Boost Your Results: What to Do Before and After Aesthetic Treatments

3 Key Takeaways

1. Preparation is key – Doing your research, pausing actives, and protecting your skin before your treatment can help reduce risks and enhance results.
2. Aftercare matters – Following post-treatment instructions, avoiding heat/sun, and supporting healing from within can make a big difference in your recovery and outcome.
3. Long-term success needs consistency – Maintaining a skincare routine, attending maintenance sessions, and staying in touch with your provider help maintain your results and glow.

When skincare products no longer address what you’re most self-conscious about, aesthetic treatments are worth considering. And because they cost a lot more, it’s only natural to want great results. While the treatment itself and your provider’s expertise matter a lot, preparation and aftercare often have just as much (if not more) impact than you might realize.

The question is: What should I do before and after my aesthetic treatment? Keep reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore shares a mini guide to help you get the most out of your treatments, from prepping your skin to maintaining your glow long after your session.

Before Your Aesthetic Treatment: How to Prepare

1. Do your research

Once you’ve identified what you’d like to improve or achieve, take the time to do thorough research. Understanding your options will help you make an informed and confident decision. Important areas to explore include:

• Potential risks and recovery time
• Treatment costs
• Clinic options and safety standards
• Clinic and provider reviews
• Qualifications and experience of your provider

2. Book a Consultation

After narrowing down your options and finding reputable clinics, the next step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified provider.

At Cutis, our aesthetic doctors in Singapore will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the right treatment options for your unique concerns. We also create a personalized treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.

3. Minimize/avoid sun exposure

Avoid direct sunlight and always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 daily for at least two weeks before your appointment. Tanned or sunburned skin increases the risk of irritation or complications. It is, however, important to prioritize sun protection whether or not you’re considering skin treatments. 

4. Pause active ingredients

Stop using retinoids, exfoliating acids (e.g., glycolic, salicylic), and vitamin C serums 3 to 5 days before, unless otherwise instructed by your aesthetic doctor. These ingredients can make your skin more reactive, increasing the risk of complications during procedures like lasers, microneedling, and injectables. 

5. Disclose medications and health conditions

Always inform your provider about any medications, supplements, or health issues. Certain medications may need to be stopped for a week or more to minimize the risk of complications like bruising. 

6. Hydrate and eat well

Well-hydrated, nourished skin allows for efficient healing, which translates to better results. Make sure to drink lots of water and eat healthy in the days leading up to your procedure.

7. Plan for recovery time

Some treatments may involve downtime, including redness, flaking, swelling, or bruising. Certain procedures also take time to show full results. Plan your schedule accordingly and avoid planning big events immediately (before or) after your treatment.

What to Expect and Do After Your Aesthetic Treatment

1. Follow all aftercare instructions 

To promote healing and minimize complications, follow all your post-treatment care directions. These may include cleansing the area gently, avoiding touching or massaging the treated area, or contacting your provider immediately for any unusual skin reactions. 

2. Be gentle with your skin

Use mild cleansers and pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it. You should also avoid harsh products or active ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids while your skin is healing. Make sure not to pick at flaking or peeling areas and use soothing (or recommended) moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. 

3. Avoid heat and sun

Heat can increase swelling, slow healing, and cause hyperpigmentation. And as the skin is more sensitive post-treatment, avoid direct heat and sun exposure. Stay indoors and use physical sun protection (hats, sunglasses), and skip hot showers, saunas, or intense workouts for a few days.

4. Hold off on makeup

Allow your skin to recover before applying makeup. The general recommendation is to wait at least 24 to 48 hours, but intensive treatments may require 48 to 72 hours. It is also a good idea to give your body an extra day to heal if you receive multiple injections or notice redness or swelling that does not go away. 

5. Support healing from within

Healthy, glowing skin starts from the inside out. After your treatment, it’s important to support your body’s natural healing process. Here are some key tips:

• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these habits slow healing and affect skin quality.
• Be gentle with your skin; use mild, soothing products and avoid picking or touching treated areas.
• Protect your skin from sun exposure by applying SPF 30 or higher daily and practicing other sun protection measures.
• Get enough rest or about 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Long-term habits for lasting results

1. Maintain a consistent skincare routine

Once your skin has healed, stick to a daily regimen with SPF, antioxidants, and gentle hydration. This will help maintain your results and protect against future damage.

2. Book maintenance sessions

Treatments like botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, or lasers work best with periodic maintenance. Follow your provider’s recommendations to maintain your results and keep your skin looking refreshed and youthful. 

3. Stay in touch with your provider

If you notice unusual redness, swelling, or delayed healing, contact your provider immediately. Early intervention helps avoid complications and ensures optimal results.

What to expect from the most common aesthetic treatments 

Botulinum toxin

• Smooths dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet, angry 11s, and forehead lines
• Results appear within 1 to 2 weeks
• Effects last 3 to 4 months

Dermal fillers

• Add/restore volume to lips, cheeks, and reduce static lines
• Immediate visible results
• Lasts 6 months to over a year, depending on the type of filler

Laser skin rejuvenation

• Improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, redness, and minor scarring
• Requires 3-6 sessions for optimal results
• Maintenance needed annually to sustain benefits

Skin boosters

• Deeply hydrate and improve skin elasticity from within
• Gradual improvement for a plumper, glowing complexion
• Effects last several months, fading naturally over time

Ultherapy PRIME

• Lifts and tightens loose skin around the jawline, neck, and décolletage
• Full results develop over 2 to 3 months as collagen rebuilds
• Results last 12 to 18 months, with recommended annual touch-ups

Ready to get the most from your aesthetic treatments?

Preparation, aftercare, and consistent habits are the key to beautiful, lasting results. If you’re considering aesthetic treatments or have questions about our skincare solutions, book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.