Who Should Postpone or Avoid Treatment · Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

Why "not now" can be the right answer

A contraindication (금기) is a reason not to proceed, or to proceed only with changes. Some are absolute for a particular treatment; many are temporary or relative and simply mean "wait", "choose a different option" or "do less". Raising them before your appointment protects your safety and your result — healing is slower, infection risk is higher and side effects are harder to read when the body is already under strain.

This page covers general principles across injectables, threads, energy devices and lasers. It is not a substitute for your own medical review.

Situations where treatment is usually postponed

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Elective aesthetic injections and most devices are generally deferred because safety data are limited. See pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Active skin infection, acne flare or open wounds in the treatment area — treatment waits until the skin has healed.
• Active cold sore (herpes simplex) near the mouth or nose. If you are prone to them, tell the doctor; preventive medicine may be considered before treatment.
• Feverish illness, recent infection or recent dental work — particularly before filler or threads, as the body's defences are already occupied.
• Recent vaccination or surgery — timing is discussed individually.
• Immediately before a long flight or major event — swelling and bruising need time to settle. See before-an-event timeline.

Conditions that need individual review

Device-specific considerations

• Implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers can rule out some radiofrequency treatments; always declare them.
• Metal implants or plates under the treatment area can matter for heat-based devices.
• Very thin, low-fat faces may not suit treatments that reduce fat, such as ONDA — Doje chooses devices by depth, sagging, fat and elasticity for this reason.
• Recent tanning or sunburn raises pigment risk with lasers such as Helios toning or CO2.

When a different option is better

Sometimes the answer is not "wait" but "something else". Someone not suited to a thread lift right now might begin with skin quality care; someone with a bruising tendency might start with an energy device rather than multiple injections. Dr. Byun Jeik plans each case 1:1 and combines treatments only as far as needed.

How to prepare your medical history

1. List all prescription medicines, over-the-counter painkillers and supplements (see medications before treatment).
2. Note diagnoses, allergies and any implanted devices.
3. Record previous aesthetic treatments: product, area and approximate date.
4. Share your travel and event dates.

Being open about these does not mean you will be refused; it means the plan can be made safely.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have filler or Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Elective aesthetic injections are generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding because safety data are limited.

Can I be treated with an active cold sore?

Treatment near an active cold sore is usually postponed until it has healed; if you are prone to them, tell the doctor in advance.

Should I stop blood thinners before treatment?

Never stop prescribed medicine on your own; the decision is made with your prescribing doctor, and the plan is adjusted around it.

Do pacemakers affect energy-based treatments?

Implanted electronic devices can rule out some radiofrequency treatments, so they must always be declared.

Does having an autoimmune condition mean I cannot have treatment?

Not necessarily; it is reviewed case by case and treatment may be deferred or modified.

Who decides whether I should wait?

At Doje Clinic, Dr. Byun Jeik decides after reviewing your history in a 1:1 consultation.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Safety and side effects
• Medications and supplements
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Questions to ask at consultation
• How energy devices reach different depths
• The consultation process

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.