with facial treatments.
- DON’T shave or wax any treatment areas like brows, face, lips, legs, or bikini line. You don’t want to make your skin extra sensitive before a professional facial or body treatment.
- DON’T forget to tell your aesthetician about any medications you’re taking and any allergies you have. Your provider must know about any potential issues before they get started.
- DON’T schedule your appointment too close to a major event. Depending on the type of treatment you get, you could experience redness or peeling for a few days afterward. Book your appointment about five to seven days before your event.
- DON’T drink caffeine too close to your appointment time. It can cause facial twitching or make it hard to relax.
- DON’T have chemical peels or laser treatments for 2 weeks before your treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
No matter what facial treatment you get, you can follow the post-facial do’s and don’ts below to ensure excellent, long-lasting results.
DO'S
- DO drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and help flush out toxins.
- DO try not to touch your face or other treated areas, and skip any at-home facial massage. Your skin may be sensitive, so a hands-off approach is best.
- DO avoid makeup for at least the rest of the day. While this isn’t 100% necessary, applying makeup right after a facial is not ideal and may clog your recently deep-cleaned pores.
- DO wait at least two to three days before using skincare treatments or products that could irritate your skin or increase skin sensitivity. That means no toners, exfoliants, new products, or acne treatments. You should also DO avoid products with vitamin C and retinol.
- DO stay out of direct sunlight and avoid high heat. Some products used during your treatment may make you more sensitive to the sun.
- DO take some time to relax and let your skin rest. This isn’t a requirement for Geneo treatments, but it’s still nice to continue the relaxing spa vibe for the rest of the day.
- DO make sure to use a clean pillowcase and clean towels. This will help keep dirt and oils out of your pores.
DONT'S
- DON’T wash your face or take a shower until at least six hours after your treatment. The serums and treatments need to have time to absorb into your skin completely.
- DON’T forget to use sunscreen with noncomedogenic ingredients. Sunscreen is always a must, but make sure your post-facial sunscreen is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.
- DON’T exercise right after your treatment. Sweating will remove the serums that are still being absorbed into your skin.
- DON’T swim or apply water or steam to your face until at least six hours after your treatment. As with exercise and sweating, applying water or steam will remove the skincare products before they’re fully absorbed.
- DON’T pick at your skin. While you should never do this, it’s especially important to avoid it after a facial when your skin is at its most sensitive.
- DON’T wax, shave, or pluck hair in the treated area for at least a few days after treatment, as this can inflame your hair follicles.
- DON’T forget to follow the post-facial care instructions provided by your esthetician. Your provider knows the best way to care for your skin based on the procedures and products used during your treatment.
DERMAPLANING
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Stop use of any scrubs, Retin-A, retinols, take home microdermabrasion, glycolic or any other peels, exfoliants, or tanning products at least 72 hours prior to your appointment.
- Accutane use must be discontinued for a minimum of 6-12 months.
- If you experience cold sores / Herpes outbreaks in the area to be treated, it may be advised to begin taking an antiviral medication one day prior to treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Use a gentle cleanser twice daily for a minimum of 7 days.
- Apply a hydrating moisturizer at least twice daily for a minimum of 7 days.
- Avoid applying products containing exfoliating agents (retinoic acid, retinol, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, astringents, toner, etc.) for at least 24 hours.
- No scrubs, polishes, or aggressive brushes should be used for 1-2 weeks.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 72 hours. Your skin will be more sun sensitive after dermaplaning. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade if possible when outdoors.
- Avoid excessive sweating and heat (such as steam rooms, saunas, and heavy workouts) for at least 72 hours.
- Avoid chlorine for 24 hours.
- Avoid facial waxing for 1 week post-treatment.
- Avoid dermal fillers and neuromodulator injections (Botox, Dysport, etc.) for 2-4 weeks.
- Remember that product absorption levels will be elevated after your Dermaplane.
