Botox Injections: Preparation & Aftercare

Before undergoing any procedure, it is crucial to do your research and get all the information needed about it. You might be considering getting those famous Botox injections, but do you actually know how they work, what they are made of, what to do before and after getting Botox? Continue reading to get proper instructions on how to prepare for Botox, and what the aftercare looks like. 

What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name for an injectable bacterium toxin and it is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the world. All Botox injections consist of one main ingredient which is botulinum toxin, so you might also hear the term botulinum toxin injections as well.

 Botox is mostly used for the reduction of facial wrinkles in the procedures such as lip flip, brow lift, forehead, crow’s feet, under eyes, TMJ (temporomandibular joint), jaw, droopy eye, eyelids, frown lines, and more. On the other hand, Botox can also be used to treat other health issues such as migraines and headaches, excessive sweating, overactive bladder, depression, teeth grinding, etc. 

How does Botox work?

The Botox gets injected into your facial muscles, which causes them to become temporarily paralyzed and stop contracting. Fewer movements of the muscle will cause the skin to soften and stop the wrinkles from forming. The already existing ones will be smoother and you will achieve a younger look when it comes to appearance. 

Botox is measured in syringes, and different amounts need to be injected for different procedures, therefore the price of the treatment will depend on the type of procedure you undergo. After the non-surgical procedure is done, you are free to go home right away, since there will be no cutting. The results will start appearing and be fully visible within two weeks, and they will last for approximately 3-4 months. 

Is Botox Safe?

Please have in mind that no treatment can be proclaimed 100% safe for everyone and bodies react differently to substances. However, speaking of healthy people with no allergic reactions to some of the Botox ingredients, it is safe to get injections for most people. Amazing results are seen on people over Earth prove that a small dosage of botulinum toxin can be helpful in beauty and medicine fields when injected by a professional. 

Botox Side Effects and Risks

Risks and side effects of getting Botox injections are very rare and usually last shortly. Considering the fact that you receive a needle in the skin, there is always a possibility of getting bruises and redness, swelling, or feeling some pain in the injected area. Other side effects that might occur after you get the injections are headache, slightly increased body temperature, and dizziness. 

The rest of the blog will be focused on giving you some of the best preparation and aftercare tips for Botox. If you want to know more about Botox injections, visit our Botox Wrinkle Treatments page and get all the information about it. 

Botox Preparation Tips

Now that you know enough about Botox and its uses, let’s talk about steps to take before scheduling an appointment. In order to prevent previously mentioned risks from happening, you should properly prepare for your Botox treatment and minimize the chances of getting any side effects. Here are some of the best practiced general preparation tips that apply to almost everybody:

1. Choose the Right Time

Botox injections are safe for adults, and although it is usually not recommended or needed for young people to get them, it is totally up to you. Whenever you plan to get the injections in your lifetime, make sure you plan it around other events in your private and business life, considering that you might end up having some bruises or swelling on your face. The side effects take about two weeks to disappear, so your treatment should be at least two weeks before any important events like weddings, birthdays, business meetings, etc.

2. Avoid Certain Medication

Medicines that cause blood thinning and excessive bleeding, as well as anti-inflammatory medication, should be avoided for a couple of weeks before your appointment. Avoid medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, sleeping pills, Vitamin E, Omega 3 oils, Ginkgo Biloba, etc.

3. Quit Smoking And Drinking

This is common advice for everyday life because both smoking and drinking have no positive effects on your health. Anyway, at least take this precaution and do not smoke and drink at least a few days before your appointment. Botox injections might make you feel dizzy and alcohol and cigarettes will only make it worse. 

4. Vitamin K

Watching your vitamin K levels is recommended before undergoing any procedure such as Botox or dermal fillers injections. Increasing the amount of vitamin K in your system can prevent your skin from bruising. Foods rich in vitamin K include kale, swiss chard, broccoli, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, brussels sprouts, kiwi, avocado, beef liver, chicken, pork, etc. 

5. Hydration

Keeping your body hydrated leaves you with positive effects only when it comes to non-surgical procedures such as Botox. You will not be under total anesthesia and you can drink all the water you want. As a long-term habit, hydrating your body will make your skin fresh and healthy. 

6. Cleanse Your Skin Thoroughly 

You should come to your appointment with clean skin with no makeup, oils, or dirt on it. You shouldn’t walk or run to your appointment, but stay home and prepare for the treatment by using a cleanser and washing your face. The doctor will disinfect your skin with some medical alcohol, but it is your responsibility to arrive with a clean face. 

Botox Aftercare Tips

After your procedure is finished, you are free to go home and go on with your life. Your doctor might give you some instructions about the aftercare, but just in case you are looking for some advice, here are some important Botox aftercare tips:

Do Not Touch Your Face

You should not touch, massage, or scratch your face after getting the treatment for at least a day. The Botox needs to stay in place and settle down, and touching your face might make it dislocate, move to other muscles, and numb them too. The results will not turn out the best if you do not follow this advice. For the same reason, you should avoid lying down for at least a few hours.

No Exercise

For the best results and for the safety of your skin, exercising should be avoided for at least a day or two after getting Botox injections. Avoid making sudden movements with your head, jumping, running, power walking, and other cardio exercises because sweat can negatively affect your injected area. 

Stay Out Of Sun

Staying in the shade is always recommended when talking about healthy skin, and that is a must if you have just walked out of your doctor’s office. Exposure to the sun after getting a Botox treatment can cause serious issues with your skin, especially if you get a sunburn. You might end up having some heavy bruises due to the UV radiation, sun rays, and sweat. Avoid sun exposure for a few hours, even better days, or at least until your side effects go down.

Use Ice for Bruises

Just like with any other bruises, ice helps slow down your blood flow in the bruised area and reduces blood coming out of your vessels. However, do not put too much pressure on your injected area, considering you should avoid touching your face to make Botox stay in the right place. 

Do Not Undergo Other Treatments

You should be very careful when putting on creams and skincare products after getting Botox injections, let alone undergo other facial procedures. You should definitely consult with your doctor about which procedures you can do after getting Botox injections and how long you have to wait until it is safe, but usually, it takes just a day or two.

Schedule Your Appointment Now

My Esthetic has recently introduced wrinkle treatments with Botox injections! You can contact us and schedule an appointment for an amazing price of 250e by clicking here!