FAQs

Below are a collection of Frequently Asked Questions, and Before & After care requirements prior to your visit.

Please note, these are the essentials— your provider will share treatment-specific guidance during your initial consultation once your personalized treatment plan is determined.

  • Q: What sunscreen routine do you recommend after laser?
    A:     Use broad‑spectrum sunscreen and reapply 3× daily (around 7am, 12pm, and 2pm).

    Q: Which barrier/recovery creams are okay?
    A:     Use a re‑epithelizing cream as needed: Uriage Bariederm Cicacream, La Roche‑Posay Cicaplast, Avène Cicalfate, or Eucerin Aquaphor.

    Q: What if I get cold sores (HSV)?
    A:     If you have a history of HSV, take Valtrex 1 g immediately after treatment and continue once daily for 3 additional days.

    Q: Sun exposure rules?
    A:     Strictly avoid direct sun for 7–15 days (varies by treatment). Always wear SPF.

    Q: I have darker skin—anything special?
    A:     Some protocols advise a soft topical steroid twice daily for 5–7 days to reduce PIH risk. A provider at Ali Aesthetics will prescribe it during your consultation if it is needed.

    Q: What medications and skin care should I discuss prior to my treatment?
    A: Blood thinning medications     are important to disclose prior to any ablative procedure as there may be increased risk of bleeding. Light‑sensitive medications increase risks of burns. Isotretinoin/Accutane must be stopped at least 1 month before. 

    Q: Can I continue my regular skin care routine?
    A:Vitamin‑A derivatives & exfoliants must be stopped at least 3 days before     (tretinoin, adapalene/Differin, other retinoids, glycolic acid, AHAs/BHAs, hydroquinone, kojic acid, alcohol‑based toners). Most protocols allow resuming by day 4–5 or day 7. See each treatment below for specifics.

  • Q: What is microneedling?
    A:     A collagen-stimulating treatment that creates micro-channels to smooth texture, soften scars, and brighten tone with minimal downtime.

    Q: How many sessions do I need?
    A:     Typically 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart; maintenance every 3–6 months as desired.

    Q: Typical downtime?
    A:     Pink to red for 24–72 hours, with a “sandpaper” feel for 2–5 days. Makeup after 24 hours (if skin is calm).

    Q: When will I see results?
    A:     Skin glow can show in a few days; collagen remodeling builds over 4–12 weeks.

    Q: How should I prep my skin?
    A:

    • 7 days prior: Avoid sun/tanning; no waxing, threading, or depilatories on the area.

    • 3–5 days prior: Pause retinoids (tretinoin/retinol), AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating scrubs, and harsh actives.

    • 24–48 hours prior: Avoid alcohol and intense exercise; arrive well-hydrated.

    Q: Medications or conditions I should mention?
    A:     Tell your provider if you:

    • Have history of cold sores (your provider will provide prophylactic antivirals if needed).

    • Used isotretinoin in the last 6 months.

    • Are pregnant/breastfeeding, prone to keloids, on anticoagulants, or have active acne, eczema, dermatitis, or a skin infection at the site.

    Q: Can I do this near other treatments?
    A:

    • Neurotoxins (Botox/Jeuveau/Daxxify/Xeomin): Space ~7 days from microneedling.

    • Filler: Space ~2 weeks from microneedling.

    • Peels/laser: Consult your provider for sequencing; usually allow a minimum of  2-4 weeks.

    Q: How should I arrive at my appointment?
    A:     Clean, makeup-free skin. Remove facial jewelry in the treatment zone. Avoid heavy moisturizers/SPF right before your visit (we will prep your skin here).

    Q: Will it hurt?
    A:     A topical anesthetic is typically applied for comfort; most clients describe mild pressure/scratchiness.

    Q: What will my skin look/feel like?
    A:     Pink/red and warm (like a sunburn) for 24–72 hours, then a tight, dry, or rough feel for 2–5 days.

    Q: How do I care for my skin right after?
    A:

    • Hours 0–24: Do not touch with unclean hands. No makeup. Mist with sterile saline (optional). Apply gentle hydrators (hyaluronic acid) and a barrier ointment or bland moisturizer as directed.

    • Days 1–3: Gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, bland moisturizer. Sunscreen is essential if going outdoors (reapply). Avoid sweating, hot yoga, saunas, and swimming for 24–48 hours.

    • Days 3–5: You may resume vitamin C if non-irritating. Continue gentle hydration and SPF.

    • Days 5–7: Gradually reintroduce retinoids/AHAs/BHAs if skin is fully calm (start slowly).

    Q: What should I avoid after my treatment?
    A:

    • Direct sun for 7 days (then daily SPF habit).

    • Retinoids/acids/scrubs for 3–5 days (or until skin is calm).

    • Makeup for 24 hours (mineral makeup after that if needed).

    • Picking/peeling—let flaking slough naturally.

    Q: Which products are ideal after my treatment?
    A:     Gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, bland occlusive or barrier cream (e.g., petrolatum-based ointment or Cicaplast-type recovery cream), and broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

    Q: Pro tips for best glow?
    A:     Keep hydration high (inside and out), sleep on a clean pillowcase, and be diligent with SPF + reapplication—that’s what protects your new collagen

  • Q: What is BioRePeel?
    A:     A no-downtime, biphasic TCA peel designed to refine texture, brighten tone, and soften fine lines while supporting collagen with minimal peeling.

    Q: Will I peel?
    A:     Most clients see little to no visible peeling—think a light glow and baby-soft feel. Mild flaking can occur for 1–3 days.