- You may experience slight peeling for the first few days following treatment, however this is uncommon.
- Slight windburn sensation and/or blotchiness are normal in the first few days.
- Some skincare products may tingle or slightly burn for the first few days.
- It is possible to experience post-dermaplane breakouts. If this occurs, contact your esthetician to be recommended an acceptable acne treatment.
MICRONEEDLING
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- If you have active acne in the area of treatment please call to reschedule
- If you have a history of cold sores you will be placed on a medication called Zovirax. Please follow the instructions on your prescription.
- Please arrive with fully cleansed skin: no makeup, moisturizers, perfume, cologne, or any other products on the skin.
- Avoid Retin-A, retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, hydroquinone, and benzyl peroxide 3 days prior to treatment.
- Topical numbing crème will be applied pre-treatment. Notify us of any medication allergies Microneedling cannot be done while PREGNANT OR NURSING.
- No sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanning products for three days prior to the procedure. The procedure will be canceled if you are sunburned.
- None of the following can be used or performed two weeks prior to treatment: chemical peels, waxing, and chemical depilatories.
- Do not shave the treated area on the day of the procedure
- Bring a hat and scarf day of the procedure to wear after your treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Use ONLY your post-treatment kit for the first four days after your treatment. Do not use any of your own products during this time period.
- NO SUN EXPOSURE for at least 14 days, ideally 30 days after the procedure.
- NO tanning beds, or self-tanning products for 7-14 days after procedure.
- NO picking or exfoliating,
- NO vitamin A products 7 days post-treatment (including Retin-A, Retinol, Tazorac).
- NO chemical peels 14 days post-treatment
- NO shaving 3 days after the procedure, if the skin is irritated continue to wait before shaving.
- NO toners for 14 days post-treatment
- NO sweating, exercising, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath until skin irritation has resolved (3-7 days)
- NO exfoliating medications or chemical products or devices for at least 7 days post-treatment
- Ice packs, Tylenol, and NSAIDS are okay if you are feeling discomfort or swelling. Do not take Ibuprofen, Aleve or Mortin.
- Eat fresh pineapples or drink pineapple juice to minimize bruising and swelling.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
After the treatment your skin will be red and flushed similar to a moderate sunburn. The redness should be greatly reduced within 24-48 hours. During the healing process you may experience swelling, burning, itching, bruising, soreness, skin tightness, flakiness, sensitivity and dryness. It may take up to 5-7 days for the skin to heal depending on the extensiveness of your treatment. USE ONLY THE PRODUCTS WE GIVE YOU FOR THE FIRST FOUR DAYS. Make sure to wash your face with cool water and the cleanser that we provide, only gently pat your skin dry. Mineral based sunscreen with SPF of 30 should be applied and reapplied every 60 -90 minutes while outdoors.
Day 1
It is normal and expected for your skin to feel red, sun-burnt, tight, dry, swollen and sensitive to the touch. You may also experience some stinging. Drink plenty of water, avoid make-up and use only the products in your post-treatment kit. You may reapply the kit moisturizer repeatedly throughout the day. Stay away from exfoliants or glycolic acids that are present in cleaners as these can make your skin very dry after the procedure. Use Tylenol for pain but avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin and Ibuprofen as these may decrease the wanted effects of the procedure.
***If you had PRP applied, do not wash off the PRP solution until the morning after your treatment.***
Day 2
May feel the same as you did on Day 1. Skin feels dry, tight and red. Use your post-treatment cleanser and lotion. Use your post-treatment care kit as instructed. Do not use any of your own products.
Day 3
You will still appear pink and notice that the swelling is beginning to decrease. Mineral make-up is okay to start using. Continue with post-treatment care kit.
Day 4-6
Minimal swelling, minimal bruising, may have some flaking. Do not pick at the skin that is starting to flake off and do not use any exfoliaters. Continue to use sunscreen. You may resume exercise.
