PDO Thread Lift and Smoothing
Pre-Care and Post-Care Instructions
Pre-Care Instructions
2 WEEKS BEFORE:
Avoid taking (unless medically necessary) aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, Motrin or supplements such as St. John’s Wart, Vitamin E, Fish oil/Omega 3/Flax Seed oil or Melatonin. These agents may increase bruising and bleeding risk. Tylenol Is acceptable. Please let me know If you are on any medication, such as blood thinners, that may increase your risk of bruising and/or bleeding.
Please notify me if you have a history of more than 3 facial cold sores a year, as there is a risk that this procedure could cause a recurrence. You can take Valtrex, 2 grams the night before your procedure and another 2 grams 12 hours after the procedure to prevent cold sores recurrence. If you need a prescription please let me know and I will call one in for you.
1 WEEK BEFORE:
Begin taking oral arnica capsules daily (find the highest potency) and Vitamin C 500 mg 3-4 times a day. These will help healing as well as protect your blood vessels and hopefully minimize the risk of bruising.
Avoid any topical skincare products that may irritate your skin such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or retinoic (retinols) acids. If you have any recent skin injection, active acne or cold sores in the treatment area, please call me immediately to reschedule your appointment.
1 DAY BEFORE:
You should still be taking your arnica and Vitamin C. Take your Valtrex if indicated.
DAY OF PROCEDURE:
Arrive at your appointment with a clean face and without makeup. Local anesthetic (lidocaine with epinephrine) will be used to maximize your comfort during the procedure. It is important to discuss any sensitivity or allergy to Lidocaine, Novocaine or Epinephrine with me prior to treatment.
***It is normal to experience some mild to moderate tenderness or aching sensation post procedure. You may take Tylenol or use cool gel packs as needed for comfort. You will be set home with a disposable cooling sheet mask to use for the remainder of the day. Use cooling packs-mask for the first day. You can use warm compression after the first day to promote faster healing. Expect some mild bruising, which will typically take 7-10 days to resolve.
Post-Care Instructions
ICE: Gently apply cold packs immediately after your treatment to help reduce swelling and bruising. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be taken in case of pain/tenderness. Avoid, if possible, aspirin and NSAIDs (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen) for 3 days post procedure.
ARNICA: Apply Arnica Gel immediately after your procedure as instructed. Continue to take oral Arnica for 5 days after treatment to help dissipate the swelling and bruising faster.
AVOID TOUCHING/PRESSURE/MASSAGE: *** Please avoid touching the area for 24 hours. Try to avoid direct pressure on your face such as sleeping“facedown”for 1week. No massage or treatment to the area for 1month. This is very important. If the appearance of a thread line changes after you go home,it is usually because the threads’ barbs have been disrupted by pressure or facial muscle use. Call me asap and send a photo of the area if you are concerned or have any questions. I can reset the barbs within 48 hours.
KEEP AREA“QUIET”: Avoid excessive facial movements such as laughing,yawning,smiling,chewing gum or other excessive facial movements for 2 weeks. This applies to areas treated on the body as well. Avoid strenuous exercise and high impact sports for 2 weeks. Avoid dental procedures for 3 weeks.
AVOID HOT TUBS/SAUNAS/FLOTATION TANKS/STEAM ROOMS/SWIMMING: for 3 weeks
WASHING AREA/MAKE-UP/TOPICALS: You may gently wash, shave, dry and/or apply makeup the next morning, but avoid aggressive scrubbing or rubbing for 1 week. Avoid topical skincare products that contain alcohol or acids for 3 days. Please review your skincare regimen with me prior to resuming.
ELEVATE HEAD FOR 3 NIGHTS: Keep head slightly elevated for 1-3 nights after your procedure. Using pillows on either side of your shoulders can help prevent turning onto your side unawares.
USE SUNBLOCK: Avoid direct sun exposure/UV light for 2 weeks. Sun exposure may increase your risk of hyperpigmentation and irritation to our treatment area. Apply sunblock of at least SPF 30+.
UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS: Please do not hesitate to report any worsening or persistent symptoms to our office. Watch for evidence of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, irritation, rash, fevers or drainage. If you develop a cold sore or fever blister, please notify me immediately.
SCHEDULE FOLLOW UP VISIT IN 2 WEEKS: I like to touch base soon after the procedure. We can schedule a follow up phone/video visit if needed 2 weeks from day of treatment to make sure the threads are in place and there are no complications. Please remember that the Thread Lift procedure may take several months to see full effect. Depending on the degree of skin laxity, you may require more treatments. Keep in mind, best results are seen with a combination approach of threads and other modalities.
ANTI-AGING THERAPIES: These treatments can be done immediately prior to your Thread Lift procedure, but must wait if performed afterwards.
Avoid injections near the threads and medical microneedling for 2 weeks following your procedure.
Avoid lasers and light based heat for 1 month following your procedure.
Avoid Radio-Frequency treatment for 3 months following your procedure
Avoid CO2 laser resurfacing for 6 months following procedure.
Avoid facials and massage to the area for 1 month following procedure.
Following these instructions will not only avoid unwanted complications, but will help to prolong the longevity of your treatment and the overall results.
Martha Carey-Lee FNP
Fight Club NP
602-920-3317
martha@fightclubshutdown.com