North Medical Spa offers a wide range of targeted, expert treatments. Please review the pre and post care instructions before your appointment to properly prepare for your treatments.
If you have any questions, give us a call.
PLEASE NOTE: Do not take NSAID’s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-inflammatories or drink alcohol the day before any injectable treatment. This is to ensure that you don’t experience any excessive bleeding or bruising during or after your treatment.
1 week before treatment: AVOID blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. Also avoid herbal supplements, such as Garlic, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 capsules. 3 days before treatment: AVOID topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, or other “anti-aging” products. Also AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated. Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising. Inform your provider if you have a history of Perioral Herpes to receive advice on antiviral therapy before treatment. Do not use BOTOX/ Xeomin™ if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or suffer from any neurological disorders. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this before the treatment.
We will be removing all your makeup from your face. Please ensure you bring extra make-up for touch-ups following your treatment if you wish. You may experience a mild amount of tenderness or a stinging sensation following injection. Redness and swelling are normal. Some bruising may also be visible in the treated areas. You may experience some tenderness at the treatment site(s) that can last for a few hours or a few days.
It is best to try to exercise your treated muscles for 1-2 hours after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising your eyebrows, and squinting). This helps to work BOTOX® into your muscles. Stay in a vertical position for four hours following injection. Don’t rest your head or lie down; sit upright. You may apply an ice or cold gel pack to the area(s) treated (avoiding pressure) as this helps reduce swelling and the potential for bruising. Once you have adequately cooled/iced the area(s) as instructed and any pinpoint bleeding from the injection site(s) has subsided, you may begin wearing makeup. Avoid placing excessive pressure on the treated area(s) for the first few days; when cleansing your face or applying makeup, be very gentle. Avoid exercise or strenuous activities for the remainder of the treatment day; you may resume other normal activities/routines immediately. You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness or discomfort. Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Be sure to apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Wait for a minimum of 24 hours (or as directed by your provider) before receiving any skin care or laser treatments. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Inform your provider if you have a history of Perioral Herpes to receive advice on antiviral therapy before treatment.
Avoid dental work (including standard teeth cleaning) at least two weeks before treatment and one month following treatment. Avoid oral surgery at least four weeks before treatment and one month following treatment.
7 Days Before Treatment:
To prevent bruising: Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. Also avoid herbal supplements, such as Garlic, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 capsules. Please note: If you have a cardiovascular history, please check with your doctor before stopping the use of Aspirin.
3 Days Before Treatment:
Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, or any “anti-aging” products. Also avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before (or after) your treatment to avoid extra bruising.
Do not use Dermal Fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or suffer from any neurological disorders. Please inform your provider if you have any questions about this before the treatment.
Day of Treatment
We will be removing all makeup from your face. Please ensure you bring your make-up for touch-ups post-treatment.
To maximize your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic may be applied. In some cases, a local numbing medication will be injected into or around the area(s) to be treated.
You may experience a mild amount of tenderness or a stinging sensation following injection.
To ensure a smooth and even correction, your provider may massage the area(s) treated, which may cause a temporary, minimal amount of redness to your skin.
Immediately After Treatment
Redness and swelling are normal. Bruising may also be visible. You may experience some tenderness at the treatment site(s) that can last for a few hours or a few days.
Depending upon the area(s) treated and product(s) used, you may feel “firmness” in the treated area(s) for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Over time, the area(s) will soften and “settle.”
Post-Treatment Instructions
Apply an ice or cold gel pack to the area(s) treated (avoiding pressure) as this helps reduce swelling and the potential for bruising.
Once you have adequately cooled/iced the area(s) as instructed and any pinpoint bleeding from the injection site(s) has subsided, you may begin wearing makeup.
Avoid placing excessive pressure on the treated area(s) for the first few hours and up to 2 to 3 days; when cleansing your face or applying makeup, be very gentle.
Avoid exercise or strenuous activities for the remainder of the treatment day; you may resume other normal activities/routines immediately.
You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness or discomfort.
Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness/swelling has subsided. Be sure to apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
Wait for a minimum of four weeks (or as directed by your provider) before receiving any skin care or laser treatments.
