Home Patient resources
Pre and post care instructions
Find your treatment, read what to do before and after, and download the PDF if you want it on paper. Questions? Call or text (916) 280-0949, or message us through your Prospyr patient portal.
3 instruction sheets
Injectables
Wrinkle Relaxers
Pre-Care
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours before treatment.
- Avoid blood thinners and NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) for 5–7 days before — unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, and St. John’s Wort for 5 days before.
- Arrive with a clean face — no makeup in treatment areas.
- Inform NP Sarah of any recent dental work, illness, skin infections, or cold sore history.
- Stay well hydrated the day before and day of your appointment.
- Do not schedule if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Contraindications: Neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, ALS); known allergy to botulinum toxin.
Post-Care
- Remain upright for 4 hours — no lying down or bending forward.
- Do not rub, massage, or touch treated areas for 4 hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot yoga for 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
- No facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments for 2 weeks.
- Results appear in 5–14 days (Daxxify typically 5–7 days onset). Daxxify lasts 6+ months.
- Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at injection sites is normal and resolves within hours.
- Bruising is possible — arnica cream or gel may help. Use Tylenol only, not NSAIDs.
- 2-week touch-up assessment recommended for first-time patients.
Red Flag — Call Immediately
Eyelid drooping, difficulty swallowing, or asymmetry not resolved by 2 weeks.
Sculptra
Pre-Care
- Avoid blood thinners and NSAIDs for 5–7 days before.
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours before.
- Avoid fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, St. John’s Wort for 5 days before.
- Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face.
- Disclose all medications and medical conditions.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Massage treated areas 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days (the 5-5-5 rule) — this is essential to prevent nodule formation.
- Avoid extreme heat and extreme cold for 48 hours.
- Swelling and bruising are normal.
- Results build gradually over 3+ months as collagen is stimulated — a series of treatments is typically recommended.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Firm lumps or nodules not resolving after 2 weeks.
PDGF — Injections
Pre-Care
- Arrive with clean skin in the treatment area.
- Stop retinoids and active ingredients 3 days before.
- Disclose any active skin infections, allergies, or blood thinners.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Mild redness or swelling at injection sites is normal and resolves quickly.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
- Avoid active skincare ingredients for 48 hours post-treatment.
- Results build cumulatively with consistent treatment sessions.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling after 72 hours.
11 instruction sheets
Skin and body
Chemical Peels
Pre-Care
- Stop retinoids, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs, and active exfoliants 5 days before.
- No facial waxing, threading, or depilatory creams in the treatment area.
- Avoid extended sun exposure and sunburn for 2 weeks before.
- Inform NP Sarah of Accutane use in the past 6 months, active cold sores, or any skin infections.
- Disclose all medications and recent treatments.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Peeling and flaking typically begin on days 3–7 — do not pick, pull, or peel the skin.
- Use only a gentle cleanser and a heavy, bland moisturizer during the peeling phase.
- Apply SPF 50+ every morning — your skin is highly photosensitive.
- Do not reintroduce retinoids, acids, or actives until peeling is completely finished.
- Avoid heat, saunas, and vigorous exercise until peeling resolves.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Blistering, open sores, or signs of infection.
PRX
Pre-Care
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup or skincare products.
- Stop retinoids and active ingredients 3 days before.
- Disclose active skin infections, psoriasis, eczema, or open wounds in the treatment area.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Mild peeling and flaking begin on day 2–5 — do not pick or force the skin off.
- Use only a gentle cleanser and moisturizer during the recovery phase.
- Apply SPF 30+ daily.
- Avoid active skincare ingredients until peeling is complete.
- Results are often visible after the first treatment and continue to improve with a series.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Blistering or significant skin changes.
Nanofusion Facial
Pre-Care
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup or skincare products.
- Stop retinoids and active ingredients 3 days before.
- Disclose active breakouts, rosacea, or other skin conditions.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Mild redness is normal and resolves within hours to 24 hours.
- Apply hyaluronic acid and a gentle moisturizer as directed.
- Apply SPF 30+ if going outdoors.
- Avoid active skincare ingredients for 48 hours.
- Results are cumulative — a series of treatments is recommended.
