How to Prep for a Botox Treatment

If you’re planning to get Botox for the first time, or even if it’s been a while, you might wonder what to do before your appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly. Preparing the right way can help you achieve optimal possible results while minimizing the risk of side effects like bruising or swelling.

Whether you’re hoping to soften fine lines, treat crow’s feet, or simply refresh your look, learn how to prepare for Botox to get the best possible outcome.

Start With a Consultation

Botox treatment is not a one-time procedure but a continuous process that might take up to four months to complete. For the treatment to be effective and for you to obtain desirable results, you must take the necessary measures to prepare.

This is why starting with a consultation is one of the most important things to do before Botox. At Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute, you’ll meet with our expert team for a personalized consultation. During this time, we’ll learn about your goals, review your medical history, and help you decide if Botox is right for you or if an alternative treatment might suit your needs.

Schedule A Botox Consultation Today

Can You Work Out Before Botox?

Yes, but we recommend avoiding overly strenuous activities. Rather, opt for gentle movement like walking, and skip the spin class or weightlifting session just before your treatment.

How Long After Botox Can You Exercise?

After your Botox, we usually recommend waiting at least 24 hours before returning to your regular workout routine. This gives the Botox time to settle into the targeted areas.

What to Do Before Botox: 5 Key Considerations

When preparing for your Botox treatment, keep the following tips and best practices in mind.

1. Skip the Alcohol

While Botox doesn’t require you to stay away from food, avoiding alcohol before the procedure is highly recommended. Alcohol tends to thin the blood, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. It can also dehydrate your skin, which isn’t ideal when you’re aiming for a smooth, refreshed look.

2. Cut Back on Caffeine

While it’s not forbidden, caffeine may raise your blood pressure and increase the likelihood of bruising during the procedure. Try to avoid coffee and other beverages — such as tea, energy drinks, and soft drinks — containing caffeine at least 24 hours before the treatment.

3. Pause Topical Products

Refrain from applying topical products such as Retin-A, retinols, glycolic acid, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acid. It may break your skin, making you susceptible to bruises and infections after the procedure.

Stay away from topical products for at least three days before the Botox treatment. If you have sensitive skin or a history of perioral herpes, you should start antiviral therapy two or three days before treatment so that the medication doesn’t react to the Botox.

4. Avoid Hair Removal in Treatment Areas

Another precaution you should take is to avoid bleaching, waxing, or tweezing the area to be treated. You should also avoid using depilatory creams near the area for one or two days prior to Botox treatment. These can irritate the skin and make it more prone to redness or sensitivity. Give it a day or two before and after Botox for your skin to stay calm.

5. Review Your Medications

You’ll need to stop taking blood-thinning medications such as ibuprofen, Excedrin, and aspirin before Botox. Remember to ask your doctor before stopping your medications. In some cases, you may need to reschedule your Botox treatment until you finish your dosage.

A Few Bonus Tips

In addition to the above guidelines, follow these tips to help ensure your Botox appointment goes smoothly:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to keep your skin well-hydrated.
• Plan around events: If you’ve got a big event coming up, we suggest getting Botox at least two weeks in advance. This allows time for any swelling or bruising to fade and for the results to fully kick in.
• Come with a clean face: On the day of your appointment, arrive with a clean face — no makeup or heavy moisturizers. This helps us perform your treatment safely and efficiently.

Your Botox Journey Starts Here

Botox is a nonsurgical cosmetic treatment that’s quick and effective, helping you look refreshed and youthful with minimal downtime. Like with any treatment, a little preparation goes a long way.

At SPRSI, our expert team is here to ensure your experience is comfortable, customized, and designed with your goals in mind. Whether it’s your first time getting Botox or you’re a returning patient, we’re ready to help you look and feel your best. Call us at 615-791-9090 or reach out to us online to book your appointment today.