Any bruising will fade in 5 to 14 days.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Before your Forma treatment:
Please reveal any medical conditions that may be of significance to the procedure—such as pregnancy, cold sore or fever blister tendencies, any type of allergy, recent facial peels or surgery, or any type of medication such as Accutane, or use of Retin-A.
After your Forma treatment:
There is virtually no downtime after this non-invasive and gentle treatment. You can return to normal activities immediately.
Before your Morpheus8 treatment:
Please reveal any medical conditions that may be of significance to the procedure—such as pregnancy, cold sore or fever blister tendencies, any type of allergy, recent facial peels or surgery, or any type of medication such as Accutane, or use of Retin-A.
After your Morpheus8 treatment:
You may return to normal daily activities. The minimal amount of swelling and bruising that is associated with the procedure is easily controlled using ice packs. You may feel that your face is a bit tight after their procedure. This will dissipate within a few days.
While there is little to do before your appointment, we do require a pre-treatment consultation so we can create your personalized treatment plan for optimal skin health, and address all pre and post- care instructions prior to booking.
We strongly recommend the following to ensure the best results and avoid any disruptions to your personalized treatment plan:
Talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe to stop taking any prescribed medications that cause photosensitivity/extreme sensitivity to UV light (some anxiety, depression medications).
Inform your North Aesthetician if you have been prescribed Accutane in the last 6 months.
If you have frequent cold sores or fever blisters, it is recommended to take an antiviral for at least 5 days before your treatment as laser light (like sunlight) may cause a cold sore or fever blister.
There is virtually no downtime after this non-invasive and gentle treatment. In most cases you are able to apply makeup, return to work, and resume most of your daily activities. You may feel slight burning, redness and warmth (similar to a sunburn) . This is normal and should only last a few hours, but can continue for a couple of days. You can apply a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time to help with this.
For at least 48 hrs following BBL treatment, avoid anything that causes sweating or flushing. This includes exercise, hot temperatures, and saunas.
After BBL treatment, it is recommended to avoid exfoliants, topical acne treatments, and scented skin care products.
Some clients will notice facial swelling the following day, particularly around the eyes. This is normal and usually resolves within 3-5 days.
Refrain from consuming alcohol and spicy foods for at least 24 hours.
You can expect to see noticeable changes to your skin within a few days. Blemishes and blood vessels will usually clear up within a few weeks.
Within 2 weeks of your first treatment your skin may feel smoother, appear more even and bright.
You may see fewer discolourations, fine lines and pores.
Skincare Recommendations:
CLEANSING:
Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands in a gentle patting motion. DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or skin care brush such as a Clarisonic on the treated area.
MOISTURIZER:
Moisturizer should be applied generously with clean hands over the treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. DO NOT apply any other products that were not instructed by your practitioner - eg. essential oils, coconut oil, etc.
SUNSCREEN:
Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily beginning the day after treatment and used consistently for up to 3 months post procedure. Use a physical sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 30. Ensure to reapply during sun exposure.
Tips & Tricks:
Watch Outs:
Warning:
While there is little to do before your appointment, we suggest the following to ensure the best results:
Talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe to stop taking any prescribed medications that cause photosensitivity (extreme sensitivity to UV light).
If you have frequent cold sores or fever blisters, it is recommended to take an antiviral for at least 5 days before your treatment as laser light (like sunlight) may cause a cold sore or fever blister.
You may experience some redness and swelling in the treated area following the procedure, but this should disappear within a few days. You will likely see some improvement in the appearance of your skin immediately after the treatment, with further improvement over the next few months, especially when follow-up appointments are booked.
After having a BBL HERO appointment, you can expect to enjoy regular social activities immediately. There is no heavy or time-intensive post-care required. You may have slight redness and swelling for a day or two, but this is entirely normal and will dissipate quickly.
Sunscreen and sun avoidance is key. Your skin may feel tender like a sunburn. Follow your practitioner's advice on caring for your skin.
Your body’s natural healing process will go to work, replacing the damaged cells with the new fresh cells in the days to weeks following your treatment.
Skincare Recommendations:
CLEANSING:
Cleanse the skin with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands and gentle patting motions. DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or skin care brush such as a Clarisonic on the treated area.
