How to Prepare for Your Tox (Botox or Xeomin or Dysport)

Preparing for a Botox treatment properly is essential for ensuring the best possible results and minimizing any risks or side effects. Botox, when administered by one of our skilled practitioner, can provide excellent and long-lasting outcomes, but a little pre-treatment preparation can go a long way in optimizing the effects. Here's a guide to preparing for Botox, along with recent research and medical facts.

1. Consult with our Skilled Practitioner

• Choose our Qualified Providers: Here are Tox’d we work with medically licensed providers that are extensively trained in the Tox’d Technique. There is no substitution or “work-around” for a tested technique and a well-trained, skilled provider. Studies show that results are not only affected by the product itself, but also by the skill of the injector.

2. Avoid Blood Thinners (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Supplements)

• Why Avoid Blood Thinners?: Blood thinners (like aspirin, ibuprofen, or supplements like fish oil and vitamin E) can increase the risk of bruising at the injection sites. This is one of the most common side effects of Botox, and avoiding blood thinners can minimize it.

  • Guideline: It's typically recommended to stop using aspirin or ibuprofen at least 1 week before your treatment. However, for medical conditions that require blood thinners, always consult with your doctor.

  • Study Evidence: Clients who avoided blood thinners before Botox injections experienced a significant reduction in bruising compared to those who didn't.

3. Stay Hydrated

• Hydration and Muscle Function: Proper hydration is important because Botox works by temporarily blocking signals between nerves and muscles. Dehydration may impair muscle function and the way Botox interacts with the body.

  • Study Insight: A 2020 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology suggested that hydration could help maintain optimal skin and muscle tone, potentially improving the outcomes of Botox injections.

4. Avoid Alcohol for 24 Hours Prior

• Alcohol and Bruising: Alcohol has a similar effect to blood thinners in that it can increase the risk of bruising and swelling. It can also dilate blood vessels, which might increase the chance of complications.

  • Medical Consensus: Most practitioners recommend avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising and other unwanted side effects.

5. Avoid Certain Skin Treatments (e.g., Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion)

• Why Avoid Skin Treatments?: Procedures like chemical peels, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion can irritate the skin, leading to sensitivity, redness, and irritation, which might make Botox injections more uncomfortable or interfere with the results.

  • Timing: It's generally advised to avoid such procedures at least 1-2 weeks before your Botox treatment.

  • Recent Study: A paper in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2021) reviewed Botox injections in patients with different skin types and found that recent skin resurfacing or laser treatments could cause an increased risk of side effects like swelling or uneven results.

6. Don’t Wear Makeup or Creams Right Before the Treatment

• Clean Skin for Better Results: Make sure your skin is clean and free from makeup, lotions, or sunscreen before the treatment. This helps the provider clearly see the areas for injection and avoid any infection risks.

  • Best Practice: Arrive with a clean face or ask the provider if they can clean it for you before starting.

7. Know What Areas You Want Treated

• Be Specific About Desired Results: Before your treatment, think about what you want to achieve with Botox. Whether you want to address crow's feet, frown lines, or forehead wrinkles, having clear goals will help the practitioner determine the right dosage and injection locations.

  • Research Insight: A study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2020) highlighted that when patients communicated their goals clearly, injectors could optimize Botox placement for more natural-looking, effective results.

8. Be Aware of Your Medical History

• Inform Your Provider: Always inform your provider about your medical history, especially if you have any neurological conditions, allergies, or have previously had complications from Botox. Conditions like Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may increase your risk of complications.

  • Medical Guidelines: According to FDA guidelines, Botox should be avoided in people with certain medical conditions because it could exacerbate symptoms. An experienced injector will be aware of these contraindications.

9. Understand Post-Treatment Care

• While this isn’t part of pre-treatment, knowing how to care for yourself afterward will affect your results.

  • Avoid Lying Down: For the first 4 hours after Botox injections, avoid lying down. This helps prevent the toxin from migrating to unintended areas.

  • Don’t Massage the Area: Don’t massage or rub the treated area for at least 24 hours after treatment, as this can interfere with the spread of the toxin.

  • Click Here for full list of Post-Treatment Instructions

10. Have Realistic Expectations

• Results Aren’t Immediate: Botox doesn’t work immediately; it takes 3-7 days to start seeing results, with full effects taking 2 weeks. If you’re preparing for a big event, make sure to schedule your appointment well in advance.

  • Medical Fact: Most patients report a gradual improvement in the first 3-5 days post-treatment, with effects peaking at about 2 weeks.

11. Follow Up Appointments

• Maintaining Results: Botox typically lasts between 3 to 6 months, depending on individual factors such as metabolism and the area treated. To maintain results, regular follow-up treatments are necessary.

  • Clinical Insight: A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2020) showed that consistent Botox treatments resulted in better long-term outcomes, as the muscles can be trained to stay relaxed over time.

Summary of Key Recommendations:

• Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) at least 1 week prior.

• Stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment.

• Avoid skin treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion 1-2 weeks before.

• Arrive with a clean face, free from makeup or skincare products.

• Communicate your goals clearly to the practitioner.

• Know your medical history, especially neurological conditions.

By following these guidelines, you can enhance the effectiveness of your Botox treatment and reduce the likelihood of side effects. If you have any further questions about Botox preparation or its effects, feel free to ask!