BOTOX

Seven Steps for Perfect Botox Results

Botox injections are one of the most popular aesthetic procedures because the results are excellent, there is little to no downtime, and when done properly the side effects are nearly non-existent. Still, many people have questions or even reservations about Botox.

In this article, West Bloomfield area plastic surgeon Doctor Ali explains what you need to know before getting Botox, to put your mind at ease and to ensure the best possible results!

#1. Avoid “Bargain Bin” Botox

Always get your Botox treatments from a medical facility that is affiliated with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, like AMAE Med Spa in the West Bloomfield area.

Salons and “back room” Botox operations may offer lower prices – but you can’t be sure of what you are getting. Low, discount prices on Botox often mean that you may be getting a diluted dosage, or that it was purchased from a supplier in another country. Additionally, back-room and non-US Botox may even be counterfeit products!

It is illegal for providers to purchase medications such as Botox outside the country for use on patients within the U.S.A. Unauthorized Botox suppliers may even compromise the effectiveness and/or safety of Botox, by not storing or shipping them at the proper temperature or selling them after their expiration date.

Remember, Botox is made from a “toxin” that is perfectly safe when administered by a trained doctor or nurse – but it can be very dangerous in the hands of an untrained or inexperienced or unlicensed person.

#2. Avoid Blood-thinners & Natural Anti-coagulants Before Botox

It is important to avoid blood thinners and anticoagulants for at least 2 weeks before Botox treatments. This includes common over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. This is because these types of drugs hinder blood clotting – which may increase the risk of bruising, and swelling at the injection site. Use of anticoagulants can also result in your skin taking longer to heal from any type of injections.

When preparing for Botox, you should also avoid certain foods and natural supplements, including some seemingly innocent items. Fish oil, many multivitamins, cinnamon, ginger, and even garlic should all be avoided for a full week before Botox treatment, as these can also weaken blood vessels and prevent clotting.

Certain antibiotics, specifically aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamicin), can increase the potency of neurotoxins. To avoid risks, do not receive Botox treatments for the duration of your antibiotic prescription.

Always disclose any medication or supplements that you are taking to Dr. Ali or your nurse injector when undergoing Botox injections, to ensure optimal results and reduce the risks of any complications.

#3. Don’t Drink Wine or Coffee Before Botox

We know! Your caffeine fix gets you through those long days at work! And wine … well that is one of life’s pleasures. But for better Botox results, you should avoid drinking both of these for a week before Botox, to minimize bruising on your face. The good news is that you will only have to wait 48 hours after receiving Botox injections before you can consume alcohol again!

And because coffee contains caffeine, it may trigger an increase in blood pressure as well as dilate the blood vessels – which also increases the likelihood of bruising during the injection procedure. For this reason, you should avoid coffee and other beverages containing caffeine – but only for 24 hours or so before your Botox.

#4. Take Arnica Before Your Botox Injections

Arnica is a naturally occurring herb that has been used for centuries in many cultures to help reduce or prevent bruising and swelling. The natural chemical components in Arnica have been proven in clinical studies to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and other biological properties.

Arnica is now widely available at drug stores like CVS and Walgreens, as well as natural food stores such as Whole Foods. Taking Arnica pills or sublingual tablets 4-5 days before and after Botox can help keep bruising at bay.

#5. Avoid Retinols, Peels, Lasers & Other Aggressive Skin Treatments

Topical products such as Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Retinoids, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid may break or compromise your outer layer of skin, making you more susceptible to bruises and infections after the procedure. So stay away from these topical products starting three to four days before Botox treatment. Similarly, chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling procedures that pierce or ablate the skin should be performed a week or more in advance of Botox injections – and be given time to heal before your next Botox appointment.

#6. No Waxing, Bleaching, or Tweezing before Botox

Another precaution that you should take before Botox is to avoid bleaching, waxing, or tweezing the injection area for two days prior to treatment!

#7. A Botox Consultation is Crucial

You should always be given a thorough health assessment prior to any cosmetic injection, including Botox. While most healthy adults are good candidates for Botox, there are a few underlying medical conditions that can prevent you from getting Botox, including: ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”); myasthenia gravis; Lambert-Eaton syndrome; emphysema; certain types of heart disease; or an active infection.

Additionally, if you have a history of perioral herpes, you should start antiviral therapy days before treatment so that the medication doesn’t react to Botox. Always discuss any medical conditions you have with Dr. Ali or one of our nurse injectors to ensure that Botox is a safe treatment for you.

During your consultation, Dr. Ali or our experienced nurse injector will also have you smile, frown, talk, and raise your eyebrows up and down, to carefully evaluate how different areas of your face naturally move during your consultation. This helps achieve the goal of looking refreshed and youthful – and not “frozen” or expressionless.