First-time BOTOX® patients might not realize there is a bit more to it than sitting in a chair and getting injected with BOTOX® during your lunch break. While BOTOX® is a fast and nearly-painless procedure, there are a few things BOTOX® patients should be aware of before having their first treatment.
Below are 7 common mistakes you should avoid in order to get the best results.
1. Choosing an Under-Qualified Provider
When getting BOTOX® injections, it can be tempting to just look for the cheapest option. After all, everyone is using the same product, right?
While that may be true, the person who is injecting the product makes a big difference. BOTOX® injection is a medical procedure that requires skill, experience, and knowledge to be done properly.
For one thing, the placement of injections needs to be precise. Using an under-qualified injector could result in the wrong muscles being paralyzed. BOTOX® also needs to be diluted before use. If this isn’t done correctly, too large a dose can be administered.
Instead of improving your appearance, you could end up with a frozen look, droopy eyelids, or excessive bruising. It could even compromise your safety.
Having a medical procedure performed on your face is a serious matter so you’ll want to prioritize finding a competent doctor who is board certified. Our cosmetic surgeon Dr. Goffas is board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which sets the highest standards for cosmetic medicine. His expertise will help ensure you’re happy with the results.
2. Taking Blood Thinners
Bruising and swelling are possible side-effects of BOTOX® injections. The reason blood thinners are an issue is that they can make these symptoms worse. It is best to avoid them for 3-5 days before your BOTOX® treatment and at least a day afterwards.
If you are taking a prescription blood thinner, you’ll need to consult with your doctor to find out whether you can pause your medication for a few days surrounding your BOTOX® treatment, or if BOTOX® treatment can be safely administered while continuing your prescription.
It is a good idea to explore whether you are currently taking anything you might want to avoid.
You should be aware, however, that there are other common medications that also thin your blood. In particular, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all examples of NSAIDs, which act as blood thinners and should ideally be avoided. If you need pain relief before or after your procedure, you can take Tylenol, which is not an NSAID.
There are even some foods and supplements which may also thin your blood. It may be a good idea to explore whether you are currently taking anything you might want to avoid.
3. Drinking Alcohol
You might already know that alcohol is also a blood thinner. Drinking alcohol — especially in larger amounts — near to your treatment can increase bruising and swelling.
It’s a good idea to avoid alcoholic beverages for 48 hours before getting BOTOX® and at least 24 hours afterward as well. At that point, the healing has progressed enough that alcohol no longer poses a risk. Feel free to celebrate your new look with a glass of wine.
4. Using Retinol
Since retinol has been found to promote more youthful, healthy-looking skin, it may be part of your beauty regimen. If so, we recommend that you stop using it two days before your BOTOX® procedure and wait to continue using it for two days afterwards.
Your skin can be very sensitive after your procedure and you may find retinol irritating. It is best to avoid anything that might promote inflammation while the area heals.
Avoid using anything that might promote inflammation while the area heals.
5. Exercising too Soon after Treatment
Once you’ve had BOTOX®, you want to take it easy. Exercise isn’t recommended until the next day.
There are two reasons exercise could be a problem. For one thing, it raises your blood pressure, which can increase both swelling and bruising at the injection site. Moreover, the vigorous movements exercise involves can also increase the chances that the BOTOX® ends up outside the target area, affecting muscles of the face in unwanted ways.
6. Getting BOTOX® on an Empty Stomach
For some medical procedures, doctors will instruct you to fast. This isn’t the case with BOTOX®. You should make sure you eat a full breakfast on the day of your procedure so your body has everything it needs. Having something in your stomach can also help you avoid lightheadedness during the procedure.
7. Massaging Your Face
You should avoid touching and rubbing your face as much as possible for a day or two after getting BOTOX®. In addition to irritating the injection site, you could also spread the treatment into surrounding muscle tissue. For facial massage (including gua sha), it is a good idea to wait several days.
On the other hand, it is helpful to use your treated facial muscles right away, so feel free to express yourself.
Get the Best Results with BOTOX®
This might feel like a lot of things to keep in mind. It is helpful to notice there are really two main problems you want to prevent: bruising and inflammation of the injection sites and unwanted migration of the injected BOTOX®. The seven mistakes we’ve covered are the most common reasons people experience these unwanted side effects.
The first reason is probably the most important: You’ll want to make sure you get your BOTOX® treatment with a highly-qualified practitioner. Under the direction of board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. George T. Goffas, our expert aesthetics team can help you rejuvenate your appearance with BOTOX®. To find out how you can benefit from BOTOX® treatment, schedule your St. Clair Shores cosmetic consultation today!
