If you are experiencing discomfort after your treatment, please contact our after hours emergency line: 719-741-1481
Blog
Skincare insights
& Honest Advice
About Our Medical Director Dr. Gregory Buford
Denver, Colorado board-certified plastic surgeon Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO, specializes in non-invasive and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures that empower you to look and feel your very best.
A nationally recognized expert and trainer in the safe and effective use of injectables, Dr. Buford is renowned for his expertise in breast enhancements, including Denver breast augmentation and breast lift, abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), liposuction, and facials, along with his revolutionary Before Baby Body program for moms looking to regain their pre-pregnancy bodies and confidence. Dr. Buford has a proven reputation and the qualifications to match.
As an experienced authority in the area of primary as well as secondary breast revision surgery, Dr. Buford has performed more than 6,000 breast procedures over his career and has worked with patients from all over the world. Given his background, he has been asked to participate in an advisory role to top breast implant manufacturers such as MENTOR and ALLERGAN, where he has worked with other key opinion leaders to help educate medical professionals as well as provide feedback to the industry to help improve existing implant options as well as develop potential new devices.
Pre- & Post-Care Getting Ready, and What Comes After
Skip Blood Thinners Beforehand: Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and alcohol for 24 hours before injectables to help minimize bruising and swelling.
- Come In With Clean Skin: Arrive with a freshly washed face, free of makeup, lotion, or sunscreen, so your provider can assess your skin clearly.
- Avoid Sun and Tanning Beforehand: Sun exposure and tanning beds in the days before treatment can increase your risk of complications, especially with laser services.
- Skip Strenuous Exercise After Treatment: Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours after injectables or laser treatments to help reduce swelling and support healing.
- Hold Off on Other Facial Treatments: Wait at least two weeks between facial treatments, like laser or microneedling, and injectables unless your provider tells you otherwise.
- Follow Your Aftercare Instructions Closely: Every treatment comes with specific guidance from your provider. Following it closely is one of the biggest factors in how well you heal.
Recovery What to Expect While You Heal
Recovery looks different depending on your treatment, but a little redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the first day or two is normal for most services. Healing is a process, not a single moment, and results often continue to improve over the days and weeks that follow. Here’s what’s typical, and what’s worth a call to our office.
- Mild Redness or Swelling Is Normal: Most treatments cause some temporary redness or swelling, usually calming down within 24 to 48 hours.
- Bruising Can Happen, Even With a Skilled Injector: Small bruises are common after injectables and typically fade within a few days, easily covered with makeup.
- Results Build Gradually: Many treatments, like Sculptra or microneedling, show fuller results over weeks as your body responds, not immediately.
- Sun Protection Matters More Than Usual: Freshly treated skin is more sensitive to the sun. Daily SPF is essential during your recovery window.
- Know When Something Isn’t Typical: Increasing pain, unusual discoloration, or symptoms that worsen rather than improve are reasons to contact us right away.
After Hours When to Reach Us After Hours
While Refine is closed, our team is still reachable for true treatment emergencies. This line isn’t for general questions, rescheduling, or day-to-day concerns, which are best handled during business hours. It’s reserved for symptoms that need attention before we reopen. If you’re ever unsure whether something qualifies, it’s always better to call.
- Call Us Right Away If: You notice sudden, severe pain, unusual skin color changes, or vision changes shortly after an injectable treatment.
- After-Hours Emergency Line: Call 719-741-1481. This line is monitored by our team any time Refine is closed.
- What Happens When You Call: Your call is answered directly by a member of our team, who will walk you through next steps immediately.
- What This Line Isn’t For: General questions, appointment changes, or mild, expected symptoms like slight redness, swelling, or bruising are best addressed during business hours.
- When in Doubt, Reach Out: If something feels wrong after treatment, trust that instinct and call. We would always rather hear from you.