    Q: When will I see results?
    A:     A quick glow and smoother feel can show within 1–3 days; tone/texture refine over 2–4 weeks as collagen support builds.

    Q: How many sessions do I need?
    A:     Typically 4–6 treatments spaced 7–14 days apart for a corrective series; then maintenance every 4–8 weeks.

    Q: How should I prep my skin?
    A:

    • 3–5 days prior: Pause retinoids (tretinoin/retinol), AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, and harsh actives.

    • 7 days prior: Avoid tanning/sunburns; no waxing, threading, or depilatories on the area.

    • Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.

    Q: Who should avoid or delay treatment?
    A:     Tell your provider if you:

    • Used isotretinoin within the last 6–12 months (timing is case-by-case).

    • Are pregnant/breastfeeding (often deferred).

    • Have active cold sores, open wounds, infections, eczema/dermatitis flares, or are prone to keloids.

    • Are using photosensitizing meds or have had a strong peel/laser in the past 1–2 weeks.

    Q: Can I combine BioRePeel with other treatments?
    A:     Yes, often paired in a series with microneedling or dermaplaning. Your provider will plan the sequence and spacing.

    Q: What does it feel like?
    A:     Brief tingling or warmth for a few minutes; most clients rate it mild. Treatment time is typically 15–30 minutes.

    Q: Is there downtime?
    A:     Social downtime is minimal. Skin may look fresh or slightly pink for a few hours.

    Q: What should I use after my treatment?
    A:

    • First 24–48 hours: Gentle cleanser, hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid), bland moisturizer/barrier cream, and broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

    • Keep skin hydrated; avoid hot yoga/saunas and heavy sweating for 24 hours.

    Q: What should I avoid after my treatment and for how long?
    A:

    • Actives (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs): pause 3–5 days or until skin feels calm.

    • Direct sun: avoid for 7 days; then maintain daily SPF and reapply as needed.

    • Makeup: ideally wait 12–24 hours (mineral makeup preferred at first).

    • Picking/peeling: let any flaking slough naturally.

    Q: When can I resume my routine?
    A:     Most clients resume vitamin C by day 2–3 and retinoids/acids by day 3–5 if skin is comfortable.

  • Q: What is HRT?
    A:     HRT supplements or optimizes hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA) to ease symptoms like low energy, poor sleep, hot flashes, brain fog, low libido, and mood changes—aiming for safe, physiologic ranges rather than “superphysiologic” peaks.

    Q: Who is a good candidate?
    A:     Men and women with bothersome symptoms and/or documented deficiencies on labs who want a conservative, medically supervised plan. Your provider will confirm candidacy at consultation.

    Q: Who should hold or avoid HRT?
    A:     Active or recent hormone-sensitive cancer, untreated severe sleep apnea, uncontrolled heart/liver disease, active blood clots, unexplained vaginal bleeding or pregnancy. We’ll review your history to individualize safety.

    Q: What types of HRT do you offer?
    A:     Depending on your needs: topical/transdermal creams or patches, oral capsules/troches (when appropriate), and intramuscular/subcutaneous injections. We choose the route that best balances safety, convenience, and results.

    Q: What labs are needed?
    A:     Typical baseline: CBC (with hematocrit), CMP, lipid panel, A1c, TSH ± thyroid antibodies, vitamin D, ferritin/iron panel, sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, total & free testosterone, SHBG, DHEA-S), LH/FSH, and for men PSA; pregnancy test when applicable. Follow-up labs occur 6–8 weeks after starting or changing doses, then every 3–6 months.

    Q: What results can I expect—and when?
    A:

    • 2–6 weeks: sleep, energy, hot flashes, mood, libido often begin improving.

    • 8–12+ weeks: body composition, skin/hair quality, and exercise recovery trends.

    • 6–12 months: bone density support and sustained metabolic benefits.

    Q: Common side effects?
    A:     Temporary breast tenderness, mild acne/skin oiliness, spotting (women early on), fluid shifts, mood changes, or injection-site irritation. Men may see elevated hematocrit; we monitor closely. Transdermal estrogen typically carries lower clot risk than oral; your route is chosen accordingly.

    Q: Will I gain weight?
    A:     HRT is not a weight-gain therapy. With proper dosing plus nutrition, sleep, and resistance training, many patients notice better body composition over time.

    Q: Do I have to take HRT forever?
    A:     No. We reassess goals at each visit. Many patients taper or transition to maintenance once symptoms and labs stabilize.

    Q: How often are visits?
    A:     Initial consult with baseline labs → start plan → 6–8 week follow-up for dose-tuning → then every 3–6 months (or sooner if symptoms change).

    Q: Can HRT be combined with other wellness services?
    A:     Yes. We may pair HRT with lifestyle coaching, nutrition, weight-management, peptides, or vitamin therapy—always tailored to safety and goals.

    Q: Any medication or lifestyle precautions?
    A:     Tell us about anticoagulants, thyroid medications, steroids, seizure medications, or fertility treatments. Prioritize daily SPF, regular exercise (especially strength training), protein-forward nutrition, hydration, and consistent sleep.

    Q: When should I contact the clinic urgently?
    A:     New chest pain, shortness of breath, severe leg swelling, severe headache/vision changes, heavy or unexpected bleeding, or signs of infection. For men on testosterone: report symptoms of very thick blood (headaches, flushing)—we monitor hematocrit to prevent this.

    Q: Will I receive personalized instructions?
    A:     Yes, these are general basics. Your provider delivers treatment-specific guidance at your initial consultation once your plan is set.

    Gentle reminder: HRT is individualized medical care. We use the lowest effective doses and adjust thoughtfully based on your symptoms, goals, and labs.