BOTOX PRE & POST TREATMENT ADVICE

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Do NOT consume alcohol at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)

• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.

• Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.

• You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Botox aftercare instructions

The goal of Botox aftercare is to encourage optimal treatment results. It can also minimize the risk of bruising and spreading to other areas.

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On the day you get Botox:

• Botox injections don’t require any recovery time. Therefore, you won’t have to take off work. You can resume your usual activities right after.

• Avoid touching, rubbing, or physical pressure on the affected area.

• Leave the treated area alone.

• Sit up for the first 4 hours after getting Botox. Bending or lying down might spread the toxin and promote bruising.

• Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 hours (The heat can promote flushing and increase your blood pressure, which may encourage bruising. To be extra safe, avoid the sun for 24 to 48 hours).

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First 24 hours:​​

• If exercise is part of your daily routine, wait at least 24 hours to work out (Physical activity increases blood flow which could potentially spread the toxin to unintended areas and reduce its effectiveness at the injection site. It also increases the risk of bruising).

• Take a break from makeup for 24 hours if possible (Applying makeup will rub the skin, potentially dispersing the toxin).

• Don’t sleep on the treated areas. Try your best to avoid sleeping on the injected areas (This will minimize the physical pressure and let the Botox settle into your muscles).

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14 days:

• Avoid other skin treatments such as facials, facial massages, exfoliating scrubs (Getting these treatments too soon may reduce the effectiveness of your injections as Botox needs time to settle in your face).

• If you got Botox in another part of your body, you should also avoid touching those area. This includes professional massages on the treated areas.

It’s also best to avoid intensive forms of heat exposure, such as:

• Tanning bed

• Hot tubs

• Hot showers or baths

• Saunas

 

When to talk to your nurse or seek medical attention

After getting Botox, it’s typical to have redness, tenderness, and swelling. These side effects usually disappear in 1 day.

Bruising is also common. You can apply a pack of ice for relief. The bruising should go away in about 2 weeks.

But if you notice any of the following effects, get medical help:​

• Trouble swallowing

• Difficulty speaking

• Difficulty breathing

• Vision changes

Although these side effects are rare, they warrant immediate medical attention.