Botox® & Dysport® Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions
Pre-treatment instructions
If you have a special event or vacation coming up, please keep in mind that you may want to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance to allow time for touch-up if necessary.
It is recommended to discontinue the use of Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week before and after treatment to minimize bruising or bleeding. Please consult with your primary provider prior to discontinuing any medications.
Taking an OTC Zinc 50mg supplement twice daily with food starting 4 days before your appointment, through the day of treatment (total of 5 days), has been shown to help improve longevity of neurotoxin.
Taking arnica tablets beginning 3 days prior to your injections may help minimize bruising. Eating pineapple for a few days may also be helpful. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which may decrease swelling & inflammation.
If you have recently had cosmetic treatments with laser, ultrasound, peels, facials or micro-dermabrasion, we recommend that you wait at least 2 weeks to have botulinum toxin treatments performed.
Post-treatment instructions
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your treatment. Refrain from aerobic exercise that increases your heart rate significantly (running, swimming, bicycling, etc.) for 24 hours following injections. Walking is fine.
Remain upright for 4 hours after injection (you may lie in a reclined position, just do not lay flat).
Do not wear a headband or hat where the band goes across your forehead if you have had injections between the brows or in the forehead.
Do not massage or manipulate injected areas for 24 hours after injections. Washing your face and applying make-up is fine but try to wait until at least 4 hours after injections. Avoid using a Clarisonic facial cleanser, have a facial, put your face in a massage cradle, or be face down for 24 hours following the injection.
Refrain from using ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil supplements, or vitamin E for 24 hours following injection to reduce risk of bruising.
If bruising appears in the first 24 hours, apply ice to area for 15 minutes every hour to decrease bruising. Beyond 24 hours, arnica and heat may help the bruise reabsorb more quickly.
The most common side effect is headache with Botox or Dysport injections. You may use Tylenol to relieve this. If you are a chronic headache sufferer and have prescription headache medication, you may take it as prescribed by your doctor. NOTE: Patients having Botox or Dysport treatments around the lips (lip flip/lip lines) may experience difficulty whistling or pronouncing "P" and "B" for 2-3 weeks.
Botox and Dysport will gradually take effect over 7-10 days with optimum result at 2 weeks. If this is your first treatment with wrinkle relaxers, we recommend scheduling a follow up appointment 2 weeks after your injection.
