· 3 min read · By the Haven team
Aftercare after an aesthetic treatment: the first 48 hours
The treatment itself is only half the job. How you look after your skin in the next two days makes a real difference to comfort and results.
First, follow your practitioner
Every treatment and every person is different. The aftercare sheet you are given always comes first. Use this guide as general background only.
In the first 24 hours
Most practitioners suggest you:
- Keep your hands off the area. No rubbing or massaging unless you are told to.
- Skip make-up on treated skin until the next day.
- Avoid hard exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot baths.
- Go easy on alcohol, which can make bruising worse.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised if you have had facial treatment.
Over the next few days
Some swelling, redness or small bumps are common and usually settle on their own. With fat dissolving, swelling and tenderness are expected and can last several days.
Protect the area from strong sun and use SPF. Hold off on facials, peels and retinol until your practitioner says it is fine.
When to call the clinic
Get in touch straight away if pain gets worse instead of better, if the skin turns pale, dusky or very hot, or if you feel unwell.
If it feels urgent, contact NHS 111 or your GP. Do not wait for your follow-up appointment.