Everything you need to know

before your facial.

This appointment is yours. To make the most of it, read through what's below before you arrive — a little preparation protects your results, and arriving unhurried makes the whole experience land differently.


LOCATION

Address: 802/1 Rider Boulevarde, Rhodes NSW 2138

Level 8 Office Suites Tower, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre


PARKING
  • Park in P1 North, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre

  • 3 hours free parking — rates apply from $9 thereafter

  • Free parking after 6pm and before 12pm

  • 2-hour paid street parking also available nearby

Full parking information

Visual parking guide on our Instagram


A FEW THINGS
  • Rhodes Waterside can be busy — please allow enough time to park and walk across the centre

  • Use the restrooms near the Reading Cinemas lifts before heading up

  • Take the lifts to Level 8 and turn right when exiting

  • Head toward the medical centre and turn left down the hallway

  • We're inside Gold Standard Physio — take a seat in reception and Ann will be with you

The night before & morning of

Arrive ready to receive.

Your results begin before you walk through the door. A calm nervous system and a well-rested body absorb treatment differently. These small, intentional choices make a real difference to your skin's response.

Get a good night's sleep.

A good night's rest supports cellular repair and keeps cortisol low. Elevated stress hormones can increase skin reactivity — so treat sleep as part of the prep, not separate from it.

Limit caffeine.

On the day of your appointment, reduce caffeine intake where possible. High caffeine consumption can increase vascular reactivity and skin sensitivity, especially in rosacea and inflammatory skin types.

Eat lightly.

Avoid heavy or spicy meals in the hours before your facial. A light, nourishing meal is ideal. Alcohol should be avoided entirely the evening before and on the day of your appointment.

Hydrate well.

Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before your appointment. Hydrated skin responds better to treatment, and topical dehydration can affect how your barrier behaves during the session.

Treatment-specific before and after care

  • Before your treatment

    • Discontinue retinoids, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Differin and similar prescription vitamin A formulas for 5–7 days prior

    • Avoid exfoliating products, scrubs, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C actives for at least 5 days before

    • Pause waxing, threading, electrolysis or any form of hair removal from the treatment area

    • Avoid self-tan, extended sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 10 days prior — please discontinue tanning beds entirely where possible

    • Arrive with a clean, product-free face if possible

    • Share a full list of any topical and oral medications, known allergies, and active skincare ingredients with your provider

    After your treatment

    • Keep homecare simple for 48–72 hours — cleanse gently and moisturise with your prescribed Dermaviduals formulation

    • Avoid actives, exfoliants and acids for at least 5 days following treatment

    • Wear broad-spectrum SPF daily, especially in the days immediately after your facial

    • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, vigorous exercise and hot showers for 24 hours

    • Do not pick, press or massage treated skin — let the barrier do its work

    • Stay well hydrated and prioritise rest in the days that follow

    Please advise Ann of any history of cold sores or herpes simplex prior to your appointment. Those prone to HSV reactivation may wish to consult with their GP about a preventative course of antivirals before treatment.

    Important — please discuss before booking

    Please advise your provider of any history of hormone or thyroid disorders, pigmentation conditions, keloid scarring, autoimmune disease, warts, recent peels, laser treatments or surgery. Oral acne medication including Roaccutane requires a 6–12 month clearance period. Any relevant medical history, past or present, should be discussed prior to treatment.

  • Before your treatment

    • Come well hydrated — lymphatic drainage is most effective when you are properly hydrated at a cellular level

    • Avoid heavy meals and alcohol in the hours before your appointment

    • Arrive with a clean face where possible

    • Wear comfortable, loose clothing — the treatment extends to the neck and décolletage, and constriction around the collar can interfere with flow

    • Avoid vigorous exercise directly before your session, as elevated heart rate and inflammation can counteract the calming intent of the treatment

    • Advise Ann of any active infections, recent illness, or known lymphatic conditions before the session

    After your treatment

    • Drink plenty of water following your appointment — this supports the lymphatic system in clearing what has been mobilised during treatment

    • Avoid alcohol for the remainder of the day

    • Rest where possible — the treatment has a deeply regulating effect on the nervous system, and the body continues to process for hours afterward

    • Gentle movement such as walking is beneficial; avoid intense exercise for the rest of the day

    • Mild skin warmth or temporary puffiness can occasionally occur and will resolve quickly

    • Continue with your prescribed gentle homecare and avoid actives for 24–48 hours

    Lymphatic facial massage has a deeply calming effect on the nervous system. Many clients feel pleasantly drowsy after their session — please allow yourself time to transition slowly before driving or returning to high-focus tasks.

