Building aftercare into your protocols means deciding, for each treatment, what happens at the end of the appointment, what the patient takes home and how you follow up. Written down and shared with your team, it gives every patient the same standard of care.
Step 1: map your treatments
List every treatment that leaves skin reactive for a few days. For most clinics this includes microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, fractional and resurfacing lasers, chemical peels, and other energy-based treatments.
Step 2: define the in-clinic finish
Decide exactly what happens in the final minutes of each appointment. A typical finish includes:
- Applying a professional aftercare product
- Applying sun protection where appropriate
- Going through written aftercare instructions
- Booking a follow-up or check-in
Step 3: set the home routine
Keep it simple so patients follow it. A clear home routine usually covers:
| Stage | What the patient does |
|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Leaves skin alone, avoids make-up and heat, follows specific clinic advice |
| Days 2 to 7 | Gentle cleanser, recommended aftercare, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen |
| Products to pause | Retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and fragranced products, for the time you specify |
| When to call | Worsening redness or swelling, crusting, blisters or anything unusual |
Step 4: write it down
Create a one-page aftercare sheet for each treatment. Use plain English, keep it short and include your clinic’s contact details. Give it to the patient and send a copy by email.
Step 5: train your team
Everyone who treats or speaks to patients should give the same advice. Run a short session on each protocol and review it whenever you add a treatment or product.
Step 6: follow up
A message two or three days after treatment reassures patients, picks up any concerns early and keeps them connected to your clinic.
How Sekretome supports your protocols
Sekretome is designed to sit at the end of your existing protocols. It is applied in clinic as the final step and continued at home with the home-use size. We provide training, protocol guidance and patient information to help your team introduce it with confidence.
See how partnership works on our For Clinics page, or register your interest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a different protocol for every treatment?
It helps. Recovery varies between treatments, so a short protocol for each keeps advice clear and consistent.
What should an aftercare sheet include?
What to do in the first 24 hours, the home routine, products to pause, sun protection and when to contact the clinic.
How long should an aftercare sheet be?
One page is usually enough. Plain English and short sentences make it easier for patients to follow.
When should we follow up with patients?
A message two or three days after treatment reassures patients and picks up any concerns early.
Who in the team should be trained?
Everyone who treats patients or answers their questions, including reception staff.
How often should protocols be reviewed?
Whenever you add a treatment or product, and at least once a year.
Does Sekretome provide protocol guidance?
Yes. We train your team and help build Sekretome into your treatment protocols.
Where does Sekretome sit in a protocol?
It is applied in clinic as the final step of treatment, then continued at home with the home-use size.
Run an aesthetic clinic? Register your interest in becoming a Sekretome partner clinic.
