How To Prepare for Your Botox Appointment
On the day of your Botox appointment, you’re on your way to a fresher, brighter, and more youthful look. There are a few things you can do to prepare so you enjoy your experience. If you don’t know what to expect with Botox, we’re here to answer questions, give you a personalized assessment and offer suggestions for you to consider.
Please allow plenty of time to get to our office so you’re not feeling rushed or anxious. We allow 30 minutes for each appointment so we can provide a careful assessment, education, and time for the procedure.
Here are some preparation tips and what you can expect during your Botox appointment.
Before Botox Injections
- To help prevent bruising, you can use the naturopathic supplements Arnica Montana or Bromelain up to three days before your appointment and up to seven days after to help break down bruises.
- Try to avoid alcohol, fish oil, flax seed oil, multivitamins, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and aspirin for 24-72 hours before your appointment to help prevent bruising.
- Allow yourself time to enjoy doing this for yourself. Put your day aside for just a while so you can look forward to your procedure and results.
During Botox Injections
During your appointment, we’ll ask assessment questions and discuss the procedure risks, benefits, and possible side effects. After taking before photos, we’ll talk about your plan for the day and for future Botox appointments.
Once we’ve agreed on the plan, we’ll begin the procedure. Sometimes there are unpleasant reactions including localized pain, mild swelling, tenderness, redness, or bleeding/bruising. Needle-related pain and/or anxiety may result in vasovagal responses (i.e., syncope, hypotension) which may require medical attention from your injector.
Most Botox appointments are pleasant, quick, and easy.
After Botox Injections
Bruising is infrequent but does happen. When it does, the bruises are small and faint but occasionally, we see a dime-sized bruise.
To reduce the chances of bruising, avoid alcohol, contact with direct sunlight and activities like steam rooms, saunas, and engaging in strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after your appointment.
The best makeup for covering bruises is Dermablend.
For 7-10 days after your appointment, you can use Arnica Montana and Bromelain, naturopathic supplements that help break down bruises faster.
Do not receive Botox cosmetic if you:
- Are pregnant or breast-feeding
- Have a current skin infection
- Have a neuromuscular disorder
- History of HIV, lupus, RA (immunosuppression)
Please tell your injector if you are taking one of the following medications:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (may increase effects of botulinum toxin)
- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (may reduce effect)
- Blood thinning agents like warfarin or aspirin (may result in bruising)