Preparing for your aesthetic treatment
Initial consultation
Expect your doctor to take a medical history, ask about your medications and supplements and examine you before discussing all options available to treat your complaint. A good Aesthetic doctor will advise on the best possible treatment option, even if they don’t offer that particular device or procedure
Credentials
Make sure your aesthetic doctor is fully qualified, registered with HPCSA and AAMSSA (Aesthetics and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa) and accredited to perform certain technical procedures such as Silhouette Soft® thread lifting or Ellansé® fillers.
There are unfortunately aesthetic “specialists “ out there who call themselves “doctor” yet have no medical training. In South Africa, only medical doctors – not therapists, somatologists, homeopaths or nurses – are allowed to inject Botox®, dermal fillers or insert PDO threads.
Costs
At the initial consultation ask about total cost and not just cost per unit of Botox® or PDO thread. Also, ask for the post VAT price.
Reducing the risk of side effects
Minimally invasive and non-invasive aesthetic procedures usually only involve needles and cannulas so there are fewer risks of side effects. However, bruising is not uncommon. There are ways to reduce bruising and other side effects. A good aesthetic doctor will attempt to minimize the risk of bruising, and if bruising or swelling does occur will offer a plan to help speed up healing. e.g. use of bruising gel, ice, light, therapy etc.
Medication
Avoid blood-thinning medication 7-10 days before your treatment. This includes Aspirin®, Voltaren®, Myprodol®, Brufen®, Nurofen®, Celebrex®, Arcoxia®
If you are on warfarin or cardiac aspirin for medical reasons then inform your doctor who will use local anaesthetics, ice and pressure to minimize bleeding.
Weight loss supplements containing ephedrine and other stimulants that increase metabolic rate like certain gym supplements can reduce the effectiveness of Botox®
Immune suppressant medication such as methotrexate, cortisone and anti-inflammatory medicines can reduce the effectiveness of micro-needling and PRP treatments.
If you wish to take an analgesic before your procedure try Paracetamol or Stopayne®/Stilpane® but avoid Myprodol® as it contains an anti inflammatory.
Diet
Avoid alcohol, garlic, ginger, chamomile and turmeric before treatment as they increase the risk of bruising.
Pineapple contains a potent enzyme Bromelain which has anti-inflammatory properties so it can increase your risk of bleeding. It’s better taken after the procedure.
If you are having a PRP treatment eat as healthy and as “clean” as possible for a few weeks before your procedure so that you can have the best quality platelets.
Supplements
Supplements to avoid 1-2 weeks before your procedure include Arnica, Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, Chondriotin and Vitamin E supplements.
Useful supplements include Zinc and Magnesium. A Zinc supplement taken before having Botox® prolongs its effectiveness.
Magnesium is also useful taken the night before and on the morning of your treatment as it helps reduce pain.
Infections
Avoid aesthetic treatments if you have any active infection, especially sinusitis or a dental infection. Avoid aesthetic treatments for a month after any dental work as there is a risk of bacterial contamination. If you have a fever blister/cold sore (Herpes infection) rather postpone your treatment as it could exacerbate the infection. For thiose aaprone to Herpes infections your doctor might prescribe a prophylactic antiviral such as Famvir® or Zelitrex® before and after your treatment.