Pre & Post Care Instructions

Ensure Safe, Smooth, and Beautiful Results with Proper Skin Prep & Healing Support

We understand that every body—and every story—is unique. That’s why your experience at The Camo Clinic is always personalized. From consultation to aftercare, we provide clear guidance, artistic precision, and a compassionate approach.

Our treatments don’t just transform your skin—they restore your self-esteem.

Pre Care

Before Your Appointment (Pre-Care)

Preparing your skin properly before your procedure is just as important as the treatment itself. Following these instructions carefully will help ensure your pigment sets beautifully, your procedure goes smoothly, and your skin stays healthy.

Important

All the steps below are designed to protect your skin and prevent complications during your procedure. Please read carefully — skipping any of these steps may prevent us from performing your treatment.

Timing & Treatments to Avoid

Wait at least 30 days after a chemical peel before booking your procedure — your skin will be too sensitive before this.
If you’ve had Botox, wait at least 2 weeks before your treatment.
Skin concerns: Make sure there are no active eczema, psoriasis, or other irritation near the treatment area.

1 Week Prior:

Avoid tanning or sunburn on or around the treatment area.
For eyebrow procedures: Do not pluck, wax, thread, or remove hair in the brow area.
Avoid using Retinol, Retin-A, or other anti-aging/acne creams near the treatment area.

48 Hours Prior

Avoid all blood thinners, including Ibuprofen, Advil, Niacin, Fish Oil, and Vitamin E.

24 Hours Prior

Avoid all alcohol and caffeinated beverages. It’s just 24 hours — you’ve got this!

Do Not Book Your Appointment If

You are under 18 or cannot provide a valid ID.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You are prone to keloid scarring.
You are currently on Accutane or other steroids (within the past year).
You have active skin conditions near the treatment area (Rosacea, Psoriasis, Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis) or excessive sweating.
You have received Botox in the past 2 weeks near the treatment site.
You are on blood-thinning medications.
You are undergoing cancer treatments (chemo/radiation — must be off for 6 months).
You have cardiac valve disease, heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, hemophilia, or other bleeding disorders. (If diabetic, please consult your doctor and email a doctor’s note to Thecamoclinic@gmail.com.)

Lip Blushing / Neutralization

If prone to cold sores, take an antiviral 3 days before and 3 days after your lip procedure. Call 760-688-6571 for guidance.
L-Lysine vitamins can help prevent or reduce cold sores — antivirals are more effective.
Lip filler is safe 1 month before or 1 month after lip blush treatment.

Following these steps ensures your procedure is as smooth and successful as possible!

Pre Care

Before Your Appointment (Pre-Care)

Important

All the steps below are designed to protect your skin and prevent complications during your procedure. Please read carefully — skipping any of these steps may prevent us from performing your treatment.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine (24 Hours Before)

These substances can thin the blood and increase sensitivity, bruising, or bleeding during your procedure. Excess bleeding may dilute pigments and affect retention, especially in tattooing treatments.

Discontinue Blood-Thinners (72 Hours Prior)

If your doctor approves, avoid medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, which also thin the blood and can cause excessive bleeding. This can impact the precision of the work and healing speed.

Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning (7 Days Prior)

Tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive and less receptive to pigment. UV exposure can also affect skin texture and may lead to uneven color healing.

Skip Chemical peels, Facials, and Exfoliation (2 Weeks Prior)

Over-exfoliated or recently treated skin is more prone to irritation and slower healing. Allow the skin barrier to strengthen before your appointment.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well Before Your Visit

Hydration improves skin elasticity and overall body resilience, while a nutritious meal helps regulate your blood sugar, minimizing lightheadedness or fatigue during your treatment.

Shave or Exfoliate the Area (If Advised)

For some treatments, especially on the body, you may be advised to gently shave or exfoliate the area to ensure a clean and even surface for better pigment absorption.

For lip procedures – take antiviral medication (if prone to cold sores)

If you’re prone to cold sores, it’s essential to take a prescribed antiviral (like Acyclovir or Valtrex) starting 1–2 days before your appointment. Lip procedures may trigger a flare-up, and prevention is key to safe healing.

