Tweaking WITH CARE
Top practitioners reveal what not to do after cosmetic treatments
Thinking about getting a little “tweakment” done now restrictions have lifted? Here’s everything you need to know about what may or may not come afterwards...
After Botox
This wrinkle-relaxing treatment requires little to no downtime, but there are a few things to consider immediately after having your treatment.
To avoid bruising at the injection sites, stay away from anything that induces heat in the skin – such as saunas, intense exercise and excess alcohol – for the rest of the day.
“Side effects of Botox are exacerbated with any aerobic exercise,” explains master cosmetic injector Matty Samaei, owner of The Medispa by Matty in Sydney. “As your blood pressure rises, so does the chance for swelling, redness and bruising.”
Theoretically, there’s also a chance that in the first few hours after treatment, you could move the muscle relaxant into another area. “Avoid strong rubbing or massaging facials in the area for four hours,” says Matty.
You don’t have to be completely hands off, though. Matty advises it’s fine to touch the area and put on concealer to cover spots from the injection sites if needed. Then, after 24 hours you’ll also be able to have other treatments, such as a facial or peel.
If you’re intending to have your brows shaped or tattooed, Matty advises leaving it for a couple of weeks after the Botox. “Wait until the treatment has
fully settled, because your brows could potentially lift once you’ve had Botox.” Noted!
After laser hair removal
Always avoid heat sources such as exercise, hot showers and the sun for at least 24 hours after a laser hair removal session.
“The skin can hold heat for up to one to three days post-treatment, so best to avoid adding more,” explain the Clear Skincare Clinics Australia.
There should be no waxing, plucking or tweezing in between your treatments. “We need the hair follicle to be present in the skin for the laser to be attracted to it,” states the Clear Skincare Clinics Australia. “However, you can continue to shave between appointments.”
It’s also time to embrace your natural skin tone – no faux or sun tanning. “Laser hair removal works by focusing high laser energy through the skin to the base of the hair follicle. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment in each hair follicle, causing them to progressively damage so the hair can no longer grow. If you have a tan, the laser can be distracted by the pigment on the skin instead of in the follicle.”
After injectable fillers
Immediately after having filler injected, avoid touching the area.
“No massaging, rubbing, excessive itching or waxing. Filler can move and you don’t want that,” warns Matty.
Be aware of other ways you could potentially transfer bugs, too. “Don’t apply makeup with fingers or old brushes, as you don’t want bacteria anywhere near the injection site,” adds Matty.
As with most treatments of this nature, it’s wise to skip activities that might work up a sweat, along with anything that can exacerbate trauma to the skin.
“Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen or fish oils before and just after treatment, as these are blood thinners that can increase bruising or bleeding,” says Matty.
In bed, elevate your head slightly to avoid swelling, and if you’ve had filler in your mid-face area, try to sleep on your back for three days. If you’re prone to cold sores, Matty recommends taking an over-the-counter prevention treatment tablet before, or just after, any lip filler treatment to prevent an outbreak.
“We recommend two to four weeks, preferably four, before getting any facials, laser or peels, so your filler has time to settle and be absorbed by the skin,” she says.
After fractional CO2 laser
Keep your skin cool and away from excess dust for a couple of days.
“Think cool compresses, lukewarm showers and sleeping with an extra pillow the first night,” says Sylvia Down from Skin Renu in Balmain. “It’s also important to not put active ingredients on your skin for a week, as they can sting and cause reactions such as rashes or itching.” It’s also essential to stay indoors afterwards. “Newly resurfaced skin is susceptible to UV damage,” Sylvia explains. “I recommend a soothing SPF daily to protect.”