So you’ve booked your long-awaited Botox appointment – what next?!
If this is your first time receiving Botox or Dysport, you may be wondering what to expect. First and foremost, schedule your injectable appointment at least one month before any big event. Botox and filler typically take about 2 weeks to see full results. After the full 2 weeks, your nurse injector will typically have you come in for a follow up appointment to assess how the treatment is working for you. Although it’s rare, this is when your injector will offer a touch up if necessary.
Aesthetic nurse injector Jennie Kobylanksi Zamzow advises, “I always tell my patients to wait the full 2 week mark before coming back in for a touch up. I don’t like to touch up prior to this because the Botox hasn’t fully settled into the tissue and taken full effect yet.”
To help you prepare for your appointment, the experts at Innovative MedSpa compiled a guide of do’s and don’ts:
– To help avert any bruising post-injections, it is important to refrain from taking any anti-inflammatory or blood thinning medications or supplements at least 2 weeks prior. These include:
- NSAIDS – such as Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, and Motrin (Tylenol is okay!)
- Vitamin E
- St. John’s Wort
- Omega 3/Fish Oil
- Ginseng
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Garlic
– Please avoid consuming alcoholic beverages or caffeine at least 24 hours before treatment, as this can also increase your risk of bruising.
– Discontinue the use of Retin-A at least 2 days prior, as well as for 2 days after treatment.
– If you’d like to schedule a same-day facial appointment, please schedule this service BEFORE your Botox appointment. Applying any pressure to the area injected can cause the product to move around.
– It is important to let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores, as this could put you at risk of erupting more. Please disclose if you are prescribed any antiviral medications prior to treatment.
– Avoid any dental procedures at least 2 weeks prior to treatment, including teeth cleaning.
– Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment, as this can help your skin to be plump and hydrated for your treatment. To decrease your chance of lightheadedness, have a good meal beforehand. Some practitioners recommend taking a pineapple extract such as Arnica or Bromelain, starting 1 week before treatment.
– Be sure to arrive at your appointment with a clean face. This means NO make up or tinted moisturizer, especially in the area you are planning to get treated. It is also important to refrain from applying makeup for at least 24-48 hours after as well.
– It is also important to note that the FDA warns against receiving Botox injections if you are currently pregnant, or breastfeeding. Although there is little to no evidence to support that this could be a risk for your baby, it is still best to err on the side of caution.
– If you are not feeling well, experiencing a rash, cold sore, or blemish in the area, we ask that you please reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance.
At Innovative MedSpa we offer complimentary consultations with each of our providers. This includes a comprehensive assessment of your skin, where your provider will provide a well-rounded treatment plan, catered to you and your needs.