    Important — please discuss before booking

    Lymphatic massage is generally very gentle, but please advise Ann of any active infections, acute inflammation, known cancer or lymphoma, blood clotting disorders, or recent surgery before your treatment. These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

  • Before your treatment

    • Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 10 days prior

    • Self-tanning products should be fully faded before treatment

    • Discontinue retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and all exfoliating actives for 5–7 days before your appointment

    • If you are taking any photosensitising medications — including certain antibiotics or antihistamines — please advise Ann before your session

    • Remove all reflective jewellery and accessories from the face and neck area before treatment begins

    • Arrive with a clean, product-free face

    After your treatment

    • Byonik is a deeply restorative treatment — most clients notice a calm, luminous result with little to no downtime

    • Keep homecare minimal and barrier-focused for 48 hours: cleanse gently and apply your prescribed moisturiser

    • Avoid actives, acids and exfoliants for 5–7 days

    • Wear SPF daily — laser treatment increases photosensitivity temporarily

    • Avoid saunas, steam, vigorous exercise and prolonged sun exposure for 24–48 hours

    • Some transient redness or warmth may occur and will resolve within a few hours

    The Byonik uses pulse-triggered laser technology that synchronises with your heartbeat to deliver photonic energy at the cellular level. Wear comfortable clothing, remove reflective jewellery, and know that protective eyewear will be provided during treatment.

    Contraindications — this treatment is not suitable if you have

    Active malignant conditions (cancer or tumours) or are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy (including within 3–6 months of completion). Autoimmune conditions, photosensitivity or photodermatitis. Epilepsy. A cardiac pacemaker (please advise and treatment will be assessed individually). Hyperthyroidism or thyroid conditions affecting light sensitivity. Use of photosensitising medications or substances. HIV. Please disclose any of the above prior to your appointment.

  • Before your treatment

    • Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanning products for at least 10 days prior

    • Discontinue retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C for 5–7 days before your appointment

    • Do not wax, thread, shave or use depilatory creams on the treatment area in the week prior

    • Avoid vigorous exercise on the day of your appointment to minimise skin temperature and inflammation at treatment time

    • Come with a clean face — no makeup, SPF, serums or oils

    • Advise Ann of all current oral and topical medications and any known skin allergies before treatment

    • Oral acne medications including Roaccutane require a minimum 6-month clearance period

    After your treatment

    • For the first 2 days: splash the face with water only (AM and PM) — no cleanser, no makeup, no products

    • Apply the provided SQT serum from day 1, morning and evening, until the full course is completed

    • Introduce gentle cleanser from day 3 (AM and PM)

    • No moisturiser for the first 7 days

    • Strict sun protection is essential — avoid direct sun, strong light and windows where possible for at least 7 days. Use hats, masks and UV-blocking eyewear outdoors

    • Begin zinc-based SPF from day 3 — no direct sun without protection

    • Avoid picking, rubbing or pressing the skin. Allow any shedding to occur naturally — interference increases the risk of permanent pigmentation

    • Avoid saunas, hot baths, high-intensity exercise and anything that induces heat or friction for at least 7 days

    • Skip exfoliants, acids, strong actives and anti-ageing ingredients for 1 month

    • Prioritise sleep — a lack of rest increases melanin production and can darken any post-treatment response. Swap to a clean pillowcase before your first night's sleep post-treatment

    • Stay well hydrated. Avoid spicy food, seafood, alcohol and high-sugar foods during the recovery period

    SQT Bio-Microneedling uses natural spicules to create micro-channels in the skin, stimulating collagen and accelerating cellular renewal. Some redness, warmth and shedding are a normal part of the process. The aftercare protocol is an integral part of your results — please follow it closely and contact Ann if you have any concerns during recovery.

    Contraindications — this treatment is not suitable if you have

    Actively broken, injured or open skin. Active infections, including fungal conditions. Sunburned skin. Active acne with significant inflammation or irritation. Fresh scars less than 6 months old. Known skin allergies, particularly to spicule-derived or marine ingredients. Current chemotherapy or HIV. Active malignant lesions. Current oral acne medication including Roaccutane. Please advise Ann of any of the above before your appointment is confirmed.

Select your treatment to view preparation instructions, what to avoid, and how to care for your skin in the days following your appointment.

Questions before your appointment?

If anything above has raised a question, or you're unsure whether a medication or condition applies to your treatment, reach out before your appointment. We'd always rather know.