Preparing for your Thermogram
There’s a few things you need to do to make sure your thermogram is as accurate as possible. Please read thoroughly below!
Preparing For Your Thermogram
No changes to diet or medication are necessary prior to your thermogram
- Please continue to take all necessary medications as prescribed by your physician
- If you are able to avoid anti-inflammatory use prior to your scan this is preferred; however, if taken please make sure you let the thermographer know
- If you have received a vaccine in the last 4 weeks, please relay this to your thermographer, including which arm the vaccine was received
When you need to delay your thermogram
- You MUST wait 1 month after completing the following before having a thermogram:
- Breast biopsy
- Minor surgery in imaging area (ie mole removal)
- You MUST wait 3 months after completing the following before having a thermogram:
- You’ve had a major breast surgery (mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast implants, etc)
- You are have or are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
- You are pregnant
- You are breastfeeding a child
1 week before your appointment please AVOID:
- Major sunburns in the areas to be imaged
24 hours before your appointment please AVOID:
- Heavy exercise that will lead to soreness
- Acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic that may leave marks on the skin or local inflammation
- Sauna or steam rooms that may lead to elevated body temperature
On the day of your scan, please AVOID:
- Strenuous exercise
- Shaving in the areas to be imaged (avoid irritation/cutting)
- Using excessive lotions, powders, anti-perspirants, or very thick/heavy makeup in the areas that will be imaged (normal application of these items are acceptable)
- Sun exposure (excessive) or tanning booths
- Kidney dialysis
- Skin brushing/Dry brushing
2 hours prior to your scan, please AVOID:
- Very hot or very cold showers – normal showers are okay
- Smoking
- Heated seats, electric blankets, or other heating/cooling devices that may alter body temperatures
What to Wear To Your Appointment
- Please try to avoid wearing very tight clothing that will leave marks on your skin.
- If you have irritation marks from tight fitting clothing, we will have to wait until the marks have dissipated prior to starting your thermogram.
- Jewelry will be removed for the scan – you may remove them in our office prior to imaging or (best) leave them at home
- Please wear your hair pulled back or pinned up.
- For a breast scan, no hair can be touching your shoulders
- For half body or full body scans, all hair needs to be pulled out of the face and up off the neck.
- We have headbands, clips, and hair ties in the office and can assist you if needed.
What to Expect During Your Scan