Botox® Pre-Care Instructions
To ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of bruising or side effects, please follow these guidelines prior to your appointment:
Pre-Care Instructions
7 Days Before Treatment
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements unless prescribed by your provider, including:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- Naproxen (Aleve®)
- Vitamin E
- Fish oil / Omega-3
- Garlic supplements
- Ginkgo biloba
- St. John’s Wort
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before treatment.
24 Hours Before Treatment
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Avoid facials, chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments in the treatment area.
- Arrive with a clean face—no makeup, lotion, or skincare on the treatment area if possible.
Day of Treatment
- Eat a light meal prior to your appointment to reduce the chance of dizziness.
Inform your provider if you:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Taking antibiotics, muscle relaxers, or blood thinners
- Experiencing any illness, infection, or active skin irritation
Post-Care Instructions
Following proper aftercare is essential for the best results and safety.
Immediately After Treatment (First 4–6 Hours)
- Remain upright—do not lie down or bend forward excessively.
- Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging treated areas.
- Avoid wearing tight hats, headbands, or helmets if treated in the forehead area.
First 24 Hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, or saunas.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Avoid facials, massages, or skin treatments on the treated areas.
- You may gently cleanse your face and apply makeup after 4–6 hours, if desired.
What to Expect
- Mild redness, swelling, or small bumps at injection sites may occur and typically resolve within a few hours.
- Minor bruising is possible and may last several days.
- Results begin to appear in 3–5 days, with full results visible in 10–14 days.
Important Do’s & Don’ts
- Do not massage or apply pressure to treated areas.
- Avoid sleeping the first night face down.
- Facial expressions (raising brows, frowning) may be gently performed after treatment unless instructed otherwise by your provider.
Follow-Up & Safety
- Botox® results typically last 3–4 months.
- A complimentary follow-up may be recommended at 10–14 days to assess results.
- Contact the office immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing.
- Severe pain.
- Drooping that worsens after several days.
Individual results may vary. These guidelines are general recommendations and may be adjusted by your provider based on your treatment plan.
