Institute for Ageless Living Pre-Treatment Preparation
Located in Longmont, CO, the Institute for Ageless Living offers advanced aesthetics and wellness, blending cosmetic treatments with restorative health solutions.
Pre-Treatment Preparation Guideline
Following pre-treatment instructions is essential to achieving optimal results and ensuring your safety during aesthetic procedures.
At Institute for Ageless Living in Longmont, CO, Dr. Kirk Mitchell and our experienced team are committed to providing you with personalized care and guidance. These specific preparation steps will help maximize the effectiveness of your treatment and minimize recovery time.
Use the table of contents below to jump directly to your treatment. If you have any questions before your appointment, please call us at 720-340-5522.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing is a powerful skin rejuvenation procedure that requires careful preparation to achieve the best results. Please follow these guidelines before your appointment.
- Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning beds 4–6 weeks before treatment
- Avoid self-tanners for 5 or more days before the procedure
- Wear SPF 30 or higher for 4–6 weeks prior to treatment
- Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acids, and exfoliating products 5–7 days before
- On the day of treatment, arrive with clean, dry skin free of lotions, makeup, oils, and perfumes
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- Avoid blood thinners unless prescribed by your physician (including ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E)
- Notify us if you have any active infections or skin conditions in the treatment area
- Inform your provider if you have a history of herpes simplex virus (preventative medication is available)
RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling combines microneedling with RF energy to stimulate collagen production and tighten skin. Proper preparation helps ensure your comfort and optimal results.
- Stay out of direct sunlight 2–4 weeks before treatment
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners
- Wear SPF 30 or higher
- Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acids, and exfoliating products 5–7 days before
- On the day of treatment, arrive with clean, dry skin free of lotions, makeup, oils, and perfumes
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- Avoid blood thinners unless prescribed by your physician
- Ensure there are no active infections or skin conditions in the treatment area
- Notify your provider if you have a history of herpes simplex virus
Facials
- Avoid active skincare products for 2–3 days prior (e.g., retinol, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide)
- Limit sun exposure and avoid sunburn before your appointment
- Do not wax, thread, or shave the treatment area for at least 24–48 hours prior
- Avoid chemical peels or exfoliating treatments for at least 1 week before
- Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water)
- Arrive with clean skin if possible (minimal or no makeup)
- Inform your aesthetician of:
- Skin conditions (acne, rosacea, eczema)
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Current skincare products or medications
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine right before, as they can increase skin sensitivity
Facial, Vascular & Pigment Laser
Facial, vascular, and pigment laser treatments address a range of concerns including acne scars, pigmentation issues, melasma, rosacea, redness, and visible veins. Follow these steps to prepare for your session.
- Keep the treatment area out of direct sunlight and tanning beds 4–6 weeks before
- Avoid self-tanners for 5 or more days prior to treatment
- Wear SPF 30 or higher for 4–6 weeks prior to your appointment
- Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acids, and exfoliating products 5–7 days before
- On the day of treatment, arrive with clean, dry skin free of lotions, makeup, oils, and perfumes
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- Avoid blood thinners unless prescribed by your physician
- Ensure there are no active infections or skin conditions in the treatment area
- Notify your provider if you have a history of herpes simplex virus
Junera Subdermal Laser Lift & Sculpt
Junera is an advanced subdermal laser contouring procedure that requires thorough preparation. Please review all of the following carefully and contact our team with any questions.
Medications & Supplements
- Start antibiotics 72 hours (3 days) before your procedure and complete the full course as prescribed
- Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications and supplements 7 days before AND after treatment
- Avoid NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Celebrex, Enbrel, and Humira
- Discontinue supplements including Turmeric, THC, CBD, Omega-3/fish oil, Ginger, Willow bark, green tea extract, Resveratrol, mushroom supplements, Kachava, and functional protein shakes
- Never stop prescribed medication without consulting your physician
- Submit your complete medication and supplement list 3 weeks prior for review
- Discontinue antihistamines before treatment (Benadryl, Zyrtec, Xyzal, Allegra, Claritin, ZzzQuil, Tylenol PM)
- Avoid blood thinners and bruising risk items 2 days before (alcohol, caffeine, Omega-3, vitamin E, cranberry supplements) unless prescribed by your physician
Day-of Preparation
- Wear comfortable front-opening clothing (button or zip-front)
- Arrive without makeup and remove all jewelry from head and neck
- Remove eyelash extensions if your treatment includes the eye area
- Plan to have pre-procedure baseline photos taken
- Eat a light meal or snack before your appointment
- Request optional anxiety or pain medication in advance if desired
- Arrange for a driver if you take oral prescription medication
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels exfoliate damaged skin layers to reveal smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. Proper skin preparation is key to a successful peel.
