Dermal fillers and Botox have gained popularity over the last few decades. Both men and women are getting them done to preserve their youthful looks and enhance certain facial features. While both are low-risk procedures, you still need to be very careful when choosing a service provider.
The service provider with the right experience and expertise will undoubtedly ensure a better outcome. Another thing to keep in mind is to follow all the pre and post-treatment care instructions religiously. These two steps will minimize the side effects and help you achieve the best possible results.
Botox Pre/Post Treatment Instructions
Let’s look at the set of instructions you need to follow before and after getting Botox done:
Before Treatment
- Avoid blood thinning and anti-inflammatory drugs; aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Celebrex, Nupren, Fish Oil, Aleve, and high doses of vitamin E for at least ten days before the treatment. These can put you at a higher risk of bleeding and cause prolonged bruising at the treatment site. If you take certain medications regularly, discuss them with your practitioner beforehand.
- Stay clear of alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours before the treatment. It can also increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Do not wax, bleach, tweeze, or use hair removal creams on the treatment site for 24 hours before the treatment.
- In some cases, it is recommended to take Tylenol at least one hour before your appointment to help with any discomfort during the treatment.
- If you have a history of cold sores, inform the specialist. This will allow your service provider to prescribe you medication to prevent an outbreak post getting the Botox.
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible. When you step out, make sure to wear sunscreen.
- It is recommended to eat a small meal or a snack before the appointment.
- Always inform your specialist about any medications and supplements you regularly take and your medical history.
PRECAUTIONS
You won’t be an ideal candidate for Botox if you have any of the following conditions: myasthenia gravis, allergy to botulinum toxin, neuromuscular disorder, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an allergy to human albumin.
After Treatment
- While you can apply makeup almost immediately after the treatment, you have to avoid all sorts of facials and saunas on the day of getting Botox.
- It is recommended to use the injected muscles as much as possible for the first 1 to 2 hours of the treatment. For instance, try raising your brows, practicing frowning, and squinting. These simple actions will allow Botox to work into your muscles. While this is a recommended practice, forgetting it won’t impact the treatment negatively.
- It can take around 14 days for the results to show their full potential. Most patients will notice a change in 4 to 5 days. However, it is essential to note that muscles take time to lose strength. As a result, fine lines will take some time to fade away. Wait for two weeks before passing a judgment on your results.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the injection site for at least 4 to 6 hours following the treatment.
- Do not exercise or indulge in any physically intensive activities that cause you to sweat for the next 24 hours post the treatment.
- Avoid leaning forward, lying down for at least the first 2 to 4 hours after the treatment.
- You might experience bruising at the treatment site. Don’t worry too much about it, as it is a temporary side effect that will fade away.
- Do not opt for any facials, microdermabrasion treatments, or massages for two weeks post the treatment.
- Stay clear of blood-thinning medications for a couple of days post the treatment.
- Do not forget to wear your sunscreen every single day.
Botox is a quick procedure, and the results will last about 3 to 4 months. If you wish to maintain the results, you must keep up with the injections at a frequency recommended by your service provider. Your service provider might ask you to come in for a follow-up appointment in about two weeks. This will allow them to check how your facial muscles react to the treatment. If you need additional Botox, this will be done during the follow-up appointment.
Dermal Fillers Pre/Post Treatment Instructions
Here is a list of instructions to follow pre and post-getting the dermal fillers:
Before Treatment
- Stay clear of blood thinning and anti-inflammatory drugs that include aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Celebrex, Nupren, Fish Oil, Aleve, and high doses of vitamin E for at least ten days before getting the fillers.
- If you have extremely low pain tolerance, you may take Tylenol an hour before the appointment.
- If you are on certain prescription drugs, it is essential to let your service provider know in advance so they can enable you to make the necessary modifications as needed.
- Inform the doctor in advance if you have any skin diseases or a history of cold sores to get the proper treatment timely.
- Do not get any dental procedures, including cleaning at least two weeks before the treatment.
- Consume a small meal or a snack before coming in for an appointment.
- Come to the dermal filler appointment with a clean face. No, you cannot even use a moisturizer.
- Stay clear of exercising or any physically intensive activities for 24 hours before an appointment.
After Treatment
- First things first! It is common to experience some redness, bruising, tenderness, and swelling for a couple of days post the treatment. These symptoms typically subside on their own. If the symptoms continue to persist after a week, it is essential to contact your service provider.
- Use a cold compress to help with swelling and discomfort post-treatment. If this isn’t enough, you can take Tylenol to help you feel comfortable.
- It is best to avoid using makeup for the first four to six hours after the treatment, provided that there aren’t any complications.
- Try your best to avoid direct sunlight for the first 24 hours after the treatment. If you have to step out, use sunscreen and wear a hat.
- Stay clear of alcohol for the first 24 to 48 hours after the treatment, as it can worsen the redness and swelling.
- Stay clear of strenuous exercises and heavy lifting for 48 hours after getting the fillers.
- Do not consume blood-thinning medications and anti-inflammatory drugs for at least five days post-treatment as it can worsen bruising and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated areas for about 6 hours after dermal fillers.
- Do not get any dental procedures done for at least two weeks after getting dermal fillers.
- Make sure to visit your professional for a follow-up appointment as recommended. This will allow them to see you are reacting to fillers and if you need any touch-ups.
Why is It Important to Listen to Your Service Provider?
Suppose you fail to follow the instructions given by a service provider. In that case, you are exposing yourself to a higher risk of complications. If you want the best possible outcome and minimize the side effects associated with the treatment, stick to all the pre and post-treatment instructions.
Possible Complications
Let’s look at the possible complications and risks associated with both s and Botox:
Dermal Fillers
Possible risks and complications may include:
– Acne, asymmetry, bleeding from the injection site, bruising, damage to the skin that results in a wound and possible scarring, infection at the injection site, lumps, palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin, skin necrosis (ulceration or loss of skin from disruption of blood flow), skin rash with itching, skin redness, swelling, and under-or over-correction of wrinkles.
Botox
Possible risks and complications may include:
– Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site, headache or flu-like symptoms, droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows, crooked smile or drooling, eye dryness or excessive tearing, muscle weakness, vision problems, trouble speaking or swallowing, breathing problems, and loss of bladder control.
Conclusion
Botox and dermal fillers are fantastic ways to preserve your youthful looks without undergoing the knife. Choosing the right provider and sticking to all the pre and post-treatment instructions is vital to achieving the best possible outcome. We hope you found this article informative. If you have any further questions, please reach out to us today.