Microneedling
Pre-Care
- Stop retinoids, tretinoin, retinol, AHAs, BHAs 5 days before.
- Discontinue NSAIDs unless medically necessary.
- Avoid facial waxing or threading in the treatment area.
- 48 hours before: avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, no self-tanner.
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
- Disclose: active acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, cold sore history, keloid scarring history, blood thinners.
- Contraindications: Active skin infection, pregnancy, keloid history, active chemotherapy or radiation.
Post-Care
- Do not wash face for 4 hours post-treatment.
- Apply only provider-approved gentle products: hyaluronic acid + simple moisturizer.
- No makeup. Sleep on a clean pillowcase (silk/satin preferred).
- Apply SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen if going outside.
- Days 2–7: gentle cleansing only; mild redness/flaking normal; no actives until day 7; avoid saunas/steam/heat 5 days; no vigorous exercise 48 hrs.
- Results: Week 1–2 initial glow; Week 4–6 collagen remodeling; Month 3 full response. Recommended series: 3 treatments 4–6 weeks apart.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge after 72 hours.
Morpheus8 — Face
Pre-Care
- Stop retinoids, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs 5 days before.
- Discontinue NSAIDs unless medically necessary.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before.
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin — numbing cream will be applied at the office.
- Disclose: pacemaker or metal implants, blood thinners, history of keloid scarring, active skin infections.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Redness, swelling, and small micro-scabbing are normal for 3–5 days.
- Apply only gentle products: hyaluronic acid and a bland moisturizer.
- Do not reintroduce retinoids, acids, or actives for 7–10 days.
- Avoid heat, saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
- Apply SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen every morning — skin is photosensitive.
- Micro-scabs will shed naturally — do not pick.
- Results build progressively over 3 months. Series of 3 treatments recommended.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Increasing redness, warmth, blistering, or signs of infection after 72 hours.
Morpheus8 — Body
Pre-Care
- Stop retinoids, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs 5 days before.
- Discontinue NSAIDs unless medically necessary.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks before.
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin — numbing cream will be applied at the office.
- Disclose: pacemaker or metal implants, blood thinners, history of keloid scarring, active skin infections.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Redness, swelling, and small micro-scabbing are normal for 3–5 days.
- Apply only gentle products: hyaluronic acid and a bland moisturizer.
- Do not reintroduce retinoids, acids, or actives for 7–10 days.
- Avoid heat, saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
- Apply SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen every morning — skin is photosensitive.
- Micro-scabs will shed naturally — do not pick.
- Results build progressively over 3 months. Series of 3 treatments recommended.
- A compression garment may be recommended for body treatment areas — wear as directed.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Increasing redness, warmth, blistering, or signs of infection after 72 hours.
IPL / Lumecca — Face
Pre-Care
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks before treatment.
- Stop retinoids and active ingredients 5 days before.
- No self-tanner for 4 weeks before.
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup.
- Disclose: Accutane use in the past 6 months, all medications (especially photosensitizing drugs), recent sun exposure, skin conditions.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Avoid sun strictly for 2 weeks post-treatment — apply SPF 50+ every morning.
- Darkening of pigmented spots before they flake off is completely normal — this is the “pepper effect” and means it’s working.
- Do not pick at darkened spots — allow them to shed naturally.
- Avoid heat, vigorous exercise, and saunas for 24–48 hours.
- Use only gentle skincare — no retinoids, acids, or actives for 5–7 days.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Blistering, severe redness, or swelling.
IPL / Lumecca — Body
Pre-Care
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks before treatment.
- Stop retinoids and active ingredients 5 days before.
- No self-tanner for 4 weeks before.
- Arrive with clean skin — no products in the treatment area.
- Disclose: Accutane use in the past 6 months, all medications (especially photosensitizing drugs), recent sun exposure, skin conditions.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Avoid sun strictly for 2 weeks post-treatment — apply SPF 50+ every morning.
- Darkening of pigmented spots before they flake off is completely normal — do not pick.
- Avoid heat, vigorous exercise, and saunas for 24–48 hours.
