BOTOX® Guidelines

Pre and Post-Treatment Guidelines

BOTOX® ​Pre-Treatment Guidelines 

The recommended guidelines from Dunkirk dentist Dr. Cynthia Sclateris to help her patients have the best results possible from injectable treatments. Dermal filler injections carry the risk of bruising if you are taking certain supplements or medications. To reduce this risk, please note the items on this list and discontinue at least 3 days before your appointment for injections. A patient should be in good overall health. If you have a special event or vacation coming up, schedule your treatment at least two weeks in advance.

Medications to Discontinue 3 Days Before Treatment 

**if you have been prescribed Aspirin or any prescription Blood Thinner, do not discontinue unless permitted by your prescribing physician. Cold Sores: If you have a history of cold sores, ask us about pre-care instructions. It is not the BOTOX® that causes the possible outbreak, it is the injection.  Also, we have laser technology that can speed healing if you do get a cold sore…we would provide this at no charge. If you have an active cold sore, blemish or rash, etc, prior to your appointment, you must reschedule.

·         Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve)

·         Aspirin (unless prescribed by a physician)

·         St. John’s Wort

·         Omega 3 fatty acids (Fish Oil)

·         Vitamin E

·         Ginger

·         Ginkgo Biloba

·         Ginseng

·         Discontinue Retin-A two (2) days before and two (2) days after treatment

Things to Avoid 24 hours before treatment (to reduce the incidence of bruising)

·         ALCOHOL is the number one thing to avoid

·         Flax seed and cod liver oil

·         Niacin supplements

·         High-sodium foods

·         High-sugar foods

·         Refined carbohydrates

·         Vitamin A

·         Caffeine

·         Garlic

·         Spicy foods

·         Cigarettes

BOTOX® Post-Treatment Guidelines

Avoid Excessive Sun and Heat: Until any initial swelling and redness has resolved. This includes aggressive exercise. Three days is recommended. Heavy exercise includes inversions head stands and shoulder stands in yoga.

 Avoid Direct Pressure to the brow, such as visors, headbands, hats, and massage tables and cleansing make-up brushes for one week. Anything that causes compression could cause migration of the botox downwards into the eyelids and lead to droopy eyes or other areas of the face. If this happens to you, you could have temporary facial weakness or drooping. 

 Don’t lay down for the next 4 hours.

 Skin Care: Avoid facials, waxing or any other treatment that involves the face for a week following your treatment.

 Avoid squeezing or massaging the treated areas the rest of the day after treatment, as this may subtly change the result we are trying to achieve.

 Sunscreen: Proper and frequent application of sunscreen is always important. The sunscreen should offer broadband protection (UVA and UVB) and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. You should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and again, immediately before. After that, reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area.

 Avoid sleeping on your face for the first day following your procedure. 

BOTOX® Possible Side Effects

Although generally safe, BOTOX® side effects and complications can include:

• Bruisising and pain at the injection site
• Redness
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Tamporary facial weakness or drooping
• Very rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism-like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness or slurred speech. 

Feel free to email Dr. Sclater clsclater@dunkirkdental.com with any questions.