To ensure a comfortable and highly effective treatment, we strongly recommend applying a few drops of clinical-grade olive oil (such as Earol) to the affected ear(s) 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days prior to your appointment. This safely softens the stubborn wax so it can be gently lifted away.

Your ear canals will be clear, but they may feel temporarily sensitive to sound and cool air since the protective layer of wax has been removed. To look after your ears over the next 24 to 48 hours, follow these steps:

• Keep them completely dry: Avoid getting water into your ears when showering, bathing, or washing your hair. Use a piece of cotton wool coated in a little Vaseline to gently block the ear entry during showers.

• Do not insert anything: Absolutely no cotton buds, fingers, keys, or unsafe objects should be put into the ear canal. This pushes bacteria inside and scratches the freshly cleared skin.

• Use earplugs or headphones sparingly: Try to limit the use of tightly fitting in-ear headphones or foam earplugs for the first 24 hours to let the ear canal rest and breathe.

• Protect against wind: If it is a cold, windy day immediately after your session, consider wearing a light scarf or cotton ball loosely in the outer ear to shield the canal from cold drafts.

• Watch for infection signs: If you experience sudden, severe pain, heavy discharge, or a foul odor from the ear over the coming days, contact a medical professional immediately.

Your skin will be red, warm and possibly swollen for a few days, and you may see a faint grid pattern briefly. This is all normal. To protect your results:

• Keep your skin clean and avoid touching your face
• Do not pick or scratch any scabbing or flaking, let it come away on its own
• Skip makeup for at least 24 hours, then use only clean or recommended products
• Avoid heat, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers and anything that makes you sweat for 48 to 72 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise for the first couple of days
• Stay out of direct sun and off sunbeds, and wear a high factor sunscreen every day, since new skin is very sensitive to the sun
• Leave strong active ingredients such as retinol, acids, exfoliants and vitamin C until your therapist says it is fine, usually several days
• Avoid swimming pools, as chlorine can irritate treated skin
• Keep your skin hydrated and use any soothing products your therapist recommends
• If your face has been treated, sleeping slightly elevated on the first night can help swelling settle