Are you dreaming of a smoother forehead or getting rid of some crow’s feet? If so, you’re probably excited about Botox! This injectable treatment cannot be beat when it comes to reducing wrinkles caused by muscle movement and repetitive facial expressions. 

Before getting Botox, there are some before and after details you need to know about! 

 

Things to do Before Botox Appointment

Pre-care is just as important as aftercare. Here are a few things you need to do before getting Botox. 

 

Consider Your Medicine Cabinet 

For two weeks before Botox, it’s important that you don’t take any medications or supplements that can thin your blood and increase your risk of bruising. 

That includes all blood thinning medications as well as antibiotics, most anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers, as well as St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, and willow bark extract, just to name a few. 

Additionally, avoid topical medications and treatments that can thin the skin like tretinoin and alpha hydroxy acids for at least a few days before your treatment. 

If you’re not sure about something you’re taking, you can always speak to your doctor or reach out to your Botox provider and ask. 

 

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can also thin the blood, not to mention that it can cause dehydration that makes recovery a little more difficult. Drink a lot of water, and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your Botox appointment. 

 

Protect Your Skin 

You want your skin to be as healthy and strong as possible before the appointment. That means avoiding unprotected sun exposure, as well as avoiding intense chemical peels or laser treatments that can temporarily thin the skin. Also, avoid tweezing or waxing the skin prior to your treatment. 

 

Clean Your Face

Make sure to come to your appointment with your skin totally clean and free from products. That especially includes makeup, lotions, deodorants, sprays, and perfumes. 

 

Things to do After Botox Appointment

Once you’ve had your Botox injection, make sure you have the best results possible by following these aftercare requirements! 

 

Avoid Leaning or Lying Down

For at least 4 hours after your treatment, avoid leaning forward or lying down. Stay upright as much as you can. If you need to sleep, prop yourself up on a few pillows so you can stay vertical.

 

Avoid Touching the Injected Area

It’s really important that you let Botox settle down and take hold where it’s been injected. For that to happen, you can’t touch, rub, or massage the skin for at least a few days following your treatment. That also means no ice packs. Otherwise, Botox can spread, not to mention rubbing can increase your risk of bruising. 

 

Avoid Facial Treatments

From simple facials to full-on surgery, it’s very important you avoid any facial treatments for at least 3 to 4 weeks after getting Botox. If you are planning on having surgery, it’s better to get it first and wait for the entire healing process to be over before getting Botox. 

 

Take It Easy

To ensure easy healing, try to relax for a few days following your injection. Avoid intense exercise, saunas, or hot yoga. Additionally, make sure to stay well-hydrated, and continue to avoid alcohol. 

 

Enjoying Your Botox Results Afterwards

After your Botox injections, your skin might feel a little tender, and you may notice a bit of bruising or swelling. It’s perfectly normal and should heal pretty quickly. 

Botox itself takes a while to take hold. You’ll probably start seeing your muscles slowly relax a few days after your treatment, with maximum results within 10 to 14 days of your injection. 

And yes, by maximum results we mean no more wrinkles! You can expect your skin to look smooth and youthful for around 3 to 4 months depending on your age and lifestyle. With regular Botox injections, you’ll probably find that your results last longer and longer each time. Would you like to give this ultimate wrinkle-smoothing treatment a try? If so, have a look at our appointment scheduler and see if we offer Botox at your nearest SEV.