If you are planning to get Botox, filler, a chemical peel or a laser treatment, planning ahead can decrease problems during and after the treatment.
Stop exfoliating about one week before your treatment, especially if you’re getting a chemical peel or laser treatment. Also, temporarily eliminate any retinoid creams as part of your daily skincare. Don’t add any new products right before your treatment to avoid problems with irritation.
To avoid bruising with Botox or Filler injections, avoid the following for a few days prior to your treatment: alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen (any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory [NSAIDs]), vitamin E or fish oil (any omega-3).
Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup or perfume.
For your filler treatment, an oral antihistamine (Zyrtec, Allegra or Claritin) can be taken before and after injections to lessen swelling. If you bruise easily with filler, you might consider arnica montana tablets. Found at health food stores, arnica is an herb that may help to reduce swelling and bruising.
After a filler treatment, ice packs can also reduce swelling and redness. I do NOT recommend air travel on the same day as filler or toxin injections.
Tanning, and even sunless tanning creams, can interfere with some treatments like BBL HERO or laser hair removal, so plan ahead when you schedule your treatment. Avoid sun exposure and self-tanners for two to four weeks prior to your laser or BBL HERO treatment.
Please shave the area for hair removal the day before or the day of your laser hair removal treatment.
If you have a propensity to get cold sores, take your prescription antiviral medication, such as Valtrex, the day before your treatment. Reschedule your treatment if you have an active cold sore breakout—a treatment could spread the virus to other areas on your face.
Ask about any restrictions you may have after your treatment. In some cases, you may be asked not to exercise, or you might be given other limitations. After a chemical peel or laser treatment, for example, you’ll be asked not to exfoliate for a certain time period. To decrease swelling and bruising, you may be asked to ice the treatment area periodically.