- Stay out of direct sunlight 2 weeks before treatment
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners
- Wear SPF 30 or higher
- Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating products 5–7 days before
- Avoid waxing, threading, or hair removal in the treatment area 7 days prior
- Drink plenty of water and keep your skin well moisturized
- Do not schedule a peel within 1–2 weeks of facials, laser treatments, microneedling, or injectable procedures
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal targets hair follicles with focused light energy for long-lasting hair reduction. Following these preparation steps will help ensure safe, effective treatment sessions.
- Stay out of direct sunlight 2–4 weeks before treatment
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners
- Wear SPF 30 or higher
- Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acids, and exfoliating products 5–7 days before
- Do not bleach hair in the treatment area
- Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours before your appointment (avoid razor burn or cuts)
- Do NOT wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams for 4 or more weeks prior — the hair root must remain intact
- On the day of treatment, arrive with clean skin free of lotions, deodorants, makeup, creams, perfumes, and oils
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- Avoid blood thinners unless prescribed by your physician
- Ensure there are no active skin infections
Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal breaks down ink particles beneath the skin so your body can naturally eliminate them. Proper preparation supports a smoother, more comfortable treatment experience.
- Stay out of direct sunlight 2–4 weeks before treatment
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners on the tattooed area
- Wear SPF 30 or higher
- Discontinue retinoids, glycolic acids, and exfoliating products 5–7 days before
- Shave the day before treatment and avoid razor burn or cuts
- On the day of treatment, keep the tattooed area clean, dry, and free of lotions, makeup, oils, and perfumes
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to the treatment area
- Drink plenty of water and eat a light meal before your appointment
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- Avoid blood thinners unless prescribed by your physician
- Wait a minimum of 8–12 weeks if your tattoo is new
- Ensure there are no active infections or skin conditions
Emsculpt Neo
Emsculpt Neo combines HIFEM+ technology with radiofrequency to build muscle and reduce fat simultaneously. These preparation steps will help you get the most from each session.
- Drink 8 glasses of water the day before and the day of your appointment
- Have a light meal 1–2 hours before (avoid heavy meals immediately before treatment)
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Remove jewelry, watches, and all metal objects from the treatment area
- Do not apply lotions, oils, or creams to the treatment area on the day of treatment
- Use the restroom immediately before your treatment
- Continue taking all prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your provider
- Inform your provider of any health changes, new medications, recent cosmetic treatments, injections, metal implants, or surgeries
- Treatment can be performed during menstruation, though you may experience increased discomfort
- For Functional/Pelvic Floor treatments: bring relevant medical records and physical therapy documentation; inform your provider of current pain levels
Exosome Scalp Therapy (Hair Restoration)
Exosome scalp therapy is a non-invasive hair restoration treatment that promotes natural hair regrowth. Careful preparation helps optimize your scalp environment for the best possible results.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and blood-thinning supplements 48–72 hours before your appointment (unless medically necessary)
- Consult your physician before stopping any prescribed medications
- Avoid alcohol 24–48 hours before treatment
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning
- Discontinue topical hair growth products such as minoxidil as directed by your provider
- On the day of treatment, wash your hair with gentle shampoo and arrive with clean, dry hair free of styling products, oils, and sprays
- Avoid caffeine before your appointment
- Have a light meal before arriving
- Report any recent illness, fever, or active infections to your provider
- Inform your provider of all medications, supplements, and topical treatments you are currently using
IV Therapy, Peptide Therapy & Vitamin Injections
IV therapy, peptide therapy, and vitamin injections deliver essential nutrients and bioactive compounds directly into your system for rapid, targeted wellness support. Review the general and service-specific guidelines below before your appointment.
