Healing follows a pattern for each family of treatment. These guides from Dr Sin Yong set out the usual course day by day, so you can tell expected recovery from something that needs a call to the clinic.
WhatsApp to Enquire →Key facts ↓Aftercare depends on what was done. After CO2 laser, keep the skin clean and moist and do not pick for about a week. After pico laser, protect from sun and let micro-crusts fall naturally. After injections and Rejuran, avoid heat, alcohol and hard exercise for a day or two. Sudden pain, colour change or vision change needs an urgent call.
Day 0. The skin feels hot and tight, like a strong sunburn, and may ooze pinpoint fluid. Cleanse only as shown at the clinic, apply the barrier ointment you were given, and sleep with your head slightly raised.
Days 1–3. Swelling peaks, often most around the eyes. Tiny dark dots or a bronzed, sandpaper-like texture appear as treated columns of skin work their way out. Keep the skin moist so it does not dry and crack. Do not pick, and do not wear make-up.
Days 4–7. Flaking and peeling; the bronzed layer sheds. Once the clinic confirms the surface has closed, switch to a gentle moisturiser and start a mineral sunscreen. If you have a history of cold sores, you may have been prescribed an antiviral medicine to cover this period.
Weeks 2–4 and review. Pinkness fades gradually. This is the window for post-inflammatory pigmentation in Asian skin, so sun protection is strict and retinoids and acids stay paused until Dr Sin Yong advises. A review is booked within the first weeks; collagen remodelling continues for months. RF microneedling heals faster, with grid marks and pinkness for one to three days.
Related treatments: DEKA Tetra CO2 for acne scars, 4D Scar Reconstruction, RF microneedling, syringoma removal and mole removal. See also post-laser scab care.
Day 0. Redness and mild warmth for a few hours. Treated sun spots often turn darker or greyish straight away, which is expected. After laser toning there may be little to see at all.
Days 1–3. Darkened spots form fine micro-crusts. Leave them alone, cleanse gently and moisturise. Avoid scrubs, peels, saunas and hot yoga.
Week 1. Micro-crusts usually lift off within about seven to ten days, leaving pink skin underneath. Use sunscreen every day and reapply when outdoors. Tattoo removal can blister; keep blisters intact and covered.
Weeks 2–4 and review. Watch for darkening in treated areas, which can be post-inflammatory pigmentation. Tell the clinic rather than treating it yourself. Melasma plans are reviewed closely between sessions.
Related treatments: pico laser for pigmentation, R2 Glow on Fotona StarWalker, T2 Frax Radiance on DEKA TORO, laser toning, melasma treatment and tattoo removal.
“Most worries after treatment are normal healing. The few that are not — pain, colour change, vision change — should never wait for the review.”
Anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin, a prescription medicine). Day 0: small bumps at the injection points settle within an hour. Do not rub or massage the area, and skip facials and strenuous exercise for the rest of the day. Days 1–3: the effect begins to show. Weeks 1–2: the full effect develops, and a review at about two weeks lets Dr Sin Yong check the balance. See anti-wrinkle injections and jaw slimming.
Dermal fillers and collagen stimulators. Day 0: swelling, tenderness and possible bruising; cold compresses help. Avoid alcohol, saunas and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Days 1–3: swelling peaks and then settles; lips and the under-eye area swell most. Weeks 1–2: bruising fades and the product settles. Sculptra needs the massage routine you were shown. Review is usually at about two weeks. See dermal fillers, nose filler, lip filler, Sculptra and thread lift.
Urgent after filler: severe or increasing pain, a pale, dusky or mottled patch, or any change in vision needs a same-day call. Do not wait for the review. Our filler correction page explains how filler problems are assessed.
Rejuran (polynucleotides). Day 0: small raised bumps where each injection was placed, with some redness. Avoid make-up for the rest of the day. Days 1–2: the bumps usually settle; tiny marks may remain. Avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for a day or two, cleanse gently and do not massage. Week 1 onwards: continue sunscreen. Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart as a course. See Rejuran.
Profhilo and hyaluronic acid boosters. Bumps at the injection points usually flatten within about a day. Do not massage them. Avoid heat and intense exercise for a day. A second session is often planned around a month later. See Profhilo and skin boosters.
Needle-free boosters. The Deep Synergy Booster and Hydrafacial need little aftercare: gentle skincare and sunscreen.
Day 0. Redness and mild swelling for a few hours; the jawline or cheeks may feel tender to touch. Light make-up is usually fine afterwards.
Days 1–3. Tenderness and a sense of tightness are common. Occasionally there is tingling or a small numb patch along the jaw, which settles; tell the clinic if it persists or if your smile feels uneven.
Weeks 1–12 and review. Most people are back to their usual routine within a day. Collagen remodelling is gradual, so the change is judged at review rather than in the mirror the next morning.
Related treatments: HIFU, Ultherapy, Thermage, VF Lift – Vertical Facelift and Time Freeze Laser LCLR®.
Onda Pro (microwave). Day 0: redness and warmth. Days 1–3: tenderness and mild swelling, sometimes small firm areas or bruising. Keep hydrated and stay lightly active. Weeks 2–4: change is gradual and reviewed at follow-up. See Onda Pro and cellulite treatment.
4K Body Lift (radiofrequency microneedling on Secret Duo). Pinpoint grid marks and pinkness for one to three days; wear loose clothing over the area and avoid heavy sweating for a day or two. See 4K Body Lift and sagging tummy treatment.
Expect small raised bumps at the injection points and some redness, which usually settle within one to two days. Avoid make-up for the rest of the day, and avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for a day or two. Cleanse gently, use sunscreen and do not massage the area. Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart as a course.
Keep it clean and moist with the ointment you were given, sleep slightly propped up for the first nights, and do not pick at crusts. Make-up and active skincare wait until the surface has closed, usually after about a week. Sun protection is strict for the following weeks because Asian skin is prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation.
It depends on the treatment. After most injectables and lifting treatments, light make-up is usually fine from the next day. After skin boosters such as Rejuran, wait at least until the next day. After CO2 laser resurfacing, wait until the clinic confirms the surface has closed, usually around a week. Your written instructions take precedence.
After injections and skin boosters, avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours. After HIFU or radiofrequency lifting, most people return to exercise within a day. After CO2 laser, avoid heavy sweating until the skin has closed. After body contouring, light activity is encouraged. If your plan differs, the clinic will tell you at the session.
After filler: severe or increasing pain, a pale, dusky or mottled patch of skin, or any change in vision. After laser: spreading redness, pus, fever, unexpected blisters or cold-sore-like spots. After any treatment: anything getting worse rather than better. WhatsApp +65 8815 3008 and say it is urgent; if symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency department.
Often, yes. Retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs are usually paused for a few days around lasers and resurfacing, and restarted only when the skin has settled. Sunscreen continues throughout. If you take isotretinoin (a prescription acne medicine) or other prescription medicines, tell Dr Sin Yong at assessment, as this can change the timing of procedures.
IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210. By appointment with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm. WhatsApp or call +65 8815 3008.
These sources describe mechanisms and general evidence. They are not a promise of any individual result; suitability is decided at an in-person assessment.