What Not to Do Before and After Botox

When trying cosmetic treatments like Botox for the first time (and even if they are used regularly), knowing pre- and post-recommendations is vital for a successful recovery and non-problematic healing. That’s why all specialists should discuss these nuances with their patients to ensure they understand the instructions and can care for themselves after the appointment.

Thus, today’s article is all about Botox injections and what not to do before and after them. Sticking to these rules is one of the safest ways to have a positive experience and a comfortable recovery afterward. Share these and learn more about botulinum toxins and how to take the most from this procedure.

How to Prepare for Botox Injection Session?

Even though there are no strict rules when it comes to Botox treatment preparation, some recommendations should still be followed to ensure the skin is ready for the injection and there will be no complications during the process. Tell your patients about these steps:

• #1. Wash the face. No oils, dirt, makeup, or other contaminants should be on the facial surface. A mild cleanser should be enough to remove everything;
• #2. Ensure the skin in the target zone is not damaged. There shouldn’t be any wounds or inflammations in the about-to-be-treated site;
• #3. Mention all prescribed medications to a doctor before the injection session. This way, it’s easier to determine whether botulinum toxin is a suitable solution for one’s needs.

Another important thing for the procedure is to use high-quality injectables during the treatment. Buy Botox online (USA) from a reliable supplier to provide a positive experience to an individual. As we now know how to prepare for the treatment, let’s mention things that shouldn’t be done before the injection.

SIDE NOTE: Are you interested in exploring the nuances of Masseter Botox treatments, from the basics to advanced details? If so, our article “About Masseter Botox from A to Z” provides comprehensive insights into this specific Botox application, guiding you through the essential information you need.

What Not to Do Before Botox?

Both Botox and dermal fillers have certain pre-injection rules that should be followed for a better experience in the doctor’s office. Some of them are things that shouldn’t be done to prepare the skin, so let’s quickly cover them in this paragraph:

• Don’t take supplements and blood-thinning medications. Such products as fish oil, vitamin E, cod liver oil, Omega 3, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and others can worsen swelling and bruising, so recovery may take much longer;
• Avoid alcohol. Just like the products in the previous section, alcoholic beverages can be the reason for bruising and bleeding, so it’s better to stop consuming it at least three days before the appointment;
• Do not tan. Tanning can prolong adverse reactions, so it’s better to postpone it for later to avoid unwanted irritation;
• Stop strenuous exercises for some time. We are talking a few days before and after the Botox treatment; you shouldn’t stop training altogether. It’ll help to reduce the chances of bruising and swelling.

Post-Treatment Instructions

Now that all the pre-treatment pieces of advice are known, let’s talk about the aftercare and what not to do after Botox skin treatments. They are similar to all other cosmetic procedures in the aesthetic sphere, so remembering those shouldn’t be too tricky:

• Avoid overheated places. Hot showers, baths, saunas, and hot tubs shouldn’t be visited at least four days after the Botox injection session. They may increase blood pressure and, as follows, blood rush, so facial bruising and swelling may worsen;
• Don’t touch treated zones. Applying pressure to the treated site can cause the botulinum toxin to spread to the neighboring areas, leading to partial facial numbness. Touching should be avoided for at least a day;
• Do not take blood thinners, and eliminate alcohol intake. Just like pre-treatment recommendations, products that make blood thinner should be avoided. If a patient needs prescription blood thinners, it’s better to discuss the treatment scheme with a doctor;
• Postpone strenuous activities. Such activities as running or lifting weights increase the risk of bruising. Take a few days off before going back to the workout routine;
• Reschedule dental procedures. Opening your mouth wide can lead to unwanted Botox migration, so wait at least a week before going to the dentist’s office;
• Stop using hair removal creams and other chemical-based products. It can harm sensitive skin after the treatment, so it’s better to stop using this procedure for later.

If all the recommendations are correctly followed, the recovery after the injection session shouldn’t take longer than a few days. If anything feels odd, a specialist should be informed to do a checkup and provide medical help.

General Recommendations

On top of general instructions on what not to do before and after a Botox injection session, let’s discuss some common recommendations each patient can benefit from. All of them are based on the most popular questions customers ask when visiting the doctor’s office for the first time.

#1. How to Reduce Swelling and Bruising?

Suppose a patient experiences local irritations like swelling and bruising. In that case, the best thing a person can do is use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes (just do not press it too hard, and wrap it in a piece of clothing not to irritate the skin with extreme temperatures). It should be done within 24 hours after the treatment. Another helpful thing is to use special ointments that can reduce the swelling.

#2. When It’s Time for the Touch-Up Treatment?

An experienced injector should create a treatment schedule according to the patient’s cosmetic needs and initial skin condition. In general, specialists recommend planning one appointment every four to five months. However, the number varies from person to person due to certain individual factors.

#3. When Should I Contact a Doctor?

Severe adverse reactions are rare for Botox injections. Still, there are chances a patient may experience complications, so it’s crucial to know when it’s time to get in touch with a medical professional for consultation and help. Consider serious side effects such as allergic reactions, swollen tongue and throat, painful sensation in the injection spot, bleeding, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, and other unfortunate symptoms.

To Sum Up

Botox is a safe product perfect for aging signs prevention and wrinkle treatment. To ensure one’s experience with this brand is safe and reduces the chances of adverse reactions, it’s essential to keep in mind recommendations of what not to do before and after sessions. Avoiding blood thinners, hot places, alcoholic beverages, and gyms for some time are the most common pieces of advice. Hopefully, the information in this article helped you refresh your knowledge on this topic or maybe even learn something new. Thank you for visiting the blog!