Pre and Post Procedure Care — Your Complete Guide

Last updated: 5 March 2026

The success of any aesthetic procedure — whether surgical or non-surgical — depends not only on the skill of your practitioner but also on how well you prepare beforehand and care for yourself afterwards. Proper pre- and post-procedure care can significantly improve your results, reduce the risk of complications, speed up recovery, and maximise the longevity of your treatment. At Axiom Aesthetics, we provide every patient with comprehensive care instructions tailored to their specific procedure. This guide covers the essential principles that apply to most aesthetic treatments.

Pre-Procedure Preparation: General Guidelines

Regardless of the specific treatment you are having, the following preparation steps will help optimise your experience and results:

Two to Four Weeks Before

• Stop smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin and impairing the body’s ability to heal. For surgical procedures, smoking increases the risk of wound complications, infection, and poor scarring. Ideally, stop smoking at least 4 weeks before any surgical procedure and 2 weeks before non-surgical treatments.
• Review your medications: Inform your practitioner about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking. Certain substances increase bleeding risk and should be discontinued before treatment (with your doctor’s approval).
• Avoid blood-thinning agents: Unless medically essential, stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen), naproxen, and supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, omega-3, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and St John’s wort at least 7-10 days before your procedure. These increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
• Limit alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption in the week before your procedure, and avoid it completely for 48 hours beforehand. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases bruising risk.
• Optimise your nutrition: A diet rich in protein, vitamins A and C, zinc, and iron supports wound healing. Consider increasing your intake of lean meats, fish, eggs, citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds in the weeks before your procedure.
• Stay hydrated: Well-hydrated skin heals better and responds more favourably to treatments. Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily.

The Day Before

• Prepare your recovery space: Stock up on any supplies recommended by your practitioner — ice packs, arnica cream or tablets, gentle cleansers, and any prescribed medications. For surgical procedures, prepare a comfortable recovery area with extra pillows, entertainment, and easy-to-eat foods.
• Arrange support: For surgical procedures, ensure someone is available to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Even for non-surgical treatments, it can be helpful to have a quiet evening planned afterwards.
• Get a good night’s sleep: Rest is essential for optimal healing. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and create a calm, relaxing environment for sleep.
• Wash your face and treatment area: Arrive with clean skin, free from makeup, moisturisers, or sunscreen. This reduces the risk of infection and ensures your practitioner can work on a clean surface.

The Day of Your Procedure

• Eat a light meal: Unless you have been instructed to fast (for procedures under general anaesthesia), eat a balanced, light meal 2-3 hours before your appointment. Low blood sugar can increase the risk of feeling faint during treatment.
• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off without pulling over your face (button-front or zip-up tops are ideal for facial procedures).
• Arrive with a clean face: No makeup, serums, or active skincare products on the treatment area.
• Stay calm: It is completely normal to feel nervous. If anxiety is a concern, discuss this with your practitioner — they may offer a mild oral sedative or other comfort measures.

Post-Procedure Care: Non-Surgical Treatments

After Injectable Treatments (Botox and Fillers)

First 24 hours:

• Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area (unless specifically instructed by your practitioner)
• Remain upright for at least 4 hours after treatment — do not lie down or bend forward
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths
• Skip alcohol for 24 hours
• Apply a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) to reduce swelling — 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
• Take paracetamol for any discomfort; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen

First week:

• Some swelling, redness, and bruising is normal and will subside within 3-7 days
• Arnica cream or tablets can help minimise bruising
• Avoid dental treatments for 2 weeks after lip or lower face filler
• Avoid facials, chemical peels, and laser treatments for at least 2 weeks
• Do not wear heavy glasses on your nose for 2 weeks after nose filler
• Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights

After Laser and Energy-Based Treatments

Immediately after:

• Your skin may be red, warm, and slightly swollen — similar to a sunburn
• Apply cooling products as recommended by your practitioner (aloe vera, thermal water spray)
• Avoid direct sun exposure completely

First week:

• Apply prescribed healing ointments or balms as directed
• Do not pick, scratch, or peel any flaking skin — let it shed naturally
• Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers
• Avoid all active skincare ingredients (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) until cleared by your practitioner
• Apply SPF 50 sunscreen religiously once your skin has healed enough to tolerate it
• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas

Post-Procedure Care: Surgical Treatments

The First 48 Hours

The initial recovery period is the most critical. During this time:

• Rest is paramount — your body needs energy to heal
• Keep your head elevated (even while sleeping) to reduce swelling
• Take prescribed medications on schedule, including antibiotics if provided
• Apply ice packs as directed (usually 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
• Eat light, nutritious meals even if your appetite is reduced
• Stay hydrated — aim for 2-3 litres of water daily
• Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions while on pain medication
• Have someone with you at all times during the first 24 hours

The First Two Weeks

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments — they are essential for monitoring your healing
• Wear compression garments as directed (typically 23 hours per day for body contouring procedures)
• Take gentle short walks to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg
• Sleep on your back in an elevated position
• Do not submerge wounds in water (baths, swimming pools) — brief showers are usually permitted after 48 hours
• Avoid direct sun exposure to healing incisions
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol

Weeks 2-6

• Gradually increase activity levels as advised by your surgeon
• Continue wearing compression garments if instructed
• Begin scar management (silicone sheets, scar massage) once incisions have fully closed
• Resume light exercise at 3-4 weeks; full exercise at 6 weeks (with surgeon approval)
• Continue to protect healing skin from UV exposure

“I always tell my patients that the procedure is fifty percent of the result — the other fifty percent is how well you care for yourself before and after. The patients who follow their aftercare instructions diligently consistently achieve the best outcomes.” — Dr. Marcus Chen, Consultant Surgeon

Optimising Your Long-Term Results

Once you have fully recovered, the following habits will help maintain and extend your results:

• Sun protection: Daily SPF 30-50 is non-negotiable. UV damage undoes the benefits of virtually every aesthetic treatment.
• Consistent skincare: Maintain a routine with evidence-based active ingredients (retinoid, vitamin C, SPF, hyaluronic acid).
• Healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management all contribute to skin health and longevity of results.
• Maintenance treatments: Most aesthetic treatments benefit from periodic maintenance. Discuss an ongoing treatment plan with your practitioner.
• Weight stability: Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of both surgical and non-surgical body contouring.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking accelerates ageing and undermines the results of aesthetic treatments.

When to Seek Help

While most recovery processes are smooth and uneventful, it is important to know the warning signs that require prompt attention:

• Excessive or worsening pain not controlled by prescribed medication
• Fever above 38°C
• Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the treatment area (signs of infection)
• Discharge or pus from incisions or injection sites
• Skin colour changes — white or blue discolouration near a filler injection site (may indicate vascular compromise — seek immediate medical attention)
• Visual changes after facial filler (seek emergency medical attention immediately)
• Severe or sudden headache after any facial procedure
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or calf swelling after surgical procedures (may indicate a blood clot)

At Axiom Aesthetics, our clinical team is available to our patients throughout their recovery. We would always rather hear from a patient with a concern that turns out to be nothing than miss an issue that needs attention. Your safety and peace of mind are our absolute priority.

Planning a procedure? Book your consultation at Axiom Aesthetics, and we will ensure you are fully prepared for every stage of your treatment journey.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Chen Medical Director & Aesthetic Physician GMC: 6234891

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.

Written by Ian Duncan