Pre-procedure instructions: template to send to the patient
A good part of what goes wrong in the clinic starts before the needle: the patient who did not mention a medication, who has active herpes, who had a drink and went ahead "because it was already booked". Written pre-procedure instructions reduce that risk and leave the patient calmer on the day.
The text below is a general document, to send in advance and hand out printed. The professional should validate the items for each procedure. It includes no technique or promise of results.
When should you use this template?
Send it as soon as the procedure is booked and reinforce it the day before, along with the confirmation. Also hand it over on the day, printed, to anyone who has not read it. For the WhatsApp message text that goes with it, use the WhatsApp scripts.
How do you adapt it?
- Align it with the medical history. Patients taking anticoagulants, medication that affects the skin or with an underlying condition need individual instructions. See anticoagulants and injectable procedures, isotretinoin and injectable procedures and cold sores and filler.
- Never ask a patient to stop a medication without assessment. Whoever prescribed it decides whether to stop or continue, together with the professional. The document must say this in plain words.
- Fill in the fields with your routine: hours of alcohol abstinence, makeup instructions, waiting area.
- Keep one version per procedure when the instructions differ. For what comes afterward, use the post-procedure instructions.
- Keep only one "what to avoid beforehand" document: this one. For the reasoning on alcohol, see alcohol after harmonization.
What can never be missing?
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Report medications, supplements and allergies | Changes the indication and the risk |
| Warn about infection, fever, herpes and pregnancy | May postpone or contraindicate |
| Do not stop medication on your own | Safety of the underlying treatment |
| What to avoid in the hours before | Reduces bruising and swelling |
| Preparing the skin and the day | Comfort and hygiene |
| Documents and consent | Speeds things up and gives time to read |
| Professional's contact | Questions before the date |
Pre-procedure instructions template
What if the patient does not follow the instructions?
Talk without embarrassing them before opening any material. Depending on what they did and the procedure, it may be appropriate to proceed, postpone or adjust. Record in the patient record what was reported and the decision taken. To record the medical history that underpins all of this, use the medical history form template.
Frequently asked questions
What should you not do before filler or facial harmonization?
In general, the professional advises avoiding what increases the risk of bruising and swelling (such as alcohol and intense exercise in the hours before) and reporting any medication, supplement, infection or herpes. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own: talk to whoever prescribed it and to the professional.
Can I drink alcohol before botox or filler?
Many professionals ask patients to avoid alcohol in the hours or the day before the injection, because it can promote bruising and swelling. The exact period varies by professional, so follow the instruction you received in writing.
Do I need to fast for facial harmonization?
In general it is not necessary, and a light meal beforehand usually helps avoid feeling unwell. But the instruction depends on the procedure and the professional, so confirm it at your consultation.