Aftercare

WHAT TO EXPECT
Small raised bumps, mild redness, tenderness, headache, swelling or bruising may occur after treatment. These effects are usually temporary.

FOR THE FIRST 4 HOURS

• Remain upright and avoid lying completely flat.
• Do not rub, massage or apply pressure to the treated areas.

FOR 24 HOURS

• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Avoid alcohol, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and excessive heat.
• Avoid facial massage and other facial treatments.
• Avoid applying makeup directly over the injection sites for the rest of the day.

RESULTS AND REVIEW
Results develop gradually and may not look completely even during the first few days. Follow the review timing recommended by your practitioner and contact the clinic before arranging any additional treatment.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS
Please contact us if you experience increasing redness, heat, swelling, pain, discharge, significant eyelid or eyebrow drooping, visual changes, facial weakness or asymmetry that concerns you.

SEEK URGENT MEDICAL HELP
Although very rare, call 999 or attend A&E if you develop difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking; swelling of the face or throat; wheezing; faintness; severe widespread muscle weakness; or double or blurred vision.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice given by your practitioner.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Redness, tenderness, swelling, bruising, firmness or temporary unevenness may occur after treatment. Swelling can be more noticeable following lip filler and may temporarily affect the appearance of your result.

FOR THE FIRST 12 HOURS

• Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
• Avoid applying makeup directly over the injection points.
• Do not rub, press or massage the treated area unless specifically instructed by your practitioner.
• If your lips or face feel numb, avoid very hot food and drinks until normal sensation has returned.

FOR 24–48 HOURS

• Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that cause significant facial flushing.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds, hot baths and excessive heat.
• Avoid facial massage, facials and other treatments over the injected area.
• Use a clean, wrapped cool compress gently if required. Do not place ice directly on the skin or apply heavy pressure.

YOUR RESULTS
Do not assess your final result while the area is swollen or bruised. Allow the treatment to settle and attend the review recommended by your practitioner. Do not attempt to massage, reshape or correct the filler yourself.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS IMMEDIATELY
Do not wait for a routine review if you develop severe or increasing pain, pain that appears out of proportion, pale or white skin, unusual mottling, dusky blue or grey discolouration, cool skin, blistering, or rapidly worsening swelling. These symptoms require urgent assessment.

VISION OR NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
Any blurred, reduced or double vision, loss of vision, severe eye pain, a new severe headache, facial weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion or weakness affecting an arm or leg is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately and contact O.D. Aesthetics.

INFECTION OR ALLERGIC REACTION
Contact the clinic if redness, heat, pain or swelling is increasing rather than improving, or if you develop discharge, fever or feel unwell. In the rare event you develop difficulty breathing, wheezing, faintness, or swelling of the tongue, face or throat, call 999.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice provided by your practitioner.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Temporary soreness, redness, swelling, itching, bruising or minor bleeding may occur around the injection sites. The treated area may look temporarily uneven while swelling settles.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

• Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
• Do not rub, press or massage the area unless specifically instructed by your practitioner.
• Avoid applying makeup directly over the injection sites for the rest of the day.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and excessive heat for 24 hours.
• Use a clean, wrapped cool compress gently if required. Do not place ice directly on the skin or apply heavy pressure.

RESULTS AND REVIEW
Do not assess the final appearance while the area remains swollen or bruised. The amount of filler dissolved can vary, and further assessment or treatment may occasionally be required. Attend the review recommended by your practitioner.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS
Contact the clinic if you develop increasing redness, heat, pain, swelling or tenderness, discharge, fever, a widespread rash, persistent itching or swelling around the eyes.

SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP
Hyaluronidase can rarely cause a serious allergic reaction. Call 999 immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, fainting, a rapid pulse or profuse sweating.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice provided by your practitioner.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Small raised bumps, redness, tenderness, swelling, itching or bruising may occur around the injection sites. These effects are usually temporary. Swelling may be more noticeable following treatment around the eyes.

FOR THE FIRST 12 HOURS

• Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
• Do not rub, press or massage the treated area.
• Avoid applying makeup directly over the injection sites.
• Do not apply active skincare products such as retinoids, acids or exfoliants.

