Patient Instructions

Patient Instructions Pre and Post Injections for Neuromodulators (Botox/Dysport)

Scheduling:

• Special Events – Schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation.
• Visible Results – Results from the Botox/Dysport injections will take approximately 14 days to appear. Also bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time.
• Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish in/on/ or around the area of injection.
• You are not a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have active rosacea, lupus, eczema, or acne in the treatment area these need to be controlled prior to injecting. These put the area at high risk for infection.

Prior To Arriving:

• Have a clean face free of makeup including eye makeup.
• Refrain from alcohol for 24 hours-increases risk of swelling and bruising.
• No exercise day of treatment.
• Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chances of lightheadedness during your treatment.

Medications:

• Avoid anti-inflammatory /blood thinning medications (unless medically necessary) if possible, for a period of 2 weeks before filler and 1 week for Botox. Medications and supplement such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish oil supplements, turmeric, flax, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, and other NSAIDS a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
• If you tend to bruise easily, begin taking homeopathic Arnica 2 days before treatment (used to reduce bruising and swelling) or Arnica Montana as directed which is found at Whole Foods and Vitamin Stores.
• If you are on prescription blood thinners or anti-platelet medication, please seek advice on stopping temporarily from your health care provider. Please let us know.
• If you have a history of cold sores, please let your provider know, they may put you on an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.

Immediately Leaving Appointment:

• You may leave the office with small bumps-this is normal as these will dissipate within 30 minutes after the injection (usually less).
• You will not notice any difference in your appearance once you leave the office.
• Do not rub, manipulate, massage the areas of injection.
• Refrain from lying down for 6 hours post injection and bending head below level of heart.
• Refrain from exercise for 24 hours.
• Do not apply make-up for 24 hours.
• Tylenol can be taken for discomfort.

By 14 Days After Appointment:

• Botox/Dysport will settle at the injection sites into the muscle and the muscle will relax you may notice a temporary “heavy” sensation this is normal.
• Nothing is symmetrical in nature-neither are we; Botox/Dysport sometimes does not settle symmetrically as well – give the results a full 14 days before calling the office for a revisit. We like to see all patients back at 2 weeks for a follow up if the patient is new or the treatment area is new.
• If you notice movement in areas that were treated and they are not to your aesthetic liking know that this can be a result of needing more Botox/Dysport in that given area, this is when you wait the full 14 days for the effects to settle before coming in for a revisit.
• Any refinements to your dose will be complimentary, up to 10 units.