- Use only gentle skincare — no retinoids, acids, or actives for 5–7 days.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Blistering, severe redness, or swelling.
Forma — Face
Pre-Care
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup or skincare products.
- Inform NP Sarah of any metal implants or pacemaker.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Mild redness and warmth are normal and resolve within a few hours.
- Apply a light moisturizer and SPF after treatment.
- Avoid extreme heat for 24 hours.
- Results improve progressively over 3–6 months with a recommended series of treatments.
Forma — Body
Pre-Care
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup or skincare products in the treatment area.
- Inform NP Sarah of any metal implants or pacemaker.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Mild redness and warmth are normal and resolve within a few hours.
- Apply a light moisturizer after treatment.
- Avoid extreme heat for 24 hours.
- Results improve progressively over 3–6 months with a recommended series of treatments.
Laser Hair Removal
Pre-Care
- Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment — do not wax or pluck.
- No waxing, plucking, or electrolysis for 4 weeks before — the hair follicle must be intact.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks before.
- No self-tanner for 4 weeks before.
- Arrive with clean, dry skin — no lotions, deodorant, or products in the treatment area.
- Disclose all medications (especially photosensitizing drugs) and skin conditions.
Post-Care
- Redness and follicular swelling (like small raised bumps) are normal for 24 hours.
- Apply a cool compress if needed for comfort.
- Avoid sun exposure, heat, saunas, and vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
- Apply SPF 30+ if the treated area will be exposed to sun.
- Avoid irritants (retinoids, AHAs, fragranced products) for 48 hours.
- Hairs will shed over the next 1–3 weeks — this is normal.
- Multiple sessions are required (typically 6–8) for permanent reduction.
12 instruction sheets
Wellness
GLP-1 — Semaglutide
Before Starting Your Medication
- Complete all required baseline labs before starting. Your provider will confirm clearance.
- Review your Program Guide in full — know your starting dose and injection technique.
- Store medication refrigerated, protected from light.
- Use only the syringes and needles provided or recommended by your provider.
- Choose a consistent injection day each week and stick to it.
- Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm — rotate sites each week. Never inject into a vein or muscle.
- Lifestyle: Prioritize protein with every meal — aim for 80–120g daily. Stay hydrated: 64–80 oz of water daily. Move your body consistently — strength training preserves lean mass. Avoid alcohol. Take recommended supplements as outlined in your Program Guide.
Side Effects & Monitoring
- Nausea — eat small, bland meals; avoid fatty or spicy foods; ginger tea, peppermint, and B6 can help.
- Vomiting — stay hydrated with electrolytes; contact us if you cannot keep fluids down.
- Constipation — increase water, fiber, and movement; magnesium oxide can help.
- Diarrhea — avoid high-fat or high-sugar foods; stay hydrated.
- Fatigue — common in first 1–2 weeks; rest, hydrate, maintain protein.
- Injection site reactions — mild redness, bruising, or itching; rotate sites each week.
- Reduced appetite — do not skip meals entirely; focus on nutrient-dense foods.
- Heartburn or acid reflux — eat smaller portions; avoid lying down after eating.
- When to call: Side effects not improving after 1–2 weeks; missed dose; not losing weight or losing too rapidly; any new medication or health change; any concern.
Red Flag — Stop Medication & Seek Care
Severe persistent abdominal pain especially radiating to the back — may indicate pancreatitis; STOP medication and call or go to ER. Yellowing of skin or eyes. Racing or irregular heartbeat, chest pain. Severe allergic reaction — call 911. Inability to keep fluids down for 24+ hours. Severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm.
GLP-1 — Tirzepatide
Before Starting Your Medication
- Complete all required baseline labs before starting. Your provider will confirm clearance.
- Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
- Review your Program Guide in full — know your starting dose and injection technique.
- Store medication refrigerated, protected from light.
- Use only the syringes and needles provided or recommended by your provider.
- Choose a consistent injection day each week and stick to it.
- Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm — rotate sites each week. Never inject into a vein or muscle.
- Lifestyle: Prioritize protein with every meal — aim for 80–120g daily. Stay hydrated: 64–80 oz of water daily. Move your body consistently — strength training preserves lean mass. Avoid alcohol. Take recommended supplements as outlined in your Program Guide.