FOR 24–48 HOURS

• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, sunbeds and excessive heat.
• Avoid facials, massage and other treatments over the injected area.
• Use a clean, wrapped cool compress gently if required. Do not place ice directly on the skin or apply heavy pressure.

SKINCARE AND RESULTS
Use gentle skincare and protect the treated area from excessive sun exposure. Do not judge your final result while swelling or bruising is present. Polynucleotide treatments are normally performed as a course, and improvements develop gradually rather than immediately.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS
Contact the clinic if you experience increasing redness, heat, pain, swelling or tenderness, discharge, fever, persistent lumps, a widespread rash, or symptoms that are worsening rather than improving.

SEEK URGENT MEDICAL HELP
Call 999 or attend A&E if you develop difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or fainting. Following treatment around the eyes, any blurred, reduced or double vision, severe eye pain, sudden severe headache or facial weakness requires immediate medical assessment.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice provided by your practitioner. Always follow any product-specific instructions you have been given.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Swelling, redness, tenderness, bruising, warmth, numbness, firmness or small lumps may occur in the treated area. These effects can vary depending on the product, treatment area and amount used.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

• Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
• Do not rub, press or massage the area unless specifically instructed by your practitioner.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and excessive heat for 24 hours.
• Avoid tight clothing or sustained pressure over the treated area.
• Use a clean, wrapped cool compress gently if required. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

RESULTS AND REVIEW
Swelling and firmness can temporarily make the area appear larger or uneven. Do not assess the final result until the area has fully settled. More than one treatment may be required, depending on the product used and your individual treatment plan.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS URGENTLY
Contact the clinic promptly if you develop severe or increasing pain, rapidly worsening swelling, pale, grey or unusually mottled skin, blistering, open sores, drainage, increasing redness or heat, fever, or painful lumps that are worsening rather than settling.

FACIAL OR UNDER-CHIN TREATMENT
Contact the clinic urgently if you notice an uneven smile, new facial weakness, difficulty moving part of your face, or difficulty swallowing.

SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP
Call 999 immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, severe dizziness, confusion or fainting.

Fat-dissolving products differ in composition and recommended care. Always follow any product-specific instructions provided by your practitioner.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Your skin may look red and feel warm, tight, tender or similar to mild sunburn. Mild swelling, pinpoint bleeding, dryness, flaking, itching or temporary sensitivity may also occur. These effects should gradually improve as the skin heals.

FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS

• Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
• Use only the skincare products specifically approved by your practitioner.
• Do not apply makeup, retinoids, acids, exfoliants, fragranced products or other active skincare.
• Do not pick, scratch or remove dry or flaking skin.
• If pinpoint bleeding occurs, gently blot with clean sterile gauze. Do not rub.

FOR 72 HOURS

• Avoid strenuous or sweaty exercise.
• Avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and very hot showers.
• Avoid makeup until the skin has settled and the surface is intact.
• Avoid facials, massage, waxing, laser treatment and other procedures over the treated area.

SKINCARE AND SUN EXPOSURE
After the first 24 hours, use a gentle cleanser and simple moisturiser as advised. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7 days and follow your practitioner’s advice regarding suitable sun protection. Do not restart retinoids, exfoliating acids or strong active products until the skin has fully settled.

RESULTS
Temporary redness, dryness or flaking is part of the healing response and should not be picked. Improvements develop gradually, and a course of treatments may be recommended depending on your skin concern.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS
Contact the clinic if redness, heat, pain, swelling or tenderness is increasing rather than improving, or if you develop discharge, spreading redness, blistering, open wounds, fever, persistent crusting, significant pigmentation changes or a cold-sore outbreak.

SEEK URGENT MEDICAL HELP
In the very rare event you develop difficulty breathing, wheezing, faintness or sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat, call 999.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice provided by your practitioner. Follow any product-specific instructions you have been given.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Redness, warmth, mild stinging, tightness, dryness, sensitivity or light swelling may occur after treatment. Depending on the peel used, the skin may begin to flake or peel over the following days. Do not pull or remove peeling skin.

FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS

• Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
• Use only the gentle skincare products recommended by your practitioner.
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, vitamin C products and other strong active ingredients.
• Avoid makeup for the rest of the day, or until the skin feels calm and the surface is intact.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and very hot showers.