MOISTURIZER:
Moisturizer should be applied generously with clean hands over the treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. DO NOT apply any other products that were not instructed by your practitioner - eg. essential oils, coconut oil, etc.
SUNSCREEN:
Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily beginning the day after treatment and used consistently for up to 3 months post-procedure. Use a physical sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 30. Ensure to reapply during sun exposure.
While there is little to do before your appointment, we do require a pre-treatment consultation so we can address all pre and post- care instructions prior to booking.
we strongly recommend the following to ensure the best results and avoid any disruptions to your treatment plan:
We require a pre-treatment consultation so we can address all pre and post- care instructions prior to booking. We ask that your sun exposure is kept at a minimum pre and post-treatment.
These post care instructions are intended to guide you through the post treatment process and get you on your way to gorgeous skin!
The treated area may be extremely warm for 1-2 hours after the treatment. Warmth may continue for 12-24 hours after the treatment.
Cold compresses may provide comfort during this time. Also, a mineral water spray can provide some relief and much needed moisture to the skin.
Redness is normal and expected. Redness generally increases in intensity for the first few days after treatment. Typically day 3 is the most intense. Redness can persist for up to 7 days depending on the intensity treatment and will dissipate shortly thereafter.
MENDs (microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) can appear during the initial days after treatment as tiny dark spots and a bronzed appearance to the treated skin.
MENDs are part of the healing process where treated tissue is working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated. During this time, your skin will be very dry and feel like sandpaper before flaking and peeling off. Keep your skin well moisturized to support the healing process. Do not pick at your skin.
Swelling is common and expected immediately after treatment.
Use of a cold compress will help to relieve the swelling. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep in an upright position the first 2-3 nights after the treatment. The first morning post treatment is when swelling is more prevalent, especially under the eyes. Swelling may last 2-4 days.
Skincare Recommendations:
CLEANSING:
Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands and gentle patting motions. DO NOT rub, scrub, use an exfoliant or skin care brush such as a Clarisonic on the treated area.
MOISTURIZER:
Moisturizer should be applied generously with clean hands over the treated area and reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. DO NOT apply any other products that were not instructed by your practitioner - eg. essential oils, coconut oil, etc.
SUNSCREEN:
Sunscreen is a MUST and should be used daily beginning the day after treatment and used consistently for up to 3 months post procedure. Use a physical sunscreen with Broadband UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 30. Ensure to reapply during sun exposure.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
Belkyra™ should not be administered if you are pregnant, nursing, trying to get pregnant, have experienced hypersensitivity in the past, if you have severe allergies, and should not be used in areas of active inflammation or infection (cysts, pimples, rash). You should not get this procedure if you currently have or have a history of nerve damage, facial paralysis, facial movement issues, difficulty swallowing, bleeding problems, and prior or planned surgery, cosmetic treatments or medical conditions on or near my face, neck or chin. These conditions may be contraindications to receiving the treatment.
Notify your North Medical Practitioner if you have had major dental work (excluding routine cleanings) 2 weeks before/after proposed injection procedure or if you have had any recent procedure (cosmetic, surgery, laser, or other) or any recent illness. If you are a male, you should come clean shaven (neck) to the treatment.
Post-Care Instructions:
Redness/swelling is normal for a few days to a week. Real results can be expected at four weeks (after all swelling has resolved).
Swelling is usually significant in the first couple of days to a week. Patients report looking like a “bullfrog” with a lot of fluid in the skin under the chin. This is normal.
Numbness is common for the first few weeks to a month. Discomfort and tenderness to the touch are also common in that time frame.
Do not rub the area treated. Do not massage the area.
Gently clean the area twice daily with mild soap.
Avoid irritants (glycolic, acid, retinoids, etc.) until all redness/swelling resolves.
You may apply cool compresses/ice for 15 minutes/hour for comfort and to reduce swelling.
Make-up may be used as long as the skin is not broken or irritated.
Avoid use of aspirin, St. John’s Wort, and high doses of vitamin E for one week. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) can be safely taken for discomfort.
Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
Try to sleep upright, not on your side for the first 48 hours to take the pressure off your neck.
Do not have major dental work (excluding routine cleanings) for two weeks after the proposed injection procedure.
