Case Clinic: Post Travel Puffiness

Your client comes in to see you five days after returning from international travel. She reports persistent puffiness, dull tone, and new congestion. She describes her skin as feeling “inflamed” and not like herself. She completed a 10-hour flight and experienced significant sleep disruption during her trip. Hydration was inconsistent, with increased alcohol and caffeine intake. Her regular homecare routine was not maintained while traveling. There were no known sensitivities prior to travel, and she did not have active breakouts before the trip.

Treatment Room Observations

• Diffuse puffiness (periorbital + lower face)
• Mild erythema on cheeks
• Skin appears dull, slightly thickened in appearance
• Congestion along chin + nasal folds
• Barrier appears mildly compromised

Community Discussion

1. What might you see in your primary assessment?:

   • Lymphatic stagnation

   • Barrier impairment

   • Inflammatory response

   • Combination

2. What would be your treatment priority in the first session?

3. What modalities or techniques would you avoid, and why?

4. What would your 72-hour homecare focus be?