Things to remember before your Botox treatment

You can not be treated if you are:

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• You have an active skin infection such as a cold sore

Avoid blood thinning medication and supplements

Dr Teri Johnson recommends you stop taking medication that can thin the blood for a week before your Botox treatment if possible. This is to prevent the increased risk of bruising and bleeding.

It is often still possible to have treatment if it can not be avoided, however please discuss this with Dr Teri. She can discuss the risk based on the medication and the dose you are taking. However, you are at an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.

The following medication and supplements thin the blood:

• Anti inflammatories e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen
• Clopidogrel
• Anticoagulants e.g warfarin, apixiban
• St. John’s Wart
• Vitamin E
• Fish oil or Omega-3s
• Ginko Bilboa
• Ginseng

Try and avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment

Alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.

Important things to consider

Try and schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation.
Results will take approximately 4 to 14 days to appear.
You may be unlucky and experience prolonged bruising.
If you are unlucky and developed a complication you may struggle to return to the clinic for the after care you need.
If you have to travel straight after treatment, consider how you will access after care if you are unable to attend a review.

Be aware of what other activities and treatments you have booked for the 2 weeks following your treatment

Dr Teri does not recommend any facial treatments which apply pressure to the treated area for at least 14 days after treatment, e.g facial, microdermabrasion, or massage. Even eyelash extensions and eyebrow waxing could lead to pressure on the area.

Dr Teri does not recommend vigorous exercise for 48 hours after treatment.

Other activities such as horse riding are not recommended for 48 hours as the riding hat could exert pressure on the treatment area.

If you are not great with needles or are prone to fainting be sure to have food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.

Find out more about Botox treatments here.