How to Prepare for Botox Injections

02/10/2020


A woman with a towel on her head is looking in the mirror.

By Voyagerix at Shutterstock

Being prepared in advance is the key to gaining the most out of any skincare visit. Botox is no exception to the rule! If you are due for a Botox session, make sure you are properly prepared! Here is a round-up of pre-treatment instructions to help minimize post-treatment downtime and ensure that your Botox treatment is a success!

What to Do Before Your Botox Treatment

  • Let your dermatologist know in advance about any medications or special diet formulations (even vitamins) you are taking, as they can trigger side effects when combined with botulinum toxin. This allows your doctor to help you manage such drug interactions.
  • Cleanse the area to be treated thoroughly with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and lukewarm water. Rinse your skin several times to ensure that there is no residue left behind. To further eliminate the risk of site infection, your dermatologist may clean your skin again with an antiseptic cleanser or alcohol.
  • Botox is one of the many things you shouldn’t do on an empty stomach! You must have fortification to ensure that you keep your mood and muscles calm. Make sure you have a snack or small meal before Botox injections.

Safety Precautions for Botox

Although FDA has given approval for people aged 18 to 65 to undergo Botox treatment, this cosmetic option is an absolute no if you:

  • Are allergic to botulinum toxin.
  • Have any kind of infection or other skin condition in the area to be injected.
  • Are suffering from diseases that impact your muscles or nerves, such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
  • Have respiratory issues, such as asthma.
  • Have taken a surgery (facial or otherwise) in the past or plan to undergo any kind of surgery in the future.
  • Have weakened muscles on the forehead.
  • Have difficulty swallowing.
  • Have abnormal bleeding issues.
  • Have droopy eyelids.
  • Are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Patients with a history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) are at risk of a post-injection outbreak! Hence, make sure to inform your doctor about it beforehand so that it can be prevented through medication.

What Not to Do Before Your Botox Appointment

Certain drugs can interfere with botulinum toxin and can lead to side effects. Some of the common ones are:

  • Blood thinners
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Fish or omega-3 oils
  • Medication and topical steroids for allergies
  • Sleeping aids
  • Aspirin
  • John’s Wort
  • Vitamin E
  • Supplements having ginkgo biloba and ginseng
  • Ibuprofen

Other Pre-Botox Precautions

  • Safeguard your skin from UV damage and avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least 24 hours.
  • Steer clear of any alcoholic beverages.
  • Stop wearing makeup or other topical cosmetics for a few days.
  • Avoid using wax, bleach or any hair removal products in the area to be treated. Also, don’t pluck your eyebrows!
  • Don’t get any dental work done before Botox injections!

People worried about pain from Botox injections tend to self-medicate with over-the-counter medicines, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen). Your skin specialist is most likely to permit you to take Tylenol, but you should seek approval beforehand. Lastly, be confident and ready to look gorgeous!

Learn how Botox is a solution for your skin problems! Schedule your appointment at Beauti Science Med Spa in Plano, TX. Just Call Us at 214-280-4316 Today!