Is it your first time getting treated with Botox, other brands of neurotoxins, or dermal fillers? If it’s your first time getting treated, or even if it’s been a while, it can be a little intimidating to prepare for an injectable treatment. Here’s a breakdown on what to expect, how to prepare, and what to be aware of post-treatment to give yourself the best results.
What is Botox? What are Dermal Fillers?
When to book your appointment
While “downtime” is relatively minimal for injectables, any injection carries risk of redness, bruising, and/or swelling. Results also take time to be apparent – dermal fillers need time for swelling to settle and for the filler material to incorporate well into the skin. This can take days to weeks. Botox and other injectable neurotoxin brands need up to 2 weeks for full results. This is because it takes time for the muscles in treated areas to uptake the dosage and relax.
For more on when to book treatments ahead of major events, click to read our blog post on when it’s best to schedule treatments.
It’s also best to give at least two weeks before and after an appointment before booking any other injection appointments (including vaccinations, flu shots), laser appointments, facials, permanent makeup, or other treatments. This includes illness and even taking antibiotics. This is good practice in order to insure best results.
When to Book Appointments
How to prepare for a treatment
For those taking fish oil supplements or Vitamin E supplements, it may be advisable to discontinue use for a week or two to prevent excessive bruising.
If taking medically-prescribed blood thinners or aspirin, do not discontinue usage unless otherwise told by your medical professional. Long-term use of blood thinners may elevate risk of bruising after an injectable treatment, so for those who do take them, it’s best to schedule injectable appointments ahead a major event in order for bruising to heal.
Drinking immediately before and after treatment is not advised. This can increase risk of bruising or bleeding.
What to do after treatment
There may be some swelling, redness, or discomfort after treatment. Ice packs can be used to provide temporary relief.
Try not to lay flat or sleep for a few hours post-treatment. This is to prevent migration of Botox/neurotoxin or filler material from desired treatment areas. Filler is still somewhat malleable immediately after treatment, and sleeping can affect results if care is not taken to prevent laying on the face.
Avoid heavy exercise and exercises that require bending over excessively, such as yoga or Pilates. This is to prevent pressing against the face and excess blood flow to the face, which may cause bruising.
Avoid steam/saunas, facial massage, and drinking or smoking for at least 24 hours after treatment. This is to allow “settling” and to prevent excessive bruising or lightheadedness.
Avoid putting on makeup for 24 hours post-treatment. This is to prevent introduction of bacteria into injection sites.
If the upper lip has been treated with Botox you will not be able to drink through a straw, whistle, or enunciate some words for approximately 2 weeks.
For any further questions or concerns, please feel free to give DSC a call! We are more than happy to discuss the logistics of an appointment or to answer any other questions you may have.
DSC Laser & Skin Care Center
www.dscbeauty.com
(626)285-0800
info@dscbeauty.com
889 S. San Gabriel Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776