You should immediately notify us if you have any questions or concerns, or see any signs of problems (severe or extended: pain, redness, swelling, bruising, lumpiness, a sign of infection, blood supply compromise, trouble swallowing, uneven smile or trouble with moving the mouth/chin, or other). Signs of blood supply compromise include blanching or whitening/darkening/blackening of the skin, any discoloration, pain, or skin break/sloughing.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
Discontinue use of Isotretinoin for 6months (Sotret, Claravis, Amnesteem, and Accutane).
Discontinue use of topical prescriptive medications for 48hrs (Retin-A, Tazorac, Dierin, EpiDuo, Ziana).
Refrain from any exfoliating treatment(s) (glycolic, enzymes) to the area of treatment for 48 hrs.
Refrain from any Medium/Deep chemical resurfacing and laser treatments for 1 month.
Refrain from waxing and use of depilatories for 48hrs.
Discontinue use of OTC acne medications (Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic) for 48hrs.
If you are prone to cold sores, Hydrafacial may cause a breakout; ask your doctor for a prophylactic treatment such as Valtrex. Please use medication two days before, during and two days after.
Avoid sun tanning or tanning creams/sprays for at least 72hrs.
Post injections (Dysport, Juvederm) wait at least two weeks. Botox at least five days.
For Gentlemen’s Hydrafacial treatment shaving is not recommended on the day of treatment. If you choose to shave, please shave at least 3-4 hours before your treatment.
The day of your appointment a full consultation will be provided. If you have any special health considerations, allergies, pregnant, etc., be sure to notify us when you make your appointment.
After Your Treatment:
Avoid sunbathing for at least 48hrs, (although, we recommend this indefinitely) to prevent UV rays from damaging your skin which slows down the benefits of Hydrafacial. Patients who absolutely cannot avoid sun exposure should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to maintain your improved skin.
Injections can be resumed in 24hrs.
Waxing and depilatories can be resumed in 48hrs.
Avoid heat (hot showers, sauna, and intense cardio) for 24hrs.
Makeup can be applied post-treatment. For best results leave the face clear until the following morning.
Topical prescriptive medications can be resumed in 48hrs.
OTC acne medications may be resumed in 48hrs.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
Avoid sun exposure before treatment. Sunburned skin cannot be treated.
If you have a history of perioral herpes, advise office so you may begin prophylactic antiviral therapy the day before treatment.
Schedule this treatment at a time when minor swelling or peeling will not disrupt your social obligations.
3 Days Before Treatment:
Do not bleach, wax, tweeze or use depilatory creams in the treatment area.
Discontinue use of retinoid (Retin A, Tazorac, Differin, etc.) and Hydroquinone products.
Discontinue use of 10% or higher Alpha Hydroxyl Acids, Glycolic Acids, and exfoliants.
Day of Treatment Instructions:
Do not apply lotions, creams, makeup or deodorant in the area to be treated.
Arrive with clean washed skin.
Inform provider of any changes in medical history and of all medications you are taking.
Post- Treatment Instructions:
Redness might be present (and last up to several hours) after the peel.
Use Tylenol only as needed for any soreness.
Swelling might occur after treatment for 3-5 days.
Peeling will start 3-5 days after the peel. Do not pick or scratch treated skin but instead keep moisturized.
Eat fresh pineapple to optimize healing.
Avoid strenuous exercise or sweating for 24 hours.
Treat skin gently washing with a gentle cleanser, cool water, using hands only and pat dry no earlier than.
4 hours After Chemical Peel
May use cool compress after 4 hours if excessive discomfort, burning, redness, or swelling.
Follow post peel instruction sheet with products if included in the peel.
Avoid sun exposure if possible and use a minimum of SPF 30 daily and every 2 hours if outdoors.
Please note: Everyone is different and your results and recovery time may vary from person to person. If you have any questions or concerns following your treatment, please let us know.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
Avoidance of Accutane for six months before treatment.
Avoid retinoids, topical antibiotics, exfoliants, hydroquinone, sunburn, and benzoyl peroxide three days before the procedure.
Use of recommended skin care system for preconditioning for 4-6 weeks for optimal results.
Avoidance of IPL/Laser procedures for seven days prior to treatment.
No waxing, depilatory creams or electrolysis 5-7 days before the treatment.