General Preparation (All Three Services)
- Provide your complete medical history including all medications, supplements, allergies, and pre-existing conditions
- Drink 8 or more glasses of water the day before and day of your appointment
- Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your appointment to prevent lightheadedness
- Continue taking all prescribed medications unless your physician instructs otherwise
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with easy arm access (especially important for IV therapy)
- Get adequate rest the night before your appointment
- Complete any required lab work before your treatment
- Notify our staff immediately if you are feeling unwell on the day of your appointment (you may need to reschedule)
IV Therapy Specific Preparation
- Proper hydration is especially critical to ensure easier IV placement
- Avoid caffeine 2 hours before your appointment if you are prone to anxiety or elevated heart rate
- Inform our staff if you have had previous difficulty with IV access
Peptide Therapy Specific Preparation
- Review your supplement and hormone protocols with your provider before starting peptide therapy
- Fasting may be recommended for certain peptides — confirm with your provider
- If you will be self-administering peptides, ensure you receive proper training on injection technique
Vitamin Injection Specific Preparation
- Inform your provider of any known vitamin sensitivities or deficiencies
- A light meal is especially recommended before B12 and B-complex injections
- Discuss your health goals with your provider to ensure the appropriate injection formulation
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy gradually reduces your sensitivity to specific allergens through regular exposure under medical supervision. Here is what to expect before beginning treatment.
- Your first appointment will include a consultation with our MD to review your symptoms and confirm your candidacy for treatment
- Testing is typically available as soon as the next day
- A 15-minute testing appointment will determine your personalized treatment plan
- You will attend monthly office visits to pick up new vials
- Skip your home injection dose the day before AND the day of your office appointment (maintain at least 48 hours between doses)
- Bring your patient booklet, all serum vials, your recorded dosage schedule, and your emergency epinephrine device to each appointment
Medical Weight Loss
Our medical weight loss program is a physician-supervised approach to sustainable weight management. Thorough screening and preparation are essential before beginning treatment.
- Men over 40, post-menopausal women, and those with cardiovascular risk factors must undergo cardiovascular evaluation (may include ECG and/or stress testing)
- Blood work may be obtained before treatment begins
- Disclose your complete medical and family history, including any history of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or kidney disease
- Provide a complete list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited during the entire weight loss program
- Pregnancy must be avoided; notify us immediately if pregnancy is suspected
- You must be under the regular care of your primary care provider
- Understand that medical weight loss is a long-term treatment program (lasting months to years), not a quick fix
Wellness Devices
Institute for Ageless Living offers several wellness device therapies designed to complement your treatment plan. Review the preparation guidelines for each device below.
Infrared Sauna
- Drink 16–24 oz of water before your session
- Have a light meal 1–2 hours before treatment
- Avoid alcohol for 4 or more hours prior to your session
- Shower before entering the sauna
- Wear minimal, loose clothing or a bathing suit
- Remove all jewelry, watches, and electronic devices
- Bring a towel and water bottle with you
Red Light Therapy (NovoTHOR)
- Remove all makeup, lotions, and topical products from the treatment area
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly for optimal light penetration
- Remove clothing or wear minimal, light-colored clothing for treatment
- Wear provided eye protection (optional)
- Inform our staff of any current medications or supplements you are taking
- Avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure before your treatment
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages for 4 hours prior to treatment
- Avoid tobacco use for 2 or more hours before your appointment
- Use the restroom before entering the chamber
- Inform our staff if you have a cold or respiratory congestion
- Learn proper ear equalization techniques — our staff can assist you with this
Cryotherapy
Please ask our team for specific cryotherapy preparation guidelines during your consultation.
Questions Before Your Appointment?
Following pre-treatment instructions is essential to achieving optimal results and ensuring your safety during aesthetic procedures. At Institute for Ageless Living in Longmont, CO, Dr. Kirk Mitchell and our experienced team are committed to providing you with personalized care and guidance. These specific preparation guidelines will help maximize the effectiveness of your treatment and minimize recovery time.
If you have any questions before your appointment, please call us at 720-340-5522.
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