Embrace RF Pre/Post-Treatment Instructions
Pre-Treatment Instructions
- Fill prescriptions given by ParsaMD.
- Start taking the antibiotic Dr. Parsa prescribed 24 hours prior to the procedure.
- Do not take vitamins, herbal supplements, aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, NSAIDs or other blood-thinning products for two weeks prior to or following your treatment.
- You may use Tylenol or acetaminophen for discomfort.
- Do not drink alcohol five days prior to the procedure, as it can increase complications, increase bruising and prolong downtime.
- Avoid skin irritants or intentional skin tanning for 1 week prior to the procedure. Sunscreen is advisable when outdoors during daylight hours.
- Anticipate a social “downtime” of 5-10 days.
On the Day of Your Procedure
- Shower and arrive for treatment with clean skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, powder, or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated.
- Eat a light breakfast such as cereal, oatmeal, a bagel, or toast with jelly or peanut butter prior to coming in for the procedure.
- Dress comfortably, loose fitting clothing is best.
- Take the medications as prescribed.
- Bring the prescribed medications with you.
- Please arrange for someone to drive you home from your procedure. You should not drive for at least 24 hours post procedure.
Post-Treatment Instructions
First 1-2 days:
- Sleep elevated: On your back with at least two pillows for one full week!
- Compression garment: Keep the garment in place for the first 72 hours to minimize swelling 1and discomfort. You may remove the garment for laundering, sponge bathing and bandage changing. After 72 hours, you must wear the garment (other than bathing/showering) at night for another two weeks.
- Massage: Massage all treated areas using your hand, applying light pressure slowly and deeply in an upward motion. Do this 3 to 4 times per day, approximately 10 minutes at a time. Do not use heat or ice on the treated areas.
- Incision care: Your incisions will continue to ooze for 24-48 hours. This is normal and may last several days. You may place gauze inside your compression garment to absorb any drainage. Keep the incisions clean. Once the drainage has stopped, apply an antibiotic ointment or aquaphor to the incision sites. After 48 hours, cleanse the incisions gently with mild soap such as Cetaphil or Cerave and water. Scabs may appear during the healing process. Do not pick at the scabs.
- Nausea: If you experience any post-procedure nausea, try carbonated soda and dry crackers to help settle your stomach. Drink plenty of clear fluids.
- Diet: Follow a soft diet for the first 48 hours.
- Make-up may be applied (recommended Oxygenetix) as soon as 72 hours after the procedure to cover any redness or bruising. Avoid the incision points that may still be healing.
- Avoid drying or irritating facial products including retinol and acids (Salicylic, Glycolic, etc.) for three weeks after the procedure.
2 Days – 4 weeks:
- Continue wearing your compression garment for two weeks, at night.
- For skincare:
- If using Avene kit, follow directions on the box.
- If using other products:
- Gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer and sunscreen are recommended
- If sutures are placed, they will be removed 1 week after the procedure.
- Do not immerse the incisions in water (e.g., bathtub, whirlpools, hot tubs, swimming pool, ocean/lake/river) until 4 weeks post procedure.
- Light activity is encouraged. Do not engage in vigorous exercise or sports for at least two weeks. If using pain medication, decreased exercise may contribute to worsening of constipation. Be sure to use a supplement such as metamucil to counter this.
- Do not smoke any tobacco products for 2 weeks as it delays healing.
- Be patient, it takes 6-12 months to see the full tightening effect.
Call Dr. Parsa immediately at (310) 777 - 8880 if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or increased pain not relieved by medications, increased fullness or redness in the procedure areas, temperature over 100.4 degrees, yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions, or foul odor.