Botox®

Pre Augmentation Care

Immediate Care:

• The most common side effect is bruising and swelling. It is NOT advisable to have injections less than 2 weeks before a big event.
• To avoid bruising it is best not to take any pain relievers or any anti-inflammatory that are blood thinners like ibuprofen and aspirin: Aleve, Advil, Motrin. Try acetaminophen instead: Tylenol.
• Cut out certain supplements. Vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng, gingko biloba, ginger, omega-3, St. John's wort and garlic pills are all blood thinners.
• Avoid alcohol prior to treatment and after treatment since it is a blood thinner. 
• Do not use Botox® if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or suffer from any neurological disorders. 
• Sunburned skin is difficult to treat so avoid exposure to the sun. 
• Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated. 
• Avoid the use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids higher than 10% and avoid Retinoids. 
• Inform you clinician if you have a history of Perioral Herpes or facial sores to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment.
• Always inform your clinician of all medications you may be taking as well as your medical history.
• It is advised that treatment with the homeopathic oral medication, Arnica Montana, begin the day before treatment to help promote healing and minimize bruising and swelling. Arnica is available at health food super markets such as Whole Foods.

Post Augmentation Care

Immediate Care:

• Do not massage, rub or apply pressure to the treated area for 6 hours following treatments.
• Avoid aspirin products for a few days following treatment.
• Avoid exposure to the sun and cold outdoor activities until redness from treatment disappears.
• Do not exercise (running, aerobics, weight lifting, etc.) for 24 hours.
• Post Dermal Fillers: Apply ice over the treated area immediately after treatment to reduce swelling.
• Post Botox®: Stay erect; do not lie down for at least 4 hours. 

You May Experience the Following: 

• Dermal Fillers: Mild to moderate bruising is common.
• Botox®: Bruising is rare.
• Occasional tingling sensations.
• An immediate headache.

Botox® Contraindications

Neuromuscular Junction Disorders:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Lambert Eaton Syndrome

Hypersensitivity to the contents of Botox®, allergy at previous/recent Botox® treatment

Egg or albumin allergy

Stroke (facial palsy), Bell’s Palsy

Pregnant, patient on IVF, or Breastfeeding mothers

Presence of infection around injection site

History of cold sores to pretreat

Recent hospitalization/major surgery

Medications:

• Aminoglycosides
• Tetracyclines
• Penicillamine
• Haldol
• Compazine
• Reglan
• Fluphenazine, Trifluoperazine, thioridazine
• Quinine
• Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, felodipine, lacidipine)