Day 7
Starting to look great! Resume regular products for skin, including vitamin A products. Continue to avoid sun exposure. There may be areas that are darker that flake off after a week
Day 8-28
Avoid direct sun exposure. Use a minimum of SPF 30 outdoors or in the car and remember to reapply every 1- 1½ hours while outdoors.
For best results and efficacy we recommend a series of 3-5 treatments at 4-6 week intervals and then treatments for maintenance at least once a year.
If you have any concerns, please call us immediately at 630-280-9720.
SKIN PEELS
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
So you’ve decided to get a chemical peel. Before considering a chemical peel, it’s best to have a consultation to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment. If you are lactating, pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, chemical peels are contraindicated. For those of you who are on autoimmune therapies or products, we caution against the use of these medications for 2 days prior to treatment. It is important that you speak to your specialist regarding pausing the use of autoimmune therapies or products for 2 days. It is also important to inform the doctor or the skincare professional of any medication or ingredient allergies you have.
- Discontinue use of tanning beds at least two weeks prior to a chemical peel. We advise that you stop using tanning beds because they increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate visible signs of aging.
- Avoid extensive sun exposure, especially in the 10 days prior to your scheduled chemical peel.
- No facial waxing for 7 days prior to treatment.
- If you are on an acne treatment regimen, stop the use of Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo or Ziana five days prior to treatment.
- When using Retinol products, stop the use of Retin-A (retinol) products or applications for 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel. High percentages of alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped five days before treatment.
- Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher) and avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel.
- Do not use aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (ex. Advil) for at least 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Once you have undergone your chemical peel, expect to see some changes with your skin. This happens prior to getting your final results. There are instructions you should follow after your chemical peel for best possible results.
- On post-peel day 3, you may experience mild to moderate shedding depending on the depth of the chemical peel, the number of layers applied, and the depth of the chemical peel. There can be dryness and tightness of the skin. Flaking and peeling three days post-peel is not uncommon unless you have a superficial peel. Superficial peels have little to no downtime, so you may not experience shedding.
- You may develop small whiteheads, but please note that this IS NOT A BREAKOUT.
- If you have a lighter skin complexion, you may notice mild redness after a chemical peel.
- Do not peel or pick at the peeling skin. You must allow the skin to flake off naturally. Picking at the peeling skin can cause hyperpigmentation.
- To minimize the side effects of the peel, please use the post-procedure kit provided by the doctor or skincare professional for 3-5 days or until the flaking has stopped.
- Do not apply ice or water to the areas that have been treated. Also, avoid applying makeup on the day of your treatment because the skin needs time to stabilize and rest.
- For the first 48 hours after your chemical peel, do not participate in activities that increase body heat and sweat, such as drinking alcohol, exercising/working out, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot shower spray, swimming or directing a hair dryer to the treatment area. Internal heating can cause hyperpigmentation.
- Golden Rule: Make sure that you are also avoiding direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Continue to use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher just as you were prior to your peel.
- Make sure to keep your skin well-hydrated with a protective moisturizer. Apply it twice daily or more often if needed to reduce the appearance of flaking.
- For five days after your chemical peel, do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories.
- Avoid using retinol and glycolic acids for 10 days post-peel.
- Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges, or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days.
- Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post-procedure.
- If you are on an acne regimen, delay the use of tretinoin, Retin-A, Differin, Renova, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, or Ziana 5 days post-procedure. However, it is fine to resume using a vitamin C serum five days after your treatment.
- It is extremely important that you DO NOT have another chemical peel until your clinician advises you to do so.
- If you notice increased redness, increased hyperpigmentation or crusting of the skin, contact your doctor or skincare professional.
VI PEEL
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Wait at least one-year post Accutane/isotretinoin use before your peel.
- One week before peel, patient should avoid: Electrolysis, Depilatory Creams, Waxing, Laser and Hair Removal.
