Preparing for your Botox Treatment
Many people are unhappy with the appearance of lines and wrinkles that have formed around their eyes, across their forehead and even alongside their nose. These are often the result of years of facial expressions, combined with the natural ageing process and the effects of exposure to environmental toxins such as UV rays from the sun and nicotine from persistent smoking.
Although Botox treatment is minimally invasive, and you should be able to return to your usual activities virtually immediately after your procedure, preparing for your appointment is still essential if you are to experience the very best results. This is because there are certain activities that are not recommended in the days and hours ahead of any Botox procedure. Dr. Clark will provide you with very specific information and guidelines to follow before your Botox appointment. In the meantime, here is some key information that should be taken into account when preparing for your Botox treatment.
Stop/switch the medications or supplements as recommended
Many medications and supplements have side effects, and sometimes these can have an impact on the effectiveness and recovery of Botox. For example, the use of blood thinners can cause patients who undergo Botox to experience more bleeding and bruising than is normal. To prevent these complications from occurring, your surgeon will advise you to cease taking them approximately 10-14 days before you undergo Botox injections. In some cases, it may not be possible for a patient to stop taking a certain drug. In these instances, you may need to speak to Dr. Clark about switching for an alternative. Other medications and supplements that may be a cause for concern and should definitely be discussed with him prior to having Botox include:
- Muscle relaxants
- Sleeping aids
- Allergy medications
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
- Vitamin E
- Fish or Omega 3 oils
Stop smoking
Smoking has been shown to inhibit the healing process as the nicotine present in your body lowers the amount of oxygen in the blood, which is needed for cells to repair themselves. Smoking is also a key contributor in the development of lines and wrinkles, so if you can quit you will improve the longevity of the results from your Botox treatment. Even if you can’t quit completely, ask your Dallas plastic surgeon about how long you should abstain from smoking ahead of your appointment.
Avoid alcohol
In addition to giving up cigarettes, you will also need to abstain from alcohol for at least a few days ahead of your procedure. Dr. Clark will be able to exactly when you should stop drinking and when you can resume again.
Don’t do any exercise the morning of your procedure
Although an early morning run or visit to the gym may be part of your routine, you should avoid doing this the morning of your Botox appointment. This is because exercise increases your circulation, and this makes you more likely to suffer from complications such as bleeding and excessive bruising.
Don’t bother with creams or cosmetics the day of your Botox appointment
Your skin must be completely free of any dirt, moisturizers and cosmetics before your Botox injections can be given. Therefore, we recommend that you wash your face with warm water and your usual soap or face wash and then leave it clear ahead of your procedure.
During your consultation appointment, we will talk to you about the best ways to prepare for your Botox procedure, as well as advising you what will happen during and after. However, if you have further questions and would like more advice, our friendly and reassuring clinical team would be happy to assist you and put your mind at rest. Please contact us to speak to us or to schedule an appointment to discuss your Botox procedure.
