Most people think Botox aftercare begins once you've had your injections.
Nope!
It actually starts a few days before your appointment.
The little things you do in the days leading up to your treatment can make a surprising difference to bruising, comfort and, hopefully, your overall result. So, here are my top tips to help you get the very best from your treatment.
I know, I know... I'm not trying to ruin your social life!
Alcohol can thin the blood slightly and dilate your blood vessels, making you more likely to bruise after your injections. Try to avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours before your appointment if possible.
Some supplements are wonderful for your general health but can increase your chance of bruising.
These include:
These supplements may affect how your blood clots or make tiny blood vessels more prone to bleeding. That doesn't mean they're "bad"—just that they're best avoided for a few days before treatment if it's safe for you to do so.
Never stop prescribed medication without first speaking to your GP or prescribing clinician.
This is one of the questions I'm asked most often.
Some studies suggest that taking a daily zinc supplement, starting a few days before your treatment and continuing afterwards, may help Botox last a little longer in some people. The evidence isn't definitive, but it's certainly interesting.
Many women during the perimenopause and menopause have lower zinc levels than they realise, and zinc is an important mineral involved in immune function, skin health and wound healing.
If you're considering taking a zinc supplement, it's worth discussing it with your GP or pharmacist first, especially if you take regular medication or have any underlying health conditions.
Even if it doesn't give your Botox superhero powers, your body will probably thank you for having adequate zinc levels!
Nobody enjoys rushing through the door five minutes late after wrestling with traffic and wondering if they remembered to lock the front door.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and settle in.
Believe me—you are not alone.
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable Botox treatment is, and many don't need any numbing cream at all.
However, if you're a self-confessed scaredy-cat (no judgement here!), just let Gael know when booking or arrive about 20 minutes early if you'd like topical anaesthetic cream applied.
It's amazing what a little numbing cream—and a reassuring chat—can do.
If it looks like you might develop a little bruise, don't worry—it happens occasionally.
We'll use ice in the clinic if needed, and if you'd like, we can send you home with hygienic disposable ice packs.
Why disposable?
Because that mysterious frozen bag lurking in the back of your freezer has probably seen better days! Reusable ice packs that aren't kept clean can harbour bacteria, so a fresh disposable pack is the safest option for recently injected skin.
I know this sounds like the perfect excuse!
Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
Exercise increases your circulation, which can make bruising and swelling a little more noticeable.
One day off won't undo all your hard work.
Promise.
This one is really important.
Fresh injection sites are tiny openings in the skin.
Most make-up brushes, sponges and cosmetics contain bacteria—even the expensive ones! Applying make-up too soon increases the chance of introducing bacteria into those tiny injection sites.
A make-up-free day is a small price to pay for healthy skin.
Try to avoid:
Heat increases blood flow to the skin, which can contribute to swelling and bruising.
Your skin deserves a little rest after treatment.
Patients often ask whether Arnica cream or tablets help with bruising.
The scientific evidence isn't conclusive, and studies have shown mixed results.
That said...
I've seen many patients who feel it helps reduce bruising, and plenty of them swear by it. While I can't promise it works, it's something many people choose to use.
One of the biggest misconceptions is expecting Botox to work overnight.
It doesn't.
You may notice small changes within a few days, but the full effect develops gradually and reaches its maximum at around three weeks.
That's why I always book review appointments for new Botox patients.
The review allows us to:
Every face is unique, and Botox isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Absolutely.
In fact, that's the aim.
Despite what social media sometimes suggests, good Botox shouldn't leave you looking frozen.
The goal is to soften the muscles that create wrinkles—not eliminate every facial expression.
Other muscles naturally compensate, so you'll still have movement, expression and personality. The difference is that the muscles responsible for those deep frown lines, forehead creases or crow's feet become weaker, helping to soften existing lines and reduce the formation of deeper wrinkles over time.
Natural results are always my goal.
Botox is a partnership.
I'll do my part by carefully assessing your facial anatomy, choosing the correct dose and placing every injection with precision.
Your part is simply following a few straightforward aftercare tips.
Together, we'll give your treatment the best possible chance of achieving beautiful, natural-looking results.
And remember...
If you're ever unsure about anything before or after your appointment, just give the clinic a call. We'd much rather answer a quick question than have you worrying at home.
After all, there are enough things to wrinkle your forehead—we don't want one of them to be your Botox appointment!
