Pre- and Post-Treatment Care for HIFEM at Opal Radiant Clinic
HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation)
Overview: HIFEM is a cutting-edge treatment for muscle toning and body sculpting, targeting areas like the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms. It works by inducing intense supramaximal muscle contractions to strengthen and define your muscles. Under Dr. Punit’s supervision at Opal Radiant Clinic, we want you to have a safe, effective experience. Follow these pre- and post-care guidelines to maximise your results and comfort.
Before Your HIFEM Session (Pre-Treatment Care)
Hydrate Well: Ensure you are well-hydrated before treatment. Drink plenty of water – aim for about 2 liters on the day before and the day of your session – to improve the procedure’s effectiveness and aid in muscle recovery . Good hydration helps the electromagnetic energy distribute evenly and your muscles respond optimally .
Light Meal (Don’t Arrive Hungry or Overfull): Eat a light, balanced meal 1–2 hours prior to your appointment. Avoid heavy, greasy foods right before treatment, but also don’t come on an empty stomach . A moderate amount of food ensures you have enough energy and prevents discomfort during the intense muscle contractions.
Comfortable Clothing & No Metal: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the target area (abdomen, thighs, etc.) on the day of treatment. Remove any metallic items such as jewelry, belts, or clothing with metal zippers or threads, as metal can interfere with the electromagnetic field . (If you have metal implants or devices in the body, be sure to inform us during your consultation – see below.)
Skin Preparation: Come in with clean, lotion-free skin on the area to be treated. On the treatment day, do not apply any creams or oils to the target skin . If needed, shave any excessive hair in the area beforehand so the HIFEM applicators can make good contact with your skin . This ensures the energy penetrates effectively without interference.
Timing & Internal Devices (Female Patients): If you are on your period or nearing the start of your menstrual cycle, consider scheduling your HIFEM session for another time. Treating over the uterus during menstruation can increase cramping or even cause your period to start earlier . For your comfort, we recommend avoiding abdominal HIFEM during heavy flow days. Important: Also let us know if you have an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control or any other metal implants in the treatment area. High-intensity electromagnetic energy must not be used over metallic implants like a copper IUD , so we may need to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Medications to Review: Inform Dr. Punit and our medical team about any medications or supplements you are taking. You may be advised to avoid certain drugs in the days leading up to your session. In particular, blood thinners (e.g. aspirin) or anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen) might need to be paused before treatment , as they can increase bruising risk or potentially interfere with the treatment’s inflammatory muscle-building response. Never stop any prescription without guidance – we will discuss what’s safe to continue or temporarily hold.
After Your HIFEM Session (Post-Treatment Care)
Muscle Soreness – Expect a “Post-Workout” Feel: It is normal to experience muscle soreness or fatigue in the treated areas for up to 24–48 hours after HIFEM . The sensation is similar to what you’d feel after an intense workout – you might be a bit sore when bending, lifting, or stretching the treated muscles. This mild achiness is a positive sign that your muscles were effectively engaged.
Rest but Stay Lightly Active: Avoid any high-intensity exercise for the treated muscle groups for the first day or two after treatment (since we already gave those muscles a heavy “gym session”!) . In other words, don’t hit an extreme ab workout or weightlifting targeting that area immediately after HIFEM. However, do stay lightly active – gentle movement such as walking, easy stretching, or range-of-motion exercises can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation . Keeping the blood flowing will aid recovery without over-stressing the muscles.
Continue Hydrating: Keep up a high water intake in the days following your session. Drinking water helps flush out lactic acid and other byproducts from the powerful muscle contractions . We suggest at least 8–10 glasses of water in the 24 hours post-treatment. Proper hydration will support your muscles as they rebuild and also assists any metabolic fat-breakdown process initiated by HIFEM.
Gentle Massage & Warmth: If your muscles feel tight or tender, you may gently massage the area or apply a warm compress to soothe discomfort. Lightly rubbing the treated muscles can improve blood flow and ease soreness or knots . Many women find that taking a warm bath with Epsom salts in the evening helps relieve post-HIFEM muscle soreness and relaxes the body. (Avoid very hot temperatures or heating pads directly on the area if you’re very sore – moderate warmth is best to comfort the muscles without causing inflammation.)
Avoid Anti-Inflammatories for 1–2 Days: As mentioned, we prefer you not take NSAID anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or naproxen) immediately after your HIFEM treatment unless absolutely needed . These medicines, while good for pain, can blunt the inflammation process that is actually helping your muscles grow stronger post-treatment. If you need relief, consider acetaminophen (paracetamol) as it won’t interfere with muscle-building. Of course, if a medication is physician-prescribed, follow your doctor’s instructions – but check with us if you have questions.
Treatment Series & Results: For best results, HIFEM is done in a series of sessions, not just a one-time treatment. Dr. Punit will customize your plan, but typically a starter package of 4 sessions is recommended, spaced about 5–10 days apart . Spacing sessions allows your muscles to recover between treatments while building up their strength over time. Results are not immediate – your body needs time to grow new muscle fibers and metabolize fat in the treated area. Most clients start noticing improvements a few weeks into the treatment course, with optimal muscle tone and fat reduction visible about 2–4 weeks after your final session(this varies person to person). Keep in mind that individual responses differ – we will track your progress and can adjust the plan if needed. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine throughout the process will further enhance your results .
Ongoing Maintenance (Long-Term): After completing the initial HIFEM series, your newly toned muscles will last as long as you keep them active and healthy. We recommend periodic maintenance sessions (for example, one treatment every 3–6 months) to sustain muscle definition, especially if you’re not able to work those muscle groups in the gym regularly. Think of HIFEM as a booster to your fitness routine – you’ll get best results by pairing it with an active lifestyle. Our team will provide personalized advice on exercise and nutrition so you can enjoy your firmer, stronger shape for the long term.
Red Flags – When to Contact the Clinic
HIFEM is very safe and non-invasive, so serious side effects are rare. However, you know your body best – if something doesn’t feel right after a session, please get in touch with us. Watch out for:
Severe or Unusual Pain: The soreness after HIFEM should feel like muscle workout fatigue, not sharp or extreme pain. If you experience intense pain in the treated area (beyond a normal post-exercise ache), or pain that worsens instead of improving after 2–3 days, let us know. In exceedingly rare cases, excessive muscle strain could occur.
Visible Bulge or Hernia: The contractions are powerful, and if you had any underlying weakness in your abdominal wall, there’s an extremely small chance a hernia could be aggravated. If you notice any bulging in the abdomen or groin area, or a new lump, stop any abdominal exertion and contact us immediately for evaluation.
Excessive Swelling or Redness: A little localized swelling or pinkness can occur but should be mild. If a treated area becomes very swollen, feels hot, looks very red, or you suspect an infection, inform us right away.
Other Concerning Symptoms: Dizziness, shortness of breath, or any systemic symptoms after treatment are nottypical – if you feel anything beyond the local muscle fatigue, please call the clinic. We have after-hours contact available for urgent concerns. When in doubt, it’s better to reach out. Dr. Punit or a staff member will assess your symptoms and guide you on next steps. Remember, our goal is your safety and comfort, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if something feels off .
(If you ever experience a medical emergency – for example, severe chest pain or difficulty breathing – call emergency services. For routine post-treatment questions or minor concerns, our clinic line is the best first step.)