Side Effects & Monitoring
- Nausea — eat small, bland meals; avoid fatty or spicy foods; ginger tea, peppermint, and B6 can help.
- Vomiting — stay hydrated with electrolytes; contact us if you cannot keep fluids down.
- Constipation — increase water, fiber, and movement; magnesium oxide can help.
- Diarrhea — avoid high-fat or high-sugar foods; stay hydrated.
- Fatigue — common in first 1–2 weeks; rest, hydrate, maintain protein.
- Injection site reactions — mild redness, bruising, or itching; rotate sites each week.
- Reduced appetite — do not skip meals entirely; focus on nutrient-dense foods.
- Heartburn or acid reflux — eat smaller portions; avoid lying down after eating.
- When to call: Side effects not improving after 1–2 weeks; missed dose; not losing weight or losing too rapidly; any new medication or health change; any concern.
Red Flag — Stop Medication & Seek Care
Severe persistent abdominal pain especially radiating to the back — may indicate pancreatitis; STOP medication and call or go to ER. Yellowing of skin or eyes. Racing or irregular heartbeat, chest pain. Severe allergic reaction — call 911. Inability to keep fluids down for 24+ hours. Severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm.
Hormone Optimization — Female
Before Your Appointment
- Complete these forms in your Prospyr Patient Portal before you arrive: Medical Intake Form, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), How Is Your Quality of Life?, Exercise History Questionnaire, Sleep Questionnaire.
- Bring labs from the past 6 months if you have them — NP Sarah will review. If not, she will order them.
- Bring a list of all current medications and supplements with doses.
- Bring any records from other providers.
- Write down your top 3–5 symptoms in order of priority.
- If still cycling, note your current cycle length and any recent changes.
After Your Appointment — What to Expect
- Week 1–2: Better sleep and mood lift. Some breast tenderness or bloating as estrogen begins — resolves in 2–3 weeks.
- Week 3–4: Reduced hot flashes, night sweats, improved vaginal comfort. More consistent energy.
- Month 2–3: Libido, skin hydration, and mental clarity improve. Joint discomfort eases.
- Month 3–6: Full hormonal balance establishing. Body composition shifts. Most patients feel like themselves again.
- Month 6+: Follow-up labs required. Long-term benefits: bone density, cardiovascular and cognitive health.
- Managing the Transition: Mild spotting or irregular bleeding in the first 1–3 months can be normal — always report it. Breast tenderness/bloating in weeks 1–4 are signs your body is adjusting. Do not stop medication abruptly. Give each dose adjustment at least 6–8 weeks.
Red Flag — Call 911 or Contact NP Sarah
Sudden severe headache, vision changes, or slurred speech. Chest pain, shortness of breath, or calf pain/swelling — possible clot. Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, or any bleeding after menopause is established. Severe abdominal or pelvic pain. New breast lump, nipple discharge, or significant breast changes. Severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm. Allergic reaction. Injection site increasingly red, warm, or swollen after 48 hours.
Hormone Optimization — Male
Before Your Appointment
- Complete forms in your Prospyr Patient Portal: Medical Intake Form and relevant intake forms.
- Bring labs from the past 6 months if available.
- Bring a list of all current medications and supplements.
- Write down your top symptoms in priority order.
After Your Appointment — What to Expect
- Weeks 2–4: Energy and mood improvements begin.
- Months 2–3: Libido and body composition changes become noticeable.
- Months 3–6: Full effects established. Most patients feel significantly better in overall vitality.
- Month 6+: Follow-up labs required for ongoing optimization.
- Managing the Transition: Give each dose adjustment 6–8 weeks. Track symptoms to help optimize your protocol. Do not self-adjust.
Red Flag — Contact NP Sarah
Injection site increasingly red, warm, or swollen after 48 hours. Cardiovascular symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath). Significant mood changes. Any concern.
Testosterone — Women (SubQ)
Pre-Care
- Baseline labs required before starting.
- Review injection technique with NP Sarah.
- Store medication as directed.
Post-Care
- Rotate injection sites consistently.
- Mild redness or bruising at injection site is normal.
