Getting Botox injections, like all other procedures, requires a set of pre- and post-treatment do’s and don’ts. While Botox is relatively easy to prepare for and take care of afterward, never doubt the power of following the basic set of rules every injector will tell you.
Below are some of the things to keep in mind before and after Botox treatment if you wish to have the best results and most minimal level of risk possible. Failing to follow this advice may result in worsened and/or prolonged symptoms post-procedure or even result in migrated or dissolved Botox.
- Do: Be Picky About Where to Get Botox At
Before getting treatment, you’ll want to consider where to get the procedure done. Not only will you want to select a reputable, highly-rated injector in a clean and well-trusted facility, but you also have the option to get Botox done in the comfort of your own home!
At home Botox might seem a bit unusual, but there are so many benefits of it to consider. Not only can getting injections done in your own home shake away much of the anxiety you might have, but it can be quite convenient in terms of saved time (i.e., no waiting room!) and no commute for you.
- Do: Eat a Healthy Breakfast on the Big Day
Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day, especially before getting a procedure done like Botox. There are a few very good reasons for this.
The first reason to eat a healthy breakfast the day of getting Botox injections is to reduce the amount of bruising and swelling you’ll get post-procedure. The hydration and nutrients you get from a good breakfast can act as a vasodilator and anticoagulant.
Another reason to consume a hearty breakfast prior to getting Botox is to keep your stomach full to avoid feeling lightheaded or nauseous during the procedure. The last thing you’ll want is to feel crummy or even pass out while getting treatment.
While getting Botox is a quick procedure, the first appointment may not be. Plus, people are already prone to passing out when they’re feeling nervous! Don’t aggravate that feeling by eating a poor-quality breakfast or skipping it altogether. If you’re too nervous to eat, at the very least, drink a smoothie or a protein shake beforehand.
- Do: Leave Your Treatment Area Alone Afterward
As much as you might want to touch the area where you received the injections to see if it feels any different, this is a huge no-no as it could move or diffuse the Botox. No touching, no massaging, no rubbing.
Over the next few days, keep your hands off your face, and refrain from applying any other type of pressure onto your face (e.g., lying on your face).
- Do: Follow Up with Your Injector
If you have any questions or concerns about your injections after receiving them, it’s always important to follow up with your injector.
If you notice your eyebrows now appear uneven, your eyelids are drooping, or your facial expression appears asymmetrical, it’s time to get in touch with your injector. These could be signs of a botched Botox job.
However, skip talking to your injector and instead get medical assistance if you experience an allergic reaction, flu-like symptoms, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or signs of an infection at the site of the injections.
Once the swelling goes down, you will also want to get in contact with your injector if you’re wanting to get any additional fillers to achieve your desired results.
- Don’t: Drink or Take Blood Thinners a Few Days Before Getting Botox Injections
Taking blood thinner medication, drinking alcohol, and taking NSAIDs such as Advil or Aspirin in the few days leading up to your Botox appointment could worsen the bruising and swelling you receive after your treatment.
If you’re taking a blood thinner or NSAIDS per instruction by your doctor, make sure to speak with them to see if it will be safe to pause for a bit for the sake of your Botox injections.
- Don’t: Venture Out in the Heat After Getting Botox
Heat and UV exposure can increase redness and swelling shortly after receiving Botox. That said, stay indoors if it’s hot outside, and stay away from environments that may have heat or steam. This includes hot yoga studios, steam rooms, hot showers, and saunas.
If you must go outside, at the very least, wear your SPF and a sun hat to avoid as much UV exposure as possible. Most important, stay hydrated, and keep in the shade.
- Don’t: Exercise for 24 Hours Post-Treatment
Exercising is healthy but not shortly after getting Botox injections. Because exercising can disrupt Botox settling due to repetitive movement, increase blood flow which can break down Botox, and apply pressure to the site of Botox due to strenuous motions, it’s best to take a break from working out for at least a full day.
While you can’t engage in intense workouts right after Botox, there are some forms of exercise that are completely safe. This includes gentle walks, basic facial expressions, yoga, Tai Chi, and light stretching.
- Don’t: Forget Ice and Arnica to help with Swelling
To have a more successful healing process with Botox and get the swelling down as soon as possible so you can enjoy your results, you’re going to want to apply ice and topical arnica to the site of the injections post-procedure.
For best results, apply ice to the face in 15 to 20-minute intervals for the first 24 hours after getting Botox. As for arnica, follow the instructions on the packaging of the topical arnica product you have. Arnica is not only great for reducing swelling but also reducing bruising and pain.
Conclusion
Getting Botox injections for the first time can be a combination of excitement and anxiety. However, if you follow the advice of your injector, then the procedure should go smoothly. From eating a healthy breakfast the day of getting injections to remembering to use ice and arnica to combat post-injection swelling, dealing with pre- and post-Botox is relatively simple.
