FAQs

What should I do before & after my appointment?

Preparation depends on the treatment:

Neurotoxin Pre & Post Care Instructions

Pre-Treatment Care Instructions

• This treatment is not recommended if you have an important event within 2 weeks of injection due to potential for bruising.

• Avoid herbal supplements such as Ginko, green tea and anti-inflammatories of any kind for 2 weeks before and following treatment to limit bruising.

• Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinners for 24-48 hours before treatment.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds prior to treatment.

• Arrive with a clean face (no makeup, lotions, or creams).

• Inform the provider of any recent vaccinations, illnesses, or infections.

• If prone to bruising, consider taking arnica supplements 1-2 days before treatment.

Post-Treatment Instructions Provided

• Avoid touching/rubbing the treated area for 4-6 hours

• Remain upright for at least 4 hours post-treatment

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours

• No alcohol or blood-thinning medications for 24 hours

• Avoid excessive heat (saunas, hot showers, sun exposure) for 24 hours

• Do not lie down or apply pressure to treated areas for at least 4 hours

• Do not take Ibuprofen, aspirin or vitamin E for 24 hours after injection. Tylenol may be taken for any discomfort of headaches.

• Make-up may be applied gently, remember to wipe up and away from your eyes or brows.

• Avoid herbal supplements such as Ginko, green tea and anti-inflammatories of any kind for 2 weeks following treatment to limit bruising.

• Irritating products (ie. retinols, hyaluronic acid) should be avoided for 24 hours following toxin treatment.

• Do not participate in activities that include heavy lifting, vigorous exercise or straining for 2-3 hours (it takes approximately 2-3 hours for toxin to bind to the nerve and you do not want to increase circulation during that time).

• Bruising in the area injected is normal and often expected, especially if treated around the eyes. Bruising can last up to several weeks. Using/taking Arnica may help diminish bruising.

• It may take up to 12 days for toxin to take full effect.

• A follow-up visit at 10 days to 2 weeks is suggested to assess results for subsequent treatments, particularly if you are a first time client. If full correction is not achieved, you will need to purchase additional toxin for injection.

• Re-treatment is typically needed between 2-6 months.

• Regular injections usually yield a longer lasting toxin result.

• If your upper lip was treated you will not be able to drink through a straw, whistle, or enunciate some words for approximately 2 weeks.

• Although rare, infection in the injected area is possible. Signs of infection may include redness and tenderness in the infected area and fever. Should you develop an infection, antibiotics may be necessary. Please contact us should you have any concerns.

Chemical Peel Pre & Post Instructions:

PRE-Treatment Instructions

For best results, it is advised to avoid sun exposure and the following products & procedures at least 1 week prior your treatment:

• Electrolysis

• Waxing

• Depilatory creams

• Laser hair removal

• Any exfoliating products

• Any products that may be drying or irritating, including products containing salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin c, hydroquinone, retinoids, and prescription medications.

• Shaving of the area to be treated

POST-Treatment Instructions - You will also receive specific after care instructions and a take home after care kit based on the peel you received at the time of visit. 

For two days post procedure:

• Stay cool! Heating internally can cause hyperpigmentation.

• Do not put treated area directly into a hot shower spray.

• Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas.

• Do not go swimming.

• Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration.

• Do not use loofahs or other means of exfoliation.

• Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated area.

• Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated area.

General guidelines:

• After receiving a chemical peel, the skin may look and feel like a mild windburn for the next 2 or 3 days. After 48 hours, a slight flaking may occur for 3 to 5 days which can easily be controlled with moisturizers.

• It is recommended that makeup not be applied the day of treatment, as it is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight.

• To minimize side effects and maximize results, use the post procedure solution for 3 to 5 days or until flaking has resolved.

• Moisturizer should be applied at least twice a day but can be applied more frequently for hydration and to decrease the appearance of flaking.

• Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat. An SPF of at least 50 must be used daily.

• Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post procedure. This practice should be discontinued due to increased risk of skin cancer and signs of aging.

• Do not pick or pull on any loosening skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.

• Do not have any other facial treatment for at least one week after your peel. You may resume the regular use of retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, vitamin c or bleach.

Microneedling: V-FR Fractional RF

1-2 Weeks Before Treatment:

• Avoid Direct Sun Exposure & Tanning: Refrain from excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners. Sunburned or tanned skin cannot be treated.

• Discontinue Certain Skincare Products: Stop using retinoids, exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs), hydroquinone, and other aggressive skincare treatments. If using Accutane, a 3-month waiting period after discontinuation of medication is required.

• Stop Laser Hair Removal, Electrolysis, Waxing, chemical peels, Depilatory creams such as Nair , and any other resurfacing treatments one week prior to treatment.

• Stop topical retinoids (tretinoin and retinoic acid (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa)) one week prior to treatment.

• Avoid Vitamin E, fish oils, and Ginkgo Biloba for one week prior to treatment.

• Avoid ASA (Abbreviation on a medication that indicates it contains acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) 2 weeks before treatment. (Please consult with your physician first if you are on ASA therapy).

• Avoid anti-histamine and inflammatory drugs once week prior to treatment. These negate the effects of the procedure. The body's histamine and inflammatory responses are needed post procedure.

• Please notify our office if you have ever been diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)- You may require prophylactic therapy.

• Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well-hydrated.

3-5 Days Before Treatment:

• Stop Using Blood Thinners (if approved by your doctor): Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood-thinning supplements to minimize bruising.

• No Waxing or Threading: Avoid any hair removal methods in the treatment area.

• 24 Hours Before Treatment:

• Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine: These can increase the risk of bruising and inflammation.

• Arrive with Clean Skin: Remove all makeup, lotions, or oils from the treatment area.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support skin recovery.

• Additional Notes:

• If you have a history of cold sores, notify us in advance to discuss antiviral medication.

• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any active skin infections, this treatment may not be suitable.

• Consult with our team if you have any underlying skin conditions or recent medical treatments.

Peels and Facials:

• Avoid retinol or exfoliants 3–5 days prior. Come to appointment make-up free. Moisturizer and sunscreen is ok.

• If you have any questions or need to reschedule, please contact your provider at Shai Aesthetics Medical Spa

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and Zelle, and cherry financing. We are a cashless establishment.

Do you accept insurance?

Medical spas are elective and not covered by insurance. However, we may provide itemized receipts for certain wellness or medically related services if requested.

What happens if I’m late to my appointment?

We understand delays happen. However, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may need to be shortened or rescheduled to respect the next guest’s time. If you are more than 15 minutes late we will not be able to see you and may result in a fee. Please contact the office via instagram, DM, or call/text the clinic at 619-488-5741.

Do you offer memberships or packages?

Yes! We offer exclusive membership and treatment packages for clients who want consistent results and savings. Ask our team for current specials or package options.