A Patient Guide from Nervana Medical
Preparing properly before your injectable appointment helps minimize bruising, swelling, and complications and ultimately helps you get the best possible results. Here’s a simple guide so you know exactly what to do before your visit.
Medications & Supplements to Pause
About one week before treatment, certain medications and supplements can increase bruising risk. Unless prescribed by your physician (never stop prescribed medications without guidance), consider avoiding:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen
- Fish oil or omega-3 supplements
- Vitamin E
- Herbal supplements like ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, or St. John’s wort
If you take prescription blood thinners, talk with your provider ahead of time so we can plan safely.
Alcohol, Exercise & Lifestyle Tips
A few simple adjustments can help reduce swelling and bruising:
- Avoid alcohol for about 48 hours before treatment
- Limit excessive caffeine the day of your appointment
- Skip intense workouts for 24 hours beforehand
These small steps make a noticeable difference in healing.
Skin Preparation Before Your Appointment
Healthy skin responds best to treatment:
- Wash your face well the day of treatment
- Avoid heavy makeup if possible
- Skip waxing, bleaching, or chemical peels on the treatment area for several days prior
- Avoid sunburn or tanning before your visit
- Work with your esthetician to come up with a skin care regimen that will best support your skin’s success for pre and post procedure skin health
If you’re scheduling treatments like Morpheus8, lasers, or facials, ask your provider about timing.
When to Reschedule
For safety, injectable treatments should be postponed if you have:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infection, fever, or rash in the treatment area
- Active cold sores or cystic acne
- Recent dental work, vaccinations, or uncontrolled autoimmune conditions
Your safety always comes first, so we’ll help guide appropriate timing.
Hydration & Nutrition Matter
Arrive well prepared:
- Stay hydrated in the days before treatment
- Eat normally, don’t come fasting
Proper hydration supports healing and comfort during treatment.
What to Expect After Treatment
Most injectable treatments involve minimal downtime, but you may notice:
- Mild swelling or redness
- Temporary tenderness
- Occasional bruising
Following pre-treatment guidelines helps reduce these effects and optimize your results. We recommend waiting at least 2 weeks for things to settle before seeking any corrections. You will talk with your provider more on this as this will depend on your procedure.
Final Thoughts from Nervana Medical
Injectables are both an art and a medical procedure, and preparation plays an important role in achieving beautiful, natural results. If you ever have questions before your appointment, medications, skincare, or timing with other treatments, we’re always here to help.
Your comfort, safety, and confidence are our priority.