WHILE YOUR SKIN IS HEALING

• Do not pick, scratch, rub or peel away dry or flaking skin.
• Use a gentle cleanser and plain moisturiser as advised.
• Avoid waxing, threading, hair-removal creams, facials, microneedling, laser treatments and exfoliation over the treated area.
• Do not restart retinoids, acids, scrubs or other active products until the skin has fully settled.

SUN PROTECTION
Freshly treated skin can be more vulnerable to irritation and pigmentation changes. Avoid direct sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 once the skin can tolerate it. Reapply as directed and do not use sunbeds.

RESULTS
Do not assess your final result while redness, dryness or peeling is present. Healing time varies according to the type and strength of peel used. Follow any product-specific instructions provided by your practitioner.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS
Contact the clinic promptly if you develop severe or increasing pain, marked swelling, persistent burning, blistering, raw or open skin, weeping, spreading redness, discharge, fever, a cold-sore outbreak, or darkening or lightening of the skin that concerns you.

SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP
In the very rare event you develop difficulty breathing, wheezing, severe dizziness, fainting or sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat, call 999.

COMBINED TREATMENTS
If your chemical peel was combined with microneedling or another procedure, follow the aftercare instructions for both treatments and observe the longer recovery restriction.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice provided by your practitioner.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Your skin may appear brighter and feel smoother and more hydrated immediately after treatment. Mild redness, tightness, sensitivity or tenderness may occur, particularly following exfoliation or extractions. These effects are usually temporary.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

• Avoid touching the treated area unnecessarily and wash your hands before applying skincare.
• Use gentle skincare products and follow any personalised recommendations provided by your practitioner.
• Avoid scrubs, retinoids, exfoliating acids and other strong active products for 48 hours, unless advised otherwise.
• Do not pick, squeeze or attempt to extract any remaining blemishes.
• Use clean makeup brushes, towels and pillowcases to reduce unnecessary irritation.

FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS

• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and excessive heat if your skin feels sensitive.
• Avoid strenuous exercise if it causes significant facial heat, flushing or sweating.
• Avoid waxing, facial massage and other treatments over the treated area.

SKINCARE AND SUN PROTECTION
Keep your skin hydrated and protect it from excessive sun exposure. Apply a suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and avoid sunbeds. Do not introduce new active skincare products while your skin is sensitive.

COMBINED OR ENHANCED FACIALS
If your facial included a chemical peel, microneedling, dermaplaning or another advanced procedure, follow the aftercare instructions for that treatment as well. Observe whichever restrictions last the longest.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS
Contact the clinic if you develop increasing redness, heat, pain, swelling or tenderness, persistent irritation, blistering, discharge, spreading redness, an unusual rash, marked swelling around the eyes, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice provided by your practitioner. Aftercare may vary according to the products and treatment steps used.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Mild pain, redness, itching, swelling or a small firm area may occur at the injection site. Some people may temporarily experience headache, dizziness, nausea, flushing or feeling generally unwell.

AFTER YOUR INJECTION

• Keep the injection site clean and avoid rubbing or repeatedly touching it.
• Normal daily activities can usually be resumed immediately if you feel well.
• If the area feels tender, apply a clean, wrapped cool compress gently. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
• If you feel dizzy or drowsy, sit or lie down until you feel better and do not drive, cycle or operate machinery.

CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS OR NHS 111
Seek advice if pain, redness, heat or swelling at the injection site is increasing rather than improving, or if you develop a persistent rash, hives, significant itching, fever, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.

COBALT SENSITIVITY
Vitamin B12 contains cobalt. An allergic reaction may begin immediately or may develop up to three days after the injection. Contact NHS 111 if you develop a rash or hives, particularly if you know you are allergic to cobalt.

SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP
Although very rare, call 999 immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, severe dizziness, fainting, or sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face or throat.

This information supports, but does not replace, the personalised advice provided by your practitioner or prescribing clinician.

FOLLOW YOUR PRESCRIBED PLAN
Use your medication exactly as prescribed and follow the instructions supplied with your injection pen. Do not increase, reduce, repeat or delay a dose without advice from your prescribing clinician. Never share your medication or injection pen with another person.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, reduced appetite, indigestion, burping, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, tiredness and mild redness or itching at the injection site can occur. These effects are often more noticeable when treatment begins or after a dose increase.

