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After successfully smoothing away lines and wrinkles and improving your overall complexion with a Botox® treatment, the last thing you’ll want to do is compromise your results. Most likely, you’re trying to find ways to make the results of your Botox® last as long as possible. If you have decided to pursue Botox® injections in the Bay Area, then there are a few important things to avoid before and after your session to ensure you achieve the results you desire and that the improvements to your skin are long-lasting.

Before getting Botox®, patients should avoid drinking too much alcohol, taking anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications, and engaging in strenuous exercise. In this article, we’ll go deeper into these things you should avoid before and after your session to ensure that you receive all the benefits Botox® has to offer.

What is Botox®?

Botox® is a neuromodulator composed of a safe amount of FDA-approved botulinum toxin. When injected into the facial muscles, it temporarily prevents excessive movement, which in turn allows the skin to settle and prevents further creasing.

What Should Be Avoided Before Botox®?

The preparation for your Botox® session is not complicated, but there are still some things you should avoid nonetheless. Some of the things that you’ll want to stay away from while you prepare for your injections include the following:

• Blood-Thinning Medications— There are certain pain medications that are known to thin the blood, and it is recommended by providers that you avoid these for at least a week leading up to your Botox injections. Some of these medications or supplements include Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. You’ll also want to avoid certain vitamins, including fish oil, Ginseng, and Vitamin E. Avoiding these things can minimize any post-Botox bruising.
• Alcohol— For better Botox results, you’ll want your skin to be as healthy and hydrated as possible. Drinking alcohol a week before Botox may increase the chances of bruising and irritation because alcohol dehydrates and weakens the skin’s protective layers. Therefore, it is recommended that before your Botox session, you focus on your water intake and avoid alcoholic beverages for the time being.
• Facial Treatments and Chemical Peels— While fantastic for your overall complexion, facials or chemical peels require a recovery time for your skin. Their purpose is to exfoliate and shed dead skin cells, which can leave your skin sensitive during the repair process. Wait at least a month to schedule your Botox® session if you’ve recently had a facial treatment or chemical peel.

What Should Be Avoided After Botox®?

Once the Botox injections have been administered, it’s important to take care of your face if you are to see the full benefits of the treatment. The main objective of proper Botox aftercare is to ensure optimal results and minimize the appearance of bruising.

• Strenuous Physical Activity— It is strongly advised that you refrain from exercising for at least 24 hours after your injections. Exercise increases blood flow across your body, which can lead to the unintended spread of the toxins in the treated area. This can end up reducing the effectiveness of Botox at the injection sites.
• Lying Down or Bending Over—When resting, try your best to avoid applying pressure to the treated area. Instead, prop your head up with pillows and sleep on your back as much as possible to reduce the amount of pressure on the areas of injection and allow Botox ample time to settle into the facial muscles.
• Heat Exposure— Avoid exposing your face to the sun for at least 24 hours after treatment. The heat from the sun can promote flushing, which may increase your blood pressure. When this happens, there is an increased chance of bruising. Other heat exposures you should avoid are tanning beds, hot tubs, saunas, and hot showers.

The Importance of Finding a Qualified Injector

Botox is a completely safe and effective procedure when done in the hands of a skilled and qualified injector. It can help you look younger by reducing fine lines around the eyes and wrinkles between and across the brows, but it’s important to do your research on a qualified provider. At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray performs Botox injections himself on patients to ensure accurate and precise placements. His expert technique of tiny doses and careful attention to detail ensure that patients are able to retain the ability to animate and show expressions, avoiding the “frozen” look commonly associated with poor Botox® injections. With his leadership and expertise, you’ll look refreshed with a natural, youthful look.

To learn more about Botox® injection in San Francisco, contact our office to schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Leonard Gray today!