Understanding skin aesthetics dermatology

• Make sure you schedule your Botox appointment at least 2 weeks prior to any special occasions such as a vacation or a wedding. 
• Results from Botox injections and dermal fillers take around 4-7 days to appear.
• You should also avoid blood thinning medications and anti-inflammatory medicines for the 2 weeks leading up to your treatment. Also avoid aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John's Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, and NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen.

All of these can thin your blood which increases the likelihood of you experiencing swelling or bruising after botox injections.

•  Discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have. It may not be prudent for you to stop taking certain prescription medication.

• 2 days before your Botox procedure you should stop taking Retin-A. Also, do not take it for the 2 days following your botox injections.
• If you have a cold sore or an acne breakout on the target botox area, reschedule your appointment. 
• If you are prone to cold sores, let your botox clinic know. You may have to ask your Doctors for anti-viral medication to take during your visit.

• Alcohol has a blood thinning side effect. Do not drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours before your treatment.
• On the morning of your procedure, ensure you eat a healthy, nourishing breakfast. If your appointment is later in the day, make sure you eat close to your appointment. This will prevent you from becoming faint or lightheaded during your treatment.

Ideally, avoid touching your face for 24 hours after your treatment. 

• Use tepid water and a gentle cleanser to wash your face for 72 hours after treatment and gently pat dry. 
• Your skin may feel drier than usual after Botox. Use a hyaluronic acid serum to restore moisture levels back to normal. 

• Wait a minimum of one week, ideally two, after fillers before flying. 
• For a week or two before treatment, eat fresh pineapple. It contains bromelain, an enzyme that is known to decrease bruising. 
• Fives days before treatment, take arnica, an herbal product that reduces swelling and promotes healing. 
• For two days before receiving dermal fillers, don't consume alcohol. 

Avoid any heat inducing activities for 24 hours such as strenuous exercise, spas, saunas and hot showers.

• Avoid pressure on the area for the first 48 hours (no face down massages).
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
• Avoid active cosmeceutical products (AHAs, retinols, vitamin C) and oil-based makeup for 24 hours.
• Avoid touching the face too to avoid infection.
• Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, skin needling, microdermabrasion, IPL or laser treatments for 2 weeks after treatment.
• Do not massage the treatment area unless instructed to do so.