What is gua sha?
Gua sha is a type of facial massage using uniquely shaped tools. A traditional eastern medicine technique to relieve tension in the facial muscles, improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage for brighter, firmer, more vibrant skin.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Not at all. The needles are incredibly fine, most patients don’t feel the needles as they are being inserted. Needles are placed at certain points on your body during your treatment based on your eastern medicine tongue and pulse diagnosis and skin picture. Your face remains needle free to allow the doctor to perform the lymphatic and gua sha massage.
*Safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Pre-Care Aesthetic Instructions
Prior to your treatment:
We recommend scheduling your appointment at least 2-weeks prior to important events such as a wedding or vacation, and at least 2-weeks prior to or post dental work, including standard teeth cleaning.
If you have a history of cold sores, please advise the doctor so they may put you on anti-viral medication prior to treatment. Please reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or infection on the area to be treated.
Be sure to have something to eat and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of light-headedness during your treatment.
To minimize the risk of bruising after your treatment:
Beginning 7 days prior to your treatment:
Avoid chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing and other facial treatments.
Avoid the use of anti-inflammatory/ blood thinning medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofein, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDs unless medically necessary.
Beginning 3 days prior to your treatment:
Avoid the use of herbal supplements such as omega-3, EFA or fish oil, st. john’s wort, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, garlic, green tea, vitamin A and vitamin E
Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), retinols, retinoids, glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, other direct acids, or other ‘anti-aging’ products.
Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, and the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated
Beginning 24 hours prior to your treatment:
Do not consume alcoholic beverages
Do not use clay masks, scrubs or other exfoliating agents
You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to and after your treatment to help reduce the risk of bruising.
Day of your Treatment:
Please hydrate, and have something to eat before your procedure.
For facial treatments, try to arrive with a ‘clean face’ free of makeup and/or clean-shaven. We encourage you to remain make-up free for a minimum of 24 hours after your treatment to reduce the risk of infection.
If you are receiving a PRP hair treatment, arrive with freshly washed hair. If you are receiving treatment for underarm hyperhidrosis, please wear a sleeveless shirt or tank top to your appointment.
Numbing cream may be used for your treatment. If you are having a PRP treatment, the doctor will perform a venipuncture prior to your procedure.
You may experience mild tenderness, itching or stinging during and after your treatment. Redness, swelling and minor bruising may also occur. You may experience tenderness at the treatment site(s) that can last from a few hours to a few days.
Post-Care Aesthetic Instructions
Botox/Dysport & Dermal Filler Treatments:
You may apply an ice pack to the area(s) treated (avoiding pressure) as this helps reduce swelling and the potential for bruising.
Do not rub or massage the treated area for a minimum of 4 hours following treatment.
If you have had a botox treatment, do not lie down or engage in strenuous activity or exercise for a minimum of 4 hours.
Avoid extended UV exposure until any redness or swelling has subsided. Be sure to apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
You may take Tylenol if you experience mild tenderness, discomfort or headache following your treatment.
Do not use a sauna, hot tub or steam room for 24 hours following treatment.
Avoid drinking with a straw, kissing, smoking, wearing lipstick other than lip balm, or biting into hard foods such as apples for a minimum of 24 hours after lip procedures.
If you’ve had a dermal filler treatment, you may feel “firmness” in the treated area(s) for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Over time, the area(s) will soften and “settle”.
Do not receive facial, microdermabrasion or laser treatments after your procedure for at least 14 days. Ask the doctor if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services.
Results of your treatment may take up to 14 days for the full effect. Please wait 2 weeks before booking a touch up.
Contact us IMMEDIATELY to be assessed if you begin to experience signs of infection such as increasing warmth, pain, redness or pus, fever, cold sores, rash, blistering, increasing pain, bluish or white discolouration, severe swelling or itching.
Microneedling & PRP Treatments:
You may experience redness, minor bruising, swelling around the eye area, itching, burning or stinging, and acne breakout for 1-3 days after your treatment.
Do not touch your treatment area for a minimum of 4 hours after your procedure.
If your skin feels dry and/or tight, you may apply hyaluronic acid after the initial 4 hours.
Change your pillowcase the day of treatment, and wipe down your phone and/or glasses with alcohol.
You may wash your face the day after treatment, but it is recommended that you wait a full 24 hours before wearing makeup. Make sure it is mineral based makeup that does not contain any oils. If you have had PRP hair restoration, please wait until the following day to wash your hair/scalp.
Avoid sweaty exercise, saunas, steams and sun exposure for 72 hours after your treatment. Be sure to wear SPF of 30 or higher.
Avoid any skin care products that contain active ingredients for at least 72 hours after your treatment.
Do not receive facial, microdermabrasion or laser treatments after your procedure for at least 14 days. If you have had PRP hair restoration please wait for a minimum of 14 days before having another scalp/hair treatment. Ask the doctor if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services.
Contact us IMMEDIATELY to be assessed if you begin to experience signs of infection such as increasing warmth, pain, redness or pus, fever, cold sores, rash, blistering, increasing pain, severe swelling or itching.
