How to Prepare for Your Aesthetic Treatment (And What to Avoid)

Whether you’re scheduled for Botox, filler, laser resurfacing, or microneedling, proper preparation can make a big difference in your results. Knowing what to do—and what to avoid—before your treatment can help minimize side effects, reduce downtime, and improve your overall experience.

At Ageless Aesthetics, we want every patient to feel confident and informed walking into their appointment. With three locations across Greenwood and Indianapolis, our award-winning team provides not only expert treatment, but also the education needed to maximize your outcome. Here’s how to get ready for your visit.

Why Preparation Matters

Aesthetic treatments are medical procedures, and how you prepare directly impacts how your skin reacts and heals. Skipping prep can lead to unnecessary bruising, swelling, or irritation—and in some cases, compromise your results. Taking the time to follow simple do’s and don’ts ensures a smoother recovery and better longevity for your treatment.

At Ageless Aesthetics, we tailor your pre-treatment instructions to the exact service you’re receiving. But the guidelines below offer a helpful starting point for most injectable and skin-based procedures.

General Pre-Treatment Guidelines

For most treatments, we recommend the following universal guidelines at least 3–5 days prior:

Avoid blood-thinning agents like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and high-dose vitamin E (unless medically necessary). These increase your risk of bruising.
Limit alcohol and caffeine, both of which can dilate blood vessels and contribute to swelling.
Stay hydrated. Well-hydrated skin responds better to treatment and recovers faster.
Pause active skincare ingredients, such as retinoids, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, especially before lasers or microneedling.
Skip tanning and sun exposure. Tanned or sunburned skin cannot be safely treated with lasers or heat-based devices.
Eat a light meal before your appointment. This helps regulate blood sugar and minimizes lightheadedness.
Discontinue waxing or tweezing in the treatment area for at least a week prior (especially before laser hair removal).

If you’re unsure about stopping any medication or supplement, always check with your provider ahead of time.

Botox and Fillers: What to Know Before You Inject

Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are quick procedures, but good prep leads to better results. Here’s how to prepare specifically for neuromodulators or fillers:

Plan ahead: Schedule your appointment at least two weeks before any major event to allow for minor swelling or bruising to subside.
Skip dental work: Avoid dental cleanings or procedures within 2 weeks of lip filler to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid makeup: Come with clean skin if possible. This helps us fully evaluate your face and ensures a sterile environment.
Stop alcohol for 24 hours: It’s a vasodilator and can contribute to bruising or inflammation.
Consider arnica: Ask us if a homeopathic arnica supplement might help reduce post-injection bruising.

Our providers use advanced techniques to minimize trauma, but these simple steps go a long way in keeping your skin calm and your results smooth.

Laser & Microneedling Prep

Skin resurfacing treatments like fractional lasers and microneedling require careful skin prep to avoid irritation or pigment changes. Prior to your appointment:

Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 2–4 weeks.
Stop active products (like retinol or exfoliants) at least 3–5 days in advance.
Discontinue antibiotics or acne medications if advised—some may increase skin sensitivity.
Let us know about cold sores: For laser treatments near the mouth, we may prescribe an antiviral to prevent outbreaks.
Do not wax, exfoliate, or shave harshly before treatment.
Arrive with bare skin—no moisturizer, SPF, or makeup.

Preparing your skin allows the treatment to penetrate more evenly and helps minimize the risk of post-procedure sensitivity.

What You Don’t Need to Stress About

First-timers often overthink their prep. Here’s what you don’t need to worry about:

You don’t need to know everything. We’ll walk you through each step and answer all your questions.
You don’t need a full skincare routine before visiting. In fact, less is more before treatment.
You won’t be judged. Whether you’re brand-new to aesthetics or returning after time away, we’re here to help, not criticize.

Ageless Aesthetics is a judgment-free zone where your comfort and confidence come first.

The Day Of: Final Tips

On the day of your appointment:

Wear comfortable clothing—especially if treating body areas like underarms or legs.
Eat a small, balanced meal an hour or two before your visit.
Take a few deep breaths. Most treatments are quicker and gentler than patients expect.
Be prepared to discuss your medical history and skincare habits. Full transparency helps us keep you safe and customize your care.
Don’t bring a full face of makeup. If you’re coming from work, we’re happy to cleanse your skin when you arrive.

You’re welcome to bring photos of your goals, but we’ll always base our treatment plan on what suits your features—not someone else’s.

Why Preparation Builds Better Results

Well-prepared skin responds better to treatment, heals faster, and holds results longer. We’ve seen it time and again: patients who follow their prep instructions experience fewer side effects, shorter downtime, and longer-lasting improvements.

That’s why education is a major part of what we do at Ageless Aesthetics. We don’t just deliver treatment—we deliver knowledge and care that carry through every step of your experience.

Trust Our Team to Guide You

Our providers are nationally recognized not only for their technique, but also for their commitment to patient safety and support. Whether you’re preparing for Botox, filler, laser, or your first-ever med spa visit, we’re here to ensure you feel fully informed—and fully confident.

We customize every pre-treatment protocol to suit the procedure and the person. That means fewer surprises and better outcomes, no matter where you are in your aesthetic journey.

Ready to Book? Let’s Prepare Together

The best results start before the treatment begins. If you’ve got a procedure on the calendar—or want to schedule your first—now is the time to set yourself up for success.

Call or text 317.855.9100 to schedule your consultation or treatment.
At Ageless Aesthetics, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from prep to post-care, and every detail in between.