Getting Ready for Botox

When you decide to have plastic surgery, there’s usually a list of things you need to do before the procedure. There can be weeks, months or even years between the time you first go in for a consultation and the time of the actual surgery. The same can’t be said of non-surgical injections such as Botox, Xeomin or Dysport. In most cases, you’ll see the Physician or Nurse Practioner for a consultation on the same day you receive the injections.

While many patients don’t have to do much to get ready for Botox or similar injections, there are some things you can do to minimize complications after the treatment and to help you get the best results possible.

Finding an Injector

One of the most important things you can do when getting ready for Dysport, Botox or Xeomin injections is do ample research on the Cosmetic Injector you’re considering for the procedure. Botulinum toxin injections might seem like a simple enough thing, but in the wrong hands, you can end up injured or with results that aren’t quite what you expected. Legally, any doctor,Nurse Practioner or Registered Nurse under the direction of a physician can perform the injections, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they had adequate training or experience with Botox or similar products. Ideally, you want a doctor or cosmetic injector that is under the direction of someone that specializes in plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments.

Before you settle on an injector, ask how long they have been offering the injections, how many they perform a week and what training they have received. You can also ask to speak with past patients or review photos of their   past work.

Things to Tell Your Surgeon

The consultation before a botulinum toxin injection will be somewhat similar to the consultation you’d have before a facial plastic surgery procedure. You want to describe the type of results you’re hoping for to your surgeon and let her know about any allergies you have or about any medications you’re taking.

Odds are, your cosmetic injector will recommend that you avoid taking medicines that thin the blood, such as aspirin, for a few days before the injection. Taking blood thinners increases your risk for bruising and bleeding afterwards.We do offer treatment of bruises with the pulsed dye laser at no charge if the patient was to bruise after the treatment.Dr. Williams was the one that actually discovered that this exact laser had this potential to take away bruising almost over night.

You’ll also want to let the injector know about any conditions you have. For example, if you have herpes or get cold sores occasionally, there is a chance that having an injection will trigger an outbreak. They might recommend that you take an antiviral medication before your treatment to reduce the risk of an outbreak.

Eating, Drinking and Other Habits

You most likely won’t have to alter your diet or other habits too much before a botulinum toxin injection. It may be a good idea to avoid foods that can contribute to bleeding, such as garlic, for a few days or a week before your injection.

Yourcosmetic injector may also recommend avoiding any type of alcohol a few days before your injections.  Generally, it’s a good idea to go about your daily habits before your treatment. For example, if you exercise daily, get your workout in before you go to the office for Botox injections. While you can go back to your regular life almost right away after treatment, it’s usually recommended that you wait at least a day before exercising again.

Timing Your Injections

When it comes to Botox, Dysport or Xeomin, timing matters. If you are having the injections in advance of a special occasion, it’s important that you schedule the treatment well in advance. The injections typically last at least three months. You want to give them time to take effect and time for any side effects, such as redness and bruising, to diminish. Usually, two or three weeks before a big event is ample time for the injections to take effect and for any side effects to fade.

Discuss this and other options and procedures with Dr. Edwin F. Williams of the Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists or with The Williams Rejuva Center.Dr. Williams is the Medical Director of the Rejuva Center where he oversees the training of the cosmetic specialists. He is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. If you want to consult with an experienced New York plastic surgeon, call the Rejuva Center at 1-518-308-4119.