Preparing for cosmetic injectable treatment involves reviewing medications that affect bruising, arriving with a clean face, avoiding alcohol for 24 hours prior and ensuring you have had a thorough individual consultation with Corey Anderson at Core Aesthetics before any treatment proceeds.
Good preparation before a cosmetic injectable appointment helps achieve the best possible result and reduces the likelihood of bruising, swelling or other minor complications. At Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh, Corey Anderson, AHPRA registered nurse (NMW0001047575, registered since January 1996), covers preparation as part of every consultation. This article outlines the key steps you can take in the days before your appointment.
In the Week Before Your Appointment
Bruising is the most common minor side effect of injectable treatment and the most influenced by preparation. To reduce bruising risk, avoid or minimise blood thinning supplements where clinically safe to do so. These include fish oil, high dose vitamin E, gingko biloba and similar supplements. Do not stop any prescription blood thinning medication without consulting your prescribing doctor first.
“Good information changes the quality of the decision.”
Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen also thin the blood. If you take these for pain relief, paracetamol is a safer alternative in the days before treatment where appropriate. Again, do not stop any prescribed medication without medical advice.
In the 24 to 48 Hours Before
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment, ideally 48 hours. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases bruising. This is particularly relevant for appointments where dermal filler is planned in areas prone to bruising such as the lips or tear trough.
If you have an active cold sore or any infection in the treatment area, contact the clinic before your appointment. Cold sores can be reactivated by injectable treatment, and active infection in or near the treatment area is a contraindication to proceeding.
On the Day of Your Appointment
Arrive with a clean face. You do not need to remove all makeup but having the treatment area clean simplifies preparation and reduces infection risk. Avoid applying retinol, AHAs, BHAs or active skincare to the face on the day of your appointment.
Arriving Prepared
Eat a light meal before your appointment. Arriving fasted increases the likelihood of feeling lightheaded during or after treatment. Staying well hydrated on the day is also helpful.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head, particularly if you are having upper face treatment. Avoid wearing turtlenecks or high collars to appointments involving the neck or jawline area.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking. If you have had previous cosmetic injectable treatment elsewhere, note the approximate timing, the areas treated and the practitioner if known. This information helps Corey assess your current situation accurately and avoid any compounding effects with recent treatment.
If you have specific concerns or images that illustrate what you are hoping to address, bringing these to the consultation is helpful as a communication tool, provided you understand that what treatment can achieve is always determined by the individual anatomy assessed at consultation rather than by a particular image.
After Your Appointment
The aftercare relevant to your specific treatment will be covered by Corey at your appointment. As a general principle, avoid intense exercise, saunas, excessive sun exposure and alcohol for 24 hours after injectable treatment. Avoid touching, massaging or applying pressure to the treated areas immediately after treatment unless instructed to do so.
Read the specific aftercare guides for anti wrinkle treatment aftercare, lip filler aftercare, dermal filler aftercare and managing bruising after injectables.
Book your consultation at Core Aesthetics, Oakleigh.
Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment.
Related: Read more about what to expect at a consultation and book a consultation at Core Aesthetics, Oakleigh.
General Information Only. This article is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. Treatment outcomes, suitability and risks vary by individual. Any medical or prescription treatment options can only be discussed and provided where clinically appropriate following an individual assessment.
Clinical References
AHPRA Registration: NMW0001047575 (Nurse, registered since January 1996) | Core Aesthetics, Oakleigh VIC 3166
All prescription treatments are assessed and administered by an AHPRA registered health practitioner. Suitability is determined individually at consultation.
Clinical References
General Information Only. This article is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. Treatment outcomes, suitability and risks vary by individual. Any medical or prescription treatment options can only be discussed and provided where clinically appropriate following an individual assessment. Last reviewed April 2026 by Corey Anderson, Core Aesthetics.