- Report any excessive hair growth, acne, or mood changes to NP Sarah.
- Labs monitored regularly.
Testosterone — Men (SubQ/IM)
Pre-Care
- Baseline labs required before starting.
- Review injection technique with NP Sarah.
- Store medication as directed.
Post-Care
- Rotate injection sites consistently.
- Mild soreness at IM injection sites is normal for 1–2 days — warm compress can help.
- Labs monitored regularly.
- Do not self-adjust dose.
Testosterone — Cream (Women)
Pre-Care
- Baseline labs required before starting.
- Apply to inner wrist, inner arm, or inner thigh as directed.
- Wash hands thoroughly after application.
Post-Care
- Allow to fully dry before contact with others — avoid skin-to-skin transfer, especially to children or partners.
- Rotate application sites.
- Report any excessive hair growth or mood changes to NP Sarah.
- Labs monitored regularly.
Progesterone — Cycling (Perimenopause)
Pre-Care
- Baseline labs required before starting.
- Follow the specific cycling schedule provided by NP Sarah.
Post-Care
- Take at bedtime — progesterone has a calming, sleep-supportive effect.
- Mild breast tenderness or bloating in the first 1–2 cycles can be normal.
- Track your cycle and symptoms.
- Do not adjust your schedule without speaking to NP Sarah.
Progesterone — Daily (Perimenopause / Menopause)
Pre-Care
- Baseline labs required before starting.
- Review your daily dosing schedule with NP Sarah.
Post-Care
- Take at bedtime for best sleep support.
- Mild breast tenderness in the first few weeks can be normal and resolves.
- Do not stop abruptly.
- Follow-up labs at 3 and 6 months.
Estradiol — Patches, Cream & Evamist
Pre-Care
- Baseline labs required before starting.
- Review application method (patch, cream, or spray) and rotation sites with NP Sarah.
Post-Care
- Patches: Apply to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or buttocks. Rotate sites. Press firmly for 10 seconds. If patch falls off, replace with a new one.
- Cream / Evamist: Apply to inner wrist or forearm as directed. Allow to dry fully. Avoid skin-to-skin transfer.
- Mild breast tenderness or spotting in the first 1–2 months can be normal.
- Report any unexpected bleeding to NP Sarah.
- Follow-up labs required.
IM Injections (General)
Pre-Care
- No specific preparation required for most IM injections.
- Disclose all medications, allergies, and health conditions before your injection.
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to the injection site (upper arm, glute, or thigh as directed).
Post-Care
- Mild soreness, redness, or a small lump at the injection site is normal for 1–2 days.
- A warm compress can help relieve soreness.
- Avoid vigorous use of the injected muscle for 24 hours.
- If you experience increasing pain, swelling, fever, or signs of allergic reaction, contact NP Sarah immediately.
Subcutaneous Injections (General)
Pre-Care
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling medication or syringes.
- Use only the syringes and needles recommended by NP Sarah.
- Store vials as directed — most require refrigeration.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) to prevent tissue buildup.
Post-Care
- Mild redness, bruising, or a small bump at the injection site is normal and resolves within a few days.
- Rotate sites consistently to minimize reactions.
- Do not reuse needles.
- If you experience increasing pain, warmth, redness, or signs of infection, contact NP Sarah.
1 instruction sheets
Hair restoration
Scalp Microneedling
Pre-Care
- Wash your hair the night before — arrive with a clean scalp and no styling products.
- Disclose any scalp conditions (psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, active infections) before treatment.
- Disclose blood thinners or medications that affect healing.
- Do not schedule if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Care
- Do not wash your hair for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Avoid vigorous scalp massage or rubbing for 48 hours.
- Avoid heat styling (blow dryer, flat iron) for 48 hours.
- Mild redness or tenderness of the scalp is normal for 24–48 hours.
- Keep the scalp clean and avoid products for 24 hours.
- Results are visible over 3–6 months with a consistent series of treatments — hair loss reduction and new growth take time.
Not sure what applies to you?
Send me a text before your appointment and I will tell you exactly what to stop, what to keep taking, and when.
Call or text (916) 280-0949 to learn which layer belongs first.