Biostimulator Aftercare Instruction (Sculptra/Radiesse)

Sculptra® Aftercare Instructions (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)

What to expect: Mild swelling, tenderness, redness, or bruising is normal. Results build gradually over the next several weeks as collagen is stimulated.

The most important rule: The “5–5–5 Massage”

To help distribute product evenly and reduce the chance of lumps:

  • Massage the treated areas for 5 minutes

  • 5 times per day

  • for 5 days
    (We’ll show you the technique before you leave.)

Do’s (First 24–48 hours)

  • Apply a cool compress (wrapped) for 10 minutes on / 10 minutes off as needed.

  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night if you’re puffy.

  • Stay well hydrated.

Don’ts (First 24–48 hours)

  • Avoid touching, rubbing, or applying heavy pressure except for instructed massage.

  • Avoid makeup for 12 hours (or until injection sites are closed).

  • Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning meds/supplements unless prescribed (can worsen bruising).

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

Heat & skin treatments

For 48 hours, avoid:

  • Hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs

  • Facials, chemical peels, micro-needling, lasers on treated areas (unless provider approves)

When to call us

Contact us urgently if you notice:

  • Increasing redness/warmth, worsening pain, pus, fever

  • Severe swelling, hives, trouble breathing

  • Blanching/white patches, intense pain, or changes in skin color (rare but urgent)

Radiesse® Aftercare Instructions (Calcium Hydroxylapatite)

What to expect: Swelling, tenderness, mild firmness, redness, or bruising can occur and typically improves within a few days.

Do’s (First 24–48 hours)

  • Use a cool compress as needed (10 minutes on/off).

  • Keep the area clean and avoid excess touching.

  • You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed, unless your provider advised otherwise.

Don’ts (First 24–48 hours)

  • Avoid strenuous workouts for 24 hours.

  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours (reduces bruising risk).

  • Avoid makeup for 12 hours or until injection sites are closed.

  • Avoid pressing/massaging the area unless your injector specifically instructs you to.

Heat & skin treatments

For 48 hours, avoid:

  • Sauna, steam room, hot tub

  • Intense sun/heat exposure

  • Aggressive facials or devices on the treated area (until cleared)

If you feel a small bump or firmness

This can be normal early on. Do not aggressively massage. If it persists beyond 7–10 days or is painful, contact us for an assessment.

When to call us

Reach out right away if you experience:

  • Increasing redness/warmth, worsening pain, fever

  • Severe pain, skin blanching (turning white), or blue/purple discoloration (urgent)

  • Vision changes (rare emergency — seek immediate care)

Guest User