What to Do Before & After Botox Treatments

Botox treatments are fast, simple, and virtually painless. They rarely present any unexpected complications and require minimal recovery time. But even still, you should know what to do before and after botox treatments to ensure the best experience here at  O’Neill Plastic Surgery Laser & Aesthetic Center.

What to Do Before a Botox Treatment:

  • Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements: If you can do so safely, you should stop any over the counter blood-thinners such as Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, etc. These drugs can increase the risk of bruising on the skin where the Botox is injected. Similarly, supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, and ginseng can worsen bleeding and bruising, so these should be put on hold as well. If you need to take medicine for pain during this time, Tylenol is a great option, as it will make you no more susceptible to bruising or swelling. Of course, if a doctor has prescribed blood thinners or a specific supplement to you, please continue taking them and consult your injection practitioner during your Botox preparation–the risk for any significant bruising is still very minimal.
  • Load up on Leafy Greens and Pineapples: Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula contain high amounts of Vitamin K. Eating plenty of these leading up to your appointment can help reduce and prevent swelling, bleeding, and bruising, speeding up the recovery process. Fruits like Pineapple (more specifically a chemical in it called Bromelain) can also aid in reducing irritation, which can help you see the final results of the Botox sooner
  • Begin Taking Arnica: Arnica is a natural herb sold as a homeopathic supplement. You can find it in almost any health food store and it can be safely taken leading up to the appointment. Its properties can aid in reducing swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and bruising.
  • Schedule an Early Appointment: It is important not to lay down for at least 4 hours after your appointment, so scheduling an appointment earlier in the day can allow for more natural time before you might find yourself wanting to rest.
  • Schedule Well Before the Big Event: If you are getting Botox in preparation for a special occasion, make sure to schedule your injections at least two weeks beforehand. This will allow time for any possible bruising to fade and for the Botox to fully set-in, leaving you looking amazing for the big night.

What to Do After a Botox Treatment:

  • Manage Expectations: The Botox will not fully develop immediately due to the nerves in your face interacting with the neurotoxins in the injection. The full effect is realized by 2 weeks.
  • Avoid Facial Massages and Intensive Treatments: Wait at least 24 hours before visiting your favorite massage parlor, as Facial massages can irritate the injection site, disrupt the Botox, and worsen negative side-effects like swelling. Other treatments within two weeks of the injection, such as laser skin resurfacing, can hinder the effects of the treatment as well. Although, other treatments can be done sooner post-procedure with no negative effects. Always consult us if you have any questions about what treatments or activities may or may not compromise your injections.
  • Give It Some Time Before Resting: You should wait at least 4 hours before lying down, as pressure directly on your face and head can irritate the injection site and compromise the effects.

Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment:

The results of Botox are not permanent and the duration of results varies from patient to patient. We recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment every 3 to 4 months in order to maintain the results you want. For some, scheduling regularly can actually work as a preventive for wrinkles as well.

A picture of Patrick J. O’Neill, MD wearing his doctor attire.

About the Author

Upon completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Dr. O’Neill completed nine years of residency training. These nine years included a full general surgery and a plastic surgery residency, both at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Dr. O’Neill has extensive certifications, training, skills, and knowledge that make him a successful physician who can carry out your next plastic surgery procedure. His expertise and technique will result in the beautiful and natural look you desire post surgery.

Board Certified:
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Sub-Certification in Hand and Microsurgery

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