Botox and fillers are popular for their non-invasive yet effective anti-aging benefits. Still, achieving the best results depends on knowing how to prepare for Botox and fillers before your appointment.
Take note that as much as these spa treatments are quick and convenient, you still need to do some prepping to avoid bruising, irritation, and other negative side effects.
So, for this post, we’ll share some of the instructions and reminders we give our clients before their appointments. Read on and see what you need to know before going on your own treatment!
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Molly Rodriguez
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Before you get under the needle, it’s very important to follow our pre-Botox instructions to ensure your safety and efficacy of the treatment. The same goes if you’re headed for a dermal filler appointment.
In that case, here’s what to do before Botox and filler appointments, two of our most popular medical spa services:
1. Declare any skin conditions to our specialist
First things first, you should inform our skin care clinic of any skin conditions you have, as it can affect the safety of the treatment.
For example, if you have a history of cold sores, you may need to request medication from your doctor to avoid potential outbreaks. At the same time, we may have to reschedule the treatment if you have any irritation or active blemishes near or on the injection site.
Take note that hiding this information will put yourself at risk. It’s best to inform our injectors ahead, so we can manage the condition and help you find the best time for the treatment.
2. Schedule the treatment strategically
One thing we always ask our clients is whether they have a major event to attend within the next four weeks.
Why, you ask? Well, the results of Botox and fillers take days or weeks to unravel fully. And if you have a wedding, vacation, or other special events to go to, you won’t have the best results to flaunt.
In that case, be wise and schedule your Botox appointment with us at least a month before your next big event. The earlier, the better, especially if you have sensitive skin.
3. Avoid taking NSAIDs or blood thinners
You should also pause taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners about 7 to 10 days before your scheduled filler or Botox injections.
It’s because NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin increase your risk of bruising during and after the treatment. The same goes if you’re prescribed with blood thinners for any health condition.
This is especially important if you’re planning to get facial fillers in Eau Claire since it has a higher probability of bruising than Botox.
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you consult with your physician first before stopping any of your medications.
4. Don’t drink alcohol 24 hours prior
Consuming alcohol increases your body’s inflammatory responses and your risk of bleeding or bruising after the treatment. Also, it will delay the healing of the treatment area and even affect the efficacy of your Botox or fillers.
So, how long before Botox should I stop drinking? As part of our Botox preparation checklist, we always tell our clients to avoid any alcohol at least 24 hours – or longer – before their appointment. At the same time, we also discourage smoking to avoid any possible irritations on the facial skin.
5. Discontinue using retinol 2 days prior
When avoiding bruising with fillers or Botox, we ask clients to discontinue using facial treatments and creams like Retin-A, retinoids, or glycolic acid. While these are effective anti-aging products, they also increases your skin sensitivity.
Aside from that, you run the risk of having nasty irritations after the treatment if you continue using retinol. In that case, you should eliminate retinol from your skincare routine before Botox at least 2 days prior to and after the treatment.
6. Limit sun exposure
UV rays are your mortal enemy when getting basically any anti-aging facial treatment like fillers or Botox. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn, rosacea flare-ups, and skin sensitivity that can lead to the cancellation of your treatment.
So, as much as possible, reduce your direct sun exposure at least a week prior to injections. And if you can’t avoid basking under the sun, make sure you’re wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing.
7. Cut back on garlic
In general, we don’t really have strict dietary restrictions before fillers or Botox. Still, if you’re really fond of garlicky food, you may need to tone down the spice a bit.
It’s because compounds found in garlic like ajoene and allicin has blood-thinning properties. This can increase your bruising after the treatment, which will slow down the healing process.
Still, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy some garlic flavor. Just make sure that you consume it in small amounts a few days before your scheduled injections.
8. Arrive with a clean skin
Lastly, you should show up on your appointment with a clean skin on the treatment area. We request removing any makeup and not using any skin products to avoid any possible irritations.
If you happen to drop by with make up on the treatment area, don’t worry, we can help cleanse it for you.
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Fillers and Botox aftercare instructions
When it comes to injectables, the ‘after’ is as important as the ‘before’. To make sure you’ll have a hassle-free healing process, here are some of our tips for first-time Botox users (and fillers, too!):
1. Avoid touching or rubbing your face
Right after the treatment, fight the urge to touch or massage your face within the next 3 hours. Doing so can cause Botox or fillers to migrate, which can lead to droopy eyelids, lopsided facial shape, and a slew of other problems.
We always tell our clients to be patient and let the injectables do its job. It will take for a few days for the swelling to subside and for the full results to show itself.
2. Don’t perform strenuous physical activities
You should also skip the gym and other taxing physical activities after your injections. This is to prevent the Botox or fillers from migrating to other parts of your face. Also, you’d want to avoid excessive sweating, which can trigger skin irritations.
All you need to do within the next 24 to 48 hours is relax and keep the treatment area safe.
3. Skip any cosmetic treatments
After getting your filler or Botox in Eau Claire, you should avoid any facial treatments like drainage massages, microdermabrasion, and so on for the next 2 weeks. As we’ve mentioned, you should never rub or massage the treatment area while waiting for the injectables to take full effect.
Aside from that, wait for at least a day before applying makeup. If you can put it off longer, that would be great in preventing potential irritations.
4. Expect mild side effects
Overall, fillers and Botox procedures are safe, but your body still needs time to get used to its presence. In that case, you shouldn’t worry if you’re going to have mild redness in the treatment area. Minor bruising and swelling can also happen, which will resolve on its own in just a few days.
All of these can be managed with a cold compress and additional advice from our injectors.
In rare cases, some may experience Botox headaches, especially if the treatment is done around the eyes and near the forehead. Like most side effects, it will go away within a few hours or several days.
Don’t worry because we conduct follow-up checks after your initial appointment. This way, we can catch up with you about your experience and assist you with any concerns you have.
Who are good candidates for Botox and fillers?
Almost anyone can try Botox or fillers to enhance their natural beauty. Still, there are exemptions, which we think is something you should know before you book an appointment.
Basically, we don’t recommend Botox or fillers if you…
…have allergic reactions to botulinum injections or any dermal filler product
…are currently taking medications that can’t be paused for a few days
…have any weakness in the facial muscles around or in the treatment area
…are currently pregnant or nursing an infant since there aren’t enough studies about the safety of injectables in this situation.
…have neuromuscular disorders that could be worsened by Botox treatments
…have an active skin infection or irritation in the treatment area
…are still healing from a previous facial treatment
…have unrealistic expectations about the benefits of injectables and how long they last.
Need more help with your upcoming Botox or filler appointment?
If you want to know if you’re a good candidate for Botox or fillers, you can request a consultation with us at EauClaireBodyCare! Our licensed injectors will conduct a one-on-one skin assessment with you to ensure that our treatments are the best fit for your desired results. We have 10+ years of aesthetic experience, so rest assured that your skin will be in the best hands.
Also, feel free to check Botox and fillers prices in Eau Claire on our website. Don’t miss our monthly specials, where you can spend less and get more from your medical spa treatments!
And if you have questions or inquiries, feel free to contact us today or visit us at our medical spa at 2186 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