Post Care

Aftercare Instructions (Post-Care)

Your treatment is complete — now it’s time to protect and preserve your beautiful results.
Proper after-care is the most important part of the healing process. These steps will help your pigment set evenly, retain its true color, and keep your skin healthy as it heals.
Remember, your skin is delicate right now, and elements like water, steam, makeup, chlorine, salt, and sweat can all affect pigment color. With a little care, your results will stay flawless and radiant.

Detailed Pre-Care Guidelines

DO

Keep it hydrated: Apply Aquaphor (or the ointment provided in your After-Care Bag) 3 times daily for at least 10 days. The area should never feel dry or tight.
Be gentle: Treat the area with care — this is the key to a smooth, even heal.

DON’T

Avoid water on the treated area for the first 48 hours.
Hands off! Don’t touch with your fingers — use a clean Q-tip to apply ointment to prevent bacteria or infection.
No exfoliating products (scrubs, retinol, acids) during healing. Even after healing, exfoliation can fade your pigment prematurely.
Stick to your provided ointment only. Please avoid Vaseline or Neosporin — they can interfere with healing.
Do not pick or peel flakes. Allow them to fall away naturally to avoid pigment loss.
Avoid tanning or direct sunlight. Protect your treatment area with a hat and sunglasses while healing.
Skip intense workouts, saunas, steam rooms, and swimming for 7 days. Light exercise is okay if sweating is minimal — follow your technician’s instructions for cleaning afterward.
No makeup or sunscreen on or around the treated area for 2 weeks.
Hold off on waxing the area for 4 weeks.
Avoid Botox, laser, or chemical treatments near the treated area for 4 weeks.

Post Care

Aftercare Instructions (Post-Care)

The healing phase after your procedure at The Camo Clinic is just as important as the treatment itself. Following proper aftercare ensures long-lasting results, maintains pigment clarity, reduces the risk of infection or scarring, and helps your skin recover smoothly and beautifully.

Below are detailed aftercare tips that apply to most procedures, including paramedical tattooing, microneedling, lip neutralization, and more. Customized instructions will also be provided based on the specific service you receive.

Detailed Pre-Care Guidelines

Keep the treated area clean and dry (first 24–48 hours)

Avoid touching the area unnecessarily. Gently cleanse as instructed, but avoid soaking, sweating, or exposing it to water for prolonged periods during the initial healing window.

Do not pick, scratch, or rub the area

This is especially important during the peeling or flaking stage. Interfering with the natural healing process can lead to pigment loss, scarring, or uneven texture. Let your skin shed and heal naturally.

Avoid steam, heat, and water exposure (7–10 days)

Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, pools, and long showers. Moisture and heat can compromise pigment retention and introduce bacteria to open skin.

Avoid direct sunlight and wear SPF after healing

UV exposure can fade pigment quickly and damage the sensitive healing skin. Once fully healed, always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect your results—especially for face and body tattoos.

USE ONLY APPROVED OINTMENTS AND HEALING SERUMS

We’ll recommend a specific healing balm or aftercare product. Avoid over-the-counter creams, Vaseline, or fragranced lotions unless approved. Harsh or heavy products can clog pores or pull pigment from the skin.

No makeup, skincare, or exfoliants on the treated area (5–10 days)

Let the skin heal without interference. Applying cosmetics too soon can introduce bacteria or irritants, which may slow down healing or distort the outcome.

Expect MILD REACTIONS

Redness, swelling, light bruising, or flaking is normal during the first few days. Your skin is responding to controlled trauma and beginning the regeneration process. If symptoms worsen or become painful, contact us immediately.

Healing Timeline (What to Expect)

Days 1–3: Redness, swelling, tightness, and slight oozing may occur.
Days 4–7: Flaking or peeling begins; pigment may appear lighter.
Days 8–14: Skin continues regenerating; color begins settling.
Week 4–6: Final results become visible. Touch-ups (if needed) can be scheduled after 6–8 weeks.