Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for general educational purposes only and applies to all Lifted Health subcutaneous injectable treatments. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your Lifted Health provider. Contact your care team with any questions before continuing treatment.
▶
Watch First
See the Technique
Watch this short walkthrough before your first injection. The written steps below follow the same sequence.
1
Before You Start
What You'll Need
Gather everything before you begin. Having an organized, clean space makes the process easier and reduces the risk of contamination.
💉
Insulin Syringe
U-100, 1mL, 28–31 gauge needle
🧪
Your Medication Vial
As prescribed, stored correctly per label
🧴
Alcohol Swabs
70% isopropyl — for vial top and skin
🧼
Soap & Water
Wash hands thoroughly before starting
🗑️
Sharps Container
Never recap or trash used needles
🩹
Gauze or Cotton
For gentle pressure after injection
2
Preparation
Preparing Your Dose
Take your time here. Proper prep prevents contamination and ensures you draw the correct amount.
1
Wash your hands thoroughly
Soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel. This is the most important step in preventing infection.
2
Check your medication vial
Inspect for clarity, color changes, and expiration. Your medication should be clear to slightly colored depending on the treatment — discard if you see particles or cloudiness.
Temperature tip: If refrigerated, let the vial sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Cold medication causes more stinging at the injection site.
3
Swab the vial top with alcohol
Wipe the rubber stopper in a single outward circular motion. Let it air dry for 10–15 seconds. Do not blow or fan it dry.
4
Draw air into the syringe
Pull the plunger back to draw air equal to your prescribed dose volume. This creates positive pressure in the vial, making it easier to draw medication.
Example: For a 0.50mL dose, draw to the 50-unit line on a U-100 syringe (50 units = 0.50mL).
5
Insert needle and inject the air
Push the needle straight through the rubber stopper. Inject the air into the vial before pulling medication. Keep the needle tip submerged below the liquid surface.
6
Invert the vial and draw your dose
Flip the vial upside down with the needle still inserted. Slowly pull the plunger to draw slightly more than your dose, then gently push back to the exact measurement to expel air bubbles.
Air bubbles: Tap the syringe gently to move bubbles to the top, then nudge the plunger to push them out. A tiny drop at the needle tip is normal and expected.
7
Remove needle and set aside safely
Pull the syringe straight out. Do not recap the needle. Place the loaded syringe on a clean flat surface while you prepare your injection site.
3
Where to Inject
Choosing Your Injection Site
Subcutaneous injections go into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin — not muscle. These three areas are recommended for all Lifted Health injectable treatments.
🫃
Abdomen
At least 2 inches from your belly button, in the soft fatty area to the sides. Most accessible and most commonly used.
⭐ Most Recommended
🦵
Outer Thigh
The front-outer portion of the upper thigh. Easy to reach with a large surface area for rotation.
Good Alternative
💪
Back of Upper Arm
The fatty tissue at the back of the upper arm. May require assistance. Use if abdomen and thigh aren't available.
Optional
🔄
Always rotate injection sitesInjecting in the same spot repeatedly causes lipodystrophy — hardened tissue that absorbs medication poorly. Rotate with every injection.
Example Rotation Schedule
Inj 1
Abdomen L
Inj 2
Abdomen R
Inj 3
Left Thigh
Inj 4
Right Thigh
Inj 5
Abdomen L
Inj 6
Abdomen R
Inj 7
Left Thigh
Inj 8
Right Thigh
4
The Injection
Giving the Injection
The actual injection takes under 30 seconds. Stay calm, breathe through it. Most patients report minimal to no discomfort.
1
Clean the injection site
Wipe with an alcohol swab in a circular outward motion. Let it air dry completely — injecting into alcohol-wet skin increases stinging.
2
Pinch the skin
With your non-dominant hand, gently pinch a 1–2 inch fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger. This lifts the subcutaneous fat away from the muscle below.
Leaner patients: Pinching is especially important to ensure you're injecting into fat — not muscle.
3
Insert the needle at 45–90°
Hold the syringe like a pencil. Insert in one smooth, confident motion. Use 90° if you have adequate fat tissue, or 45° if you're leaner.
Confidence matters: A slow, hesitant insertion is more uncomfortable than a quick, decisive one. Think dart-throw motion.
4
Inject slowly and steadily
Push the plunger at a slow, even pace over 5–10 seconds. Injecting too quickly can cause stinging. Keep the needle still while depressing the plunger.
5
Remove the needle smoothly
Withdraw at the same angle you inserted. Release the pinched skin as you pull out. Do not immediately rub the site.
6
Apply gentle pressure
Press clean gauze or cotton lightly against the site for 10–15 seconds. A tiny red dot or minor bleeding is completely normal — maintain pressure until it stops.
7
Dispose of the needle safely
Place the used syringe directly into your sharps container — needle first, without recapping. Never put needles in household trash or recycling.
5
After Your Injection
What to Expect
Most patients tolerate subcutaneous injections very well. Here's what's normal versus what needs attention.
✓ Normal & Expected
Minor redness or a small red dot at the site
Mild bruising that fades within days
Small raised bump that resolves in 30–60 min
Mild itching or warmth at the site
✕ Contact Your Provider
Redness spreading beyond 1 inch from site
Swelling that worsens after an hour
Warmth, pus, or signs of infection
Fever or severe pain within 24 hours
💡
Flush Response (NAD+ patients)Some patients experience warmth, mild nausea, or a brief headache after NAD+ injections — especially at higher doses. This is a known response and typically passes within 30–60 minutes. Slowing your injection rate usually helps. Let your provider know if it's bothersome.
6
Best Practices
Do's and Don'ts
Following these guidelines maximizes safety, minimizes discomfort, and ensures proper medication absorption.
✓ Always Do This
Wash hands before every injection
Use a fresh needle every time
Rotate injection sites consistently
Let skin dry after alcohol swab
Store medication per label instructions
Track injection dates and sites
Dispose in a proper sharps container
✕ Never Do This
Reuse needles — ever
Inject into red, bruised, or tender skin
Inject into the same spot repeatedly
Rub the injection site vigorously after
Inject if medication looks discolored
Share needles or vials with anyone
Dispose of needles in household trash
7
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions from Lifted Health patients about self-injection.
Subcutaneous injections are generally very well tolerated. The needles used (28–31 gauge) are extremely thin. Most patients describe it as a brief pinch or pressure. The abdomen tends to be the least sensitive site. Injecting slowly and ensuring the alcohol has fully dried both reduce discomfort significantly.
Remove the needle, discard the syringe, and draw a fresh dose with a new needle. A small amount of blood flashback means you've nicked a small vessel — uncommon but not dangerous. Choose a slightly different spot and try again. This is not a reason to stop your treatment.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember — unless it's nearly time for your next scheduled dose, in which case skip it and resume normally. Never double-dose. Contact your Lifted Health care team if you're unsure how to proceed.
Yes — a small raised wheal immediately after injection is completely normal. It's the medication pooling under the skin before it absorbs, and should resolve within 30–60 minutes. If a lump persists beyond a day, is growing, warm, or red, contact your care team.
Most Lifted Health injectable medications should be refrigerated at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Do not freeze. Keep away from light. Always follow the storage instructions on your specific vial label, as requirements vary by formulation.
Place used syringes needle-first into a puncture-resistant sharps container immediately after use. When ¾ full, seal it and take it to a drop-off location — most pharmacies accept them. Never place loose needles in household trash or recycling. Visit earth911.com to find sharps disposal near you.
Questions About Your Treatment?
Your Lifted Health care team is here to help. Reach out any time through your patient portal.
