At Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, we believe that aftercare is as important as the procedure. Our comprehensive aftercare program is designed to help you achieve the best results from your treatment while ensuring a smooth, comfortable recovery. We provide personalized instructions and support; you can access detailed guidelines through our QR code for easy reference at home. Here’s what to expect for each of our popular non-surgical procedures:
Neurotoxin Treatments (Botox or Dysport)
- Recovery Overview: Neurotoxin injections, such as Botox and Dysport, are quick and require minimal downtime. After treatment, slight redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites is normal. These effects typically subside within a few hours.
- Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid lying down flat or engaging in strenuous exercise for at least four hours post-treatment.
- Refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area to prevent the neurotoxin from spreading into nearby muscles.
- Do not wear a baseball cap or other hat that rests on the forehead area.
- No face-down massages or facials within 14 days; in anecdotal reports, some results are affected even this far out!
- Full results appear within five to seven days (Dysport) or 14 days for other toxins like Botox, with smoother skin and reduced lines.
It is normal to see movement returning around the 2nd month with Botox, and around the 3-4th month with Dysport. Keep in mind that it took some time for muscular movement to be stopped, so it takes time for muscles to gradually regain those movements! Natural asymmetries before toxin injection are normal. No one is exactly the same on their left as on their right. Our nurses, Jeni and Victoria, will try to balance any pre-existing asymmetries when assessing and treating you. Please note that asymmetries and anatomical variances may require patience to determine the best course of action. Our RNs are very experienced and always try to yield the best results possible.
If this is your first visit with your injector, it can sometimes take up to 2-3 regular treatments to perfect your face’s treatment mapping!
- What We Offer: Touchups can only be done from days 14-18 after treatment to preserve toxin effectiveness and may incur a fee. Feel free to reach out with any concerns.
Dermal Fillers (Juvederm, RHA, and Restylane)
- Recovery Overview: Dermal fillers like Restylane add volume to smooth wrinkles, enhance lips, and fill in under-eye hollows. While most patients experience minimal discomfort, some swelling or bruising can occur, lasting 7-14 days on average.
- Aftercare Tips:
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Do not use excessive pressure, light pressure is all that is needed.
- Lie down with 1-3 pillows to keep your head elevated the first few days. Avoid lying on your face/stomach and lie on your back. This is made easier with support under your knees when lying on your back.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours to minimize swelling.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol for 24 hours to help reduce bruising.
- Take Arnica tablets for 2-3 days to help with bruising and eat fresh pineapple! Fresh (not canned) pineapple contains an enzyme that helps break down bruises.
- What We Offer: For optimal recovery, we offer complimentary follow-up appointments, allowing our experts to ensure that your filler settles beautifully and your results are as desired.
Sculptra Aesthetic By Galderma
- Recovery Overview: Sculptra is a unique filler that stimulates your body’s collagen production for gradual, long-lasting results. Post-treatment, some mild redness, swelling, or bruising may occur, typically resolving within 7-14 days on average. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-72 hours to prevent further inflammation and swelling.
- Aftercare Tips:
- Massage the treated areas for five minutes, five times a day, for five days to help distribute the product evenly.
- Avoid heat exposure, such as saunas or hot tubs, for the first 48 hours.
- Results appear gradually over four to six weeks as collagen builds.
- What We Offer: We are here to guide you through each stage of the recovery process. Our team is happy to provide touch-up treatments if needed to help you achieve your desired look.
BBL & MOXI Laser Treatments
- Recovery Overview: BBL and MOXI laser treatments are popular for improving skin tone, texture, and hyperpigmentation and reducing melasma and rosacea. BBL Bare is used to reduce body and facial hair. After treatment, it’s normal to experience some redness, a warm sensation, and mild swelling, which typically subsides within one to three days.
- Aftercare Tips:
- Use all 4 products from our Newport Body + Face Post-Procedure kit for 7-10 days while MENDS (Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris) are present.
- If you are not using our kit, only use gentle, hydrating fragrance-free cleansers and apply a rich moisturizer to soothe the skin and restore the skin’s moisture barrier for 7-10 days.
- Avoid direct sunlight and use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ for at least two weeks post-treatment and 30+ thereafter DAILY rain or shine.
- Your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, so diligent sun protection will help protect your results.
- Do not pick or exfoliate MENDS or coffee ground skin—let it naturally slough off to reveal fresh, healthy skin.
- Resume skincare actives like retinoids, antioxidant serums, etc after the first 5-7 days.
- What We Offer: We provide medical-grade skincare products tailored to support your recovery, ensuring your skin stays nourished and protected as it heals. Moxi and BBL/Moxi combo patients will receive our Post-Procedure kit free of charge one-time dispensed only. Kits are available for purchase for other treatments.
Potenza RF Microneedling
- Recovery Overview: Potenza microneedling helps boost collagen and elastin for a smoother, more youthful complexion. After your session, you may notice some redness and slight swelling, similar to a mild sunburn, which should improve within one to three days.
- Aftercare Tips:
- Always use clean hands when touching freshly treated skin.
- Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and avoid active ingredients like retinoids for seven days.
- Apply a soothing serum or cream our team recommends to keep your skin comfortable.
- Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours to allow your skin to breathe.
- Treated skin is more sensitive to UV damage, so ensure you’re protecting it with SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen EVERY DAY, rain or shine. Reapply if sweating or swimming.
- Acne purging can occur as a way for the body to eliminate impurities and clogged pores. If you’re experiencing this, know that it is normal and should calm down within 3-4 weeks. Do not pick at your skin or purging pores.
- What We Offer: We include a Newport Body + Face Post-Procedure skincare kit (Available at an additional charge) enhance your results, and our team remains available for any questions during your recovery.
Skinvive by Juvederm
- Recovery Overview: Skinvive is designed to hydrate and refresh your skin from within, providing a radiant glow like you’ve had 9 months' worth of medical-grade facials with our aesthetician, Lindsey! Some patients experience minor swelling or tenderness at the injection sites, typically lasting one to two days.
- Aftercare Tips:
- Stay hydrated to maximize the benefits of the treatment.
- Avoid rigorous exercise for 24 hours to reduce the chance of swelling.
- Keep the area clean and avoid harsh skincare products for a few days.
- Massage the face with clean hands and a hydrating cream or serum, if desired.
- Little injection site bumps may be visible and will disappear gradually. If this bothers you, roll a clean Q-tip over the bump to flatten.
- Glowing healthy results will be seen 2-4 weeks after the first treatment and a second treatment is recommended at 4-6 months.
- What We Offer: Our team will follow up with you to ensure your skin’s hydration levels are balanced and your glow is on full display. We provide personalized skincare recommendations to keep your results looking fresh.
Access Your Aftercare Instructions
Scan the QR code provided at your appointment for detailed, easy-to-follow aftercare instructions. Our digital aftercare guide is available whenever you need it, offering quick reminders and tips to ensure a smooth recovery. If you have any questions or concerns during your healing process, Dr. Richard Lee and our team are just a phone call away.
Consultation Office
Reception Area
Treatment Room
Treatment Room
Treatment Room
Supporting Your Journey to Radiant Skin
At Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery, we are committed to ensuring that your experience is seamless from start to finish. Whether you’re receiving injectables, laser treatments, or microneedling, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction. Our personalized aftercare support is designed to help you recover beautifully, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our non-surgical options and start your journey to vibrant, healthy skin.
Take our virtual tour