What to expect at your first IV therapy session
Most first-time clients arrive with the same three questions: will it hurt, how long does it take, and what happens if I don't feel well. The session is more boring than the IV-therapy marketing suggests, and that's a feature.
Here's the full walk-through, beginning to end.
Before the session
The Consultation comes first — a medical case review covering history, current medications, recent markers, and goals. The protocol is selected here. Some protocols require bloodwork; if so, you'll be sent home with a request before the first infusion.
On the day of the session: hydrate normally, avoid heavy meals two hours before, wear something with sleeves that roll up easily. No caffeine restrictions.
On arrival
Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen) are checked. Intake is confirmed — same day, same goals, same medications as last reviewed. The clinician answers any questions before the line is placed.
While you're being prepped, the bag is compounded in our laboratory and signed off against your case file. You don't see this; you see the bag arriving labelled when it's ready.
The line
A topical anaesthetic is offered. The clinician selects a vein — usually antecubital or forearm — cleans the site, and places a 22-gauge butterfly line. There's a brief sting at insertion, then nothing. The line is taped flat and stays in place for the session.
The drip starts. Saline first, then the active mix joins the flow. Most clients feel a cool sensation along the vein in the first minute. That fades as your body equalises temperature.
During the infusion
The session runs the documented duration — from 30 minutes for Foundation to 120 minutes for Anti-aging 55+. You sit in a quiet room. Read, work, sleep, listen to a podcast. The clinician returns periodically; the line is monitored and the rate is calibrated.
If anything feels off — lightheadedness, warmth that doesn't settle, any unexpected sensation — say so. The session can be paused or stopped at any moment.
After
The line is removed; a small dressing covers the site. Vital signs are checked again. Most clients leave 5 minutes later. The dressing comes off in two hours. A very small bruise is possible at the site and clears within a day or two.
The session is entered into your file. Follow-up review is scheduled at 7–14 days for ongoing protocols; no follow-up is needed for one-off Foundation or Recovery sessions.
Common questions
- Do I need someone to drive me home?
- Not for any standard protocol. Anti-aging 55+ runs 120 minutes and we recommend a 30-minute rest before driving, but most clients drive themselves.
- What should I eat before?
- A normal meal 2+ hours before is fine. Hydrate normally — coming in dehydrated makes vein access harder.
- Can I work during the session?
- Yes. The non-dominant arm is used for the line, leaving the dominant hand free. Wi-Fi is available.