Whether you’re getting your first, fifth, or tenth Botox treatment, there are some crucial before and aftercare tips you need to consider.
Because while Botox is considered a safe and effective way to treat and prevent wrinkles and provide a more youthful look, without the proper care both before and after treatment, you increase your risk of side effects and complications such as bruising.
Read on to learn everything you need to know before your next Botox appointment.
How to Prepare for Your Botox Treatment
While Botox is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure, some preparation is needed to ensure you get the best possible results.
Here are some of the best ways you can prepare for your Botox injections.
1. Avoid Taking Blood Thinning/Anti Inflammatory Medications
Stop taking any kind of medication that can thin the blood during the week leading up to your appointment. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Motrin, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, flax oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and any other essential fatty acids.
If you find that you need to take some pain medication, go with Tylenol.
2. Avoid Alcohol
It’s important to avoid consuming any alcohol twenty-four hours before your appointment.
The reason for this is that, similar to the medications mentioned above, alcohol can thin the blood, making you more susceptible to bruising and swelling as a result of the injections.
3. Schedule Your Appointment at least 2 Weeks Ahead of Special Events
Or 6 weeks ahead if it’s your first time.
Since Botox does not produce immediate results, be sure to book your appointment well in advance of any big events if you are looking to show off a more youthful-looking complexion.After receiving Botox injections, you will begin to notice some results within 48 hours, but full results are typically not noticeable until 10 to 14 days after the treatment. Therefore, it’s recommended that you book your appointment at least two weeks before any big occasions.
If it’s your first treatment, your doctor will want to see you two weeks after your treatment and may need to adjust the dose for optimal results. Plan your first appointment at least six weeks ahead of a big event.
4. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Although rare, some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded after their treatment, especially if they haven’t had anything to eat or drink prior to treatment. To help avoid this, make sure you’ve had something to eat within four hours before your appointment.
5. Make Sure You Are a Suitable Candidate
Be sure to book a consultation with an experienced injector beforehand to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for Botox injections.
You will not be considered a candidate for Botox if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have any active acne breakouts, rashes, or a cold sore.
Botox Aftercare Tips
Following proper aftercare instructions is the most important part of receiving Botox injections, as it can ensure you experience optimal results and help ease some of the side effects of the treatment.
1. Keep Your Head Elevated
However, the effects are subtle and build slowly. Red light therapy does not remove dark spots, tighten loose skin, or reverse deep signs of aging. It supports the skin, but it does not transform it.
2. Avoid Additional Facial Treatments For At Least Three Days
If you are looking to combine your Botox injections with any other facial treatment such as a facial, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser treatment, speak with your injector about when it will be suitable to have these procedures done.
Typically, it’s recommended that you wait 24 to 72 hours after Botox injections before having any other procedures.
3. Avoid Rigorous Exercise and Activities
After receiving Botox injections, be sure to avoid participating in any strenuous physical activity, especially if it involves bending over.
Furthermore, in order to prevent post-injection headaches, avoid any type of aerobic exercises for at least 24 hours.
4. Don’t Massage the Injection Sites
While moving your muscles and making natural expressions is perfectly safe – and actually recommended – avoid rubbing the injection site to prevent the Botox from spreading to other areas of the face.
Also try not to press on the injection site for several hours in order to allow the Botox to naturally disperse throughout the muscle.
When considering Botox injections, it’s crucial that you understand all of the proper before and aftercare procedures to ensure you get the best possible results and avoid any complications or side effects. Be sure to speak with your injector and ask for a full list of instructions when it comes to pre and post-treatment care.
Book Your Botox Consultation at Victoria Park Medispa
At Victoria Park Medispa, our experienced team of aesthetic physicians and nurses take the time to guide you through every step of your treatment, from preparation to aftercare, to ensure safe, natural-looking results. Whether you’re new to Botox or looking to refine your routine, we’re here to help you look and feel your best.
Note: These before and aftercare tips apply to all neuromodulator treatments, including Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a more confident, refreshed you.
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