- 3 days before peel, patient should avoid these products and/or procedures: Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, or any products containing retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids or betahydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide; any exfoliating products or procedures that may be drying or irritating.
- If you are prone to herpes simplex outbreaks, such as cold sores, consult your provider on ways to treat prior, or discuss whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
- If your face or treatment area has irritated skin (sunburn, open wounds, warts, sores, excessively sensitive skin) the day preceding your appointment, please contact our office before your appointment.
- Chemical peels are contraindicated in patients with a history of recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy; allergies to salicylates like aspirin, phenol or hydroquinone allergy; rashes, or skin reactions; vitiligo, autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis), liver condition, or any condition that may weaken their immune system;
- and pregnancy or breast feeding.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- You will be provided with a post peel kit and specific application instructions.
- You are encouraged to download and setup the VI Peel app, as it will provide you with reminders of what to do and when, and will supplement the written instructions provided with your post peel kit.
- Skin may be tight and more red than usual.
- The peel is self-neutralizing; do not wash off or apply any other products for at least 4 hours.
- Avoid use of topical products containing AHAs, Retinols, Vitamin A, or any type of exfoliant until the peeling process is complete.
- Strictly avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week. Apply VI Peel SPF 50+
- Avoid hot water, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise, or excessive perspiration beginning the day of the peel and throughout the entire peel.
- 24 hours after the peel, and until peeling is complete:
a) Skin may be tight until it starts to peel.
b) Peeling will generally begin 48 – 72 hours after the peel has been administered, and last for 2 – 5 days after the skin has started peeling.
c) DO NOT PICK OR PULL THE SKIN. Allow the skin to peel at its own pace. (Premature peeling of the skin may develop into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.)
- Some patients may experience extreme dryness after treatment. Continue use of post care products provided and/or recommended by your provider.
- Patients should wait until the peeling process has completed before having any other facial procedures, including: facials, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, hair removal, and cosmetic injections.
- Variations in amount of peeling: The degree of peeling may vary depending on the individual’s skin type and skin condition at the time of the peel. The success of the peel should not be determined by the amount of peeling, but by the end results that the peel will produce. Reasons why some patients experience decreased visible peeling: :
a) Receiving any peel, or this specific peel, for the first time.
b) Severe sun damage (increased visible peeling should develop with subsequent peels).
c) Having peels regularly with a short interval between peels.
d) Frequent users of Retin-A ® , alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or other peeling agents prior to the peel treatment.
Regardless of the degree of peeling, the skin is still sloughing off at an accelerated rate, which will result in the improvement of the skin.
BODY WAXING
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- DO exfoliate the waxing area 24-48 hours before your appointment. This will keep the skin soft and smoother and prevent ingrown hairs.
- DO stay out of the sun & tanning beds for 2 days before your treatment.
- DO bathe or shower on the day of your appointment to open up the follicles, allowing for easier hair removal.
- DO take 1-2 paracetamol (Tylenol) about 30 minutes before your appointment if you have never had a wax before or find the process painful.
- DON'T use any exfoliants for 2 days before your treatment.
- DON'T have spray tanning done within 1 week before your treatment.
- DON’T apply any deodorants, make-up, lotions, soaps, powders, perfumes or self-tanning products to the area to be waxed.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
For the first 24 hours after a waxing service, avoid the following to prevent irritating to the skin:
- No hot baths or showers (cool to lukewarm water only).
- No saunas, hot tubs, massage, or steam treatments.
- No tanning (sunbathing, sun beds, or fake tans).
- No sport, gym work, or other exercise.
- Avoid scratching or touching the treated area with unwashed hands.
- Wear clean, loose-fitting clothes.
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Do not apply deodorants, body sprays, powders, lotions, or other products to the area, other than those recommended by your therapist.
- Do not wear tight-fitted clothing that may cause friction to the waxed area.
After your waxing service, you may expect the area to be red, some may experience blood spots due to thicker, courser hair and the area may feel tender and tingle.