Showing up to your Lima aesthetic appointment well-prepared saves time, reduces complications, and improves results. This checklist applies to most non-invasive treatments — your specific procedure may have additional requirements.
1 week before
- Stop blood thinners and supplements that increase bruising: aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng. (Continue if prescribed for medical reasons — discuss with the clinic.)
- Stop topical retinoids on areas being treated
- Avoid intense sun exposure
- Hydrate consistently
- Avoid new skincare products
48 hours before
- No alcohol
- No spicy food
- No new skincare products on the treatment area
- No intense exercise (allows tissue rest)
24 hours before
- No vigorous exercise
- No facials, microneedling, or other in-clinic treatments
- If photos are part of the appointment, arrive without makeup
- Adequate sleep (8 hours ideal)
- Hydrate generously
Morning of
- Eat a normal breakfast (avoid fainting risk)
- Drink water
- Take regular medications as usual unless told otherwise
- Wear comfortable clothing — front-buttoning shirts for body treatments
- Bring photo ID and reservations
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Insurance documents (for travel medical coverage, not for the procedure itself)
- List of current medications and supplements
- Any questions in writing
- Phone for after-photos
- Comfortable hotel attire for after
Same-day after
Have a recovery plan: hotel near clinic, no major plans for 4–24 hours, soft food options identified.
Avoid rushing back to the airport same day for most treatments. Recovery-friendly restaurants.
Treatment-specific pre-trip prep
- HIFU: normal hydration, no special prep
- Morpheus8: stop tretinoin 1 week, hydroquinone 4 weeks for dark skin
- Toxin: stop blood thinners 1 week, no alcohol 48 hours
- Filler: stop blood thinners 1 week, antiviral if HSV history
- Laser/picosecond: stop retinoids 1 week, strict SPF 4 weeks
- Cryolipolysis: normal prep, hydration
Mental preparation
- Read about your procedure beforehand
- Have questions ready (write them down)
- Bring photos of desired results to discuss
- Plan post-treatment activities (rest vs sightseeing)
- Notify travel companion of timing
What to skip
- Aggressive skincare routines week-of
- Heavy alcohol night before
- New supplements without consultation approval
- Excessive caffeine on treatment morning (anxiety)
- Tight clothing if treatment area would be irritated
Travel medical insurance
Travel medical insurance recommended for any international trip. Insurance details.
Frequently asked questions
What if I forget my medication list?
Pharmacy records or photos work. Tell consultation about anything you can't remember.
What if I had alcohol last night?
Hydrate aggressively. May increase bruising risk slightly but usually OK.
Should I shave/wax before treatment?
Depends on area. Treatment-specific. Confirm with consultation.
What if I started a new medication?
Tell consultation. Some medications affect treatment.
Can I have caffeine before treatment?
Light caffeine OK. Avoid excessive amounts (anxiety).
What if I'm anxious?
Tell consultation. Most procedures have calm, conversational atmosphere.
Should I bring my husband / partner?
Optional. Most clinics welcome companions. Some procedures benefit from someone driving you home.
Bottom line
1 week: stop blood thinners. 48 hours: no alcohol. 24 hours: no exercise. Morning of: eat, drink, take medications. Bring ID and questions. Hotel near clinic for recovery.