MANAGING DIGESTIVE SIDE EFFECTS

• Eat slowly and choose smaller meals.
• Stop eating when you feel comfortably full.
• Avoid very large, rich, fatty or heavily spiced meals if they worsen your symptoms.
• Drink fluids regularly to reduce the risk of dehydration.
• Maintain adequate protein and nutritional intake even when your appetite is reduced.

CONTACT YOUR PRESCRIBER
Contact your prescribing clinician if side effects are persistent, difficult to manage or affecting your ability to eat and drink. Seek prompt advice if you have repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, cannot keep fluids down, are passing much less urine, feel significantly dizzy or show other signs of dehydration.

SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAIN
Severe and persistent abdominal pain, particularly if it spreads through to your back or is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, may indicate inflammation of the pancreas. Do not take another dose until you have received medical advice and seek urgent medical assessment.

GALLBLADDER SYMPTOMS
Seek prompt medical advice if you develop severe or persistent upper abdominal pain, particularly on the right side, fever, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools or dark urine.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Low blood sugar is more likely if this medication is used alongside insulin or certain other diabetes medicines. Symptoms may include sweating, shaking, hunger, dizziness, weakness, confusion, blurred vision or a fast heartbeat. Follow the hypoglycaemia plan provided by your diabetes clinician.

PREGNANCY AND CONTRACEPTION
Weight-management injections must not be used during pregnancy, while trying to become pregnant or while breastfeeding. If you become pregnant, stop the medication and contact your prescribing clinician promptly.

If you use tirzepatide and take an oral contraceptive pill, add a barrier method such as condoms for four weeks after starting treatment and for four weeks after every dose increase, or discuss a suitable non-oral contraceptive method with a healthcare professional.

SURGERY OR SEDATION
Tell your surgeon, anaesthetist, dentist or other healthcare professional that you use a weight-management injection before any procedure involving general anaesthesia or deep sedation.

SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP
Call 999 immediately if you develop difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, severe dizziness, fainting, or sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face or throat.

This information does not replace your prescription instructions, the medicine’s patient information leaflet or advice from your prescribing clinician.

WHEN TO CONTACT O.D. AESTHETICS
Contact the clinic as soon as possible if you are worried about your recovery or if symptoms are worsening rather than gradually improving.

CONTACT THE CLINIC URGENTLY IF YOU DEVELOP:

• Severe, increasing or unexpected pain.
• Rapidly worsening swelling.
• Skin that becomes unusually pale, white, grey, blue, dusky or mottled.
• Skin that feels unusually cold, or develops blistering, open areas or darkening.
• Increasing redness, heat, tenderness or swelling around a treatment site.
• Discharge, pus, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
• A persistent or widespread rash, hives or significant itching.
• New facial weakness, an uneven smile or difficulty swallowing after facial treatment.
• Any symptom that concerns you or is significantly different from the recovery explained by your practitioner.

VISION OR NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
Call 999 immediately if you develop blurred, reduced, double or lost vision; severe eye pain; a sudden severe headache; facial drooping; weakness or numbness affecting an arm or leg; confusion; or difficulty speaking.

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
Call 999 immediately if you develop sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing; wheezing; choking or gasping; throat tightness; difficulty swallowing; severe dizziness; confusion; collapse or fainting.

POSSIBLE SERIOUS INFECTION
Seek urgent medical help if you develop rapidly spreading redness or swelling, severe pain, uncontrollable shivering, confusion, difficulty breathing, very pale or blotchy skin, or you feel severely unwell.

WHO TO CONTACT

• Immediate or life-threatening emergency: Call 999 or attend A&E.
• Urgent medical advice when it is not life-threatening: Contact NHS 111.
• Treatment concern or unexpected reaction: Contact O.D. Aesthetics promptly using the clinic contact details provided.

IMPORTANT
Do not wait for an email, social-media message or routine review appointment if you have emergency symptoms. Call 999 first and contact O.D. Aesthetics after emergency assistance has been arranged.

This page provides general safety information and does not replace assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.