If the use of a peel was recommended in conjunction with the microneedling, no topical agents that may increase skin sensitivity, reaction to the peel, or dryness 3-4 days before the peel (topical retinoid or hydroquinone products). No acids or defoliants that may be drying or irritating to the skin (such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) beta hydroxy acids (BHA), exfoliating masks, hydroquinone, or benzoyl peroxide acne products). If no peel has been recommended, avoid mentioned ingredients for 24 hours.
No shaving the day of the procedure.
There can not be any significant changes in the skin recently reported including the breakdown of the skin or excessive dryness or sunburn.
Skin is clean without lotion, oil, makeup, deodorant, powder, perfume or sunscreen.
If there is a history of cold sores, an antiviral agent should be taken for two days prior to and day of treatment.
The patient cannot be treated if the following is presented: active cold sores, herpes simplex, or warts in the area to be treated, open sores, sunburned, or excessively sensitive skin within the application area, pregnancy, dermatitis or inflammatory rosacea within the application area.
Day of Treatment Instructions:
Omit lotions, creams, make-up or deodorant in the area to be treated
Arrive with clean washed skin.
Inform provider of any changes in medical history and of all medications you are taking.
Post- Treatment Instructions
Immediately after your Medical Micro-Needling procedure, your health care provider may apply moisturizer and sunscreen topically.
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.
Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When exposed to the sun, always use sunscreen SPF30 or above. You may clean your face with a gentle cleanser before bed.
Redness or sensitivity might be present (and last up to a few days) after microneedling.
Use Tylenol only as needed for any soreness.
Avoid strenuous exercise or sweating for 24 hours due to open pores.
Treat skin gently washing with a gentle cleanser, cool water, using hands only and pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after microneedling.
Avoid sun exposure for three days and if possible ten days. Apply a minimum of SPF 30 every 2 hours.
May use mineral makeup after 24 hours.
Restart regular skin care regimen in 48 hours and retinol/retinoid in 72 hours.
Recommend follow up and repeat treatments in 4 weeks and for best results a series of 3 – 5 treatments.
Day 1:
On the next day, you may clean your face as usual and apply makeup, lotions and other topical products as usual. Stay away from exfoliants or glycolic acids that are present is cleaners as these can make your skin very dry after the procedure. Be sure to use an approved SPF30 or greater sunscreen!
Days 2-7:
Within two (2) days following your Medical Microneedling procedure, you may notice skin dryness and flaking. This is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. During this period, you may apply your regular skin moisturizer. Follow the instructions given to you by your medical professional. If your medical professional used the roller around the eyes, you may have a little micro bruising that may exist for three or four days. This can easily be covered with makeup. Days later, your skin will start shedding. These are skin layers that would regularly shed a week later, but the Microneedling brings this skin to the surface sooner. During this temporary process, your skin will shed and be dry. You may use your regular skin care products once your skin is not irritated.
Days 7+:
A week after the Medical Microneedling procedure, most patients notice that their skin is smoother and more radiant. Continue with sun protection every day and reapply every 2 hours if outdoors.
What You Should Know Before Your Treatment:
Avoid active sunshine at least 2 weeks before the procedures, or use sun-screen creams with SPF values higher than 25–30; do not use any self-tanning creams.
Do not use plucking or waxing 1 month before the procedure. All other hair removal methods when the hair root is preserved, e.g. shaving and cutting, are permissible.
Do not apply to the skin any irritating compounds such as glycolic acid or retinoids 1 week before the procedures.
The procedures have the highest effect in case of light skin and darker hair. In case of darker skin, skin-bleaching products can be prescribed 4-6 weeks before the procedure.
In case of perioral viral herpes, antiviral therapy will be prescribed if the procedure is to be performed in the facial area.
The procedure will not be performed if you are pregnant. Nursing mothers are allowed to undergo the procedure.
After Your Treatment:
After treatment, the skin may immediately be red, and the hair follicles where the surface has been treated may be raised or bumpy. Very few patients experience any itching, redness, or bumps. This is normal and the swelling and bumps should disappear within hours of treatment.
Sun exposure after treatment can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, so we recommend sun avoidance and the use of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. Written post-treatment guidelines will be provided after your treatment.