Booking a Botox appointment is an exciting step towards reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving your confidence and self image. However, knowing what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment can make all the difference when it comes to achieving the best results from your treatment.
If this is your first time seeking the beneficial effects of Botox, then London City Skin Clinic wants to make sure you’re prepared for your consultation with our tips on how to prepare for Botox.
Do you need to prepare your skin before a Botox appointment?
You do not need to prepare your skin before a Botox appointment because the medical professional carrying out the procedure will clean and treat the area before any injections are administered.
However, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are ready for the appointment, and that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
How to prepare for a Botox appointment
In the build up to your Botox appointment, you should:
1. Choose an experienced Aesthetic Doctor
The practitioner you choose for your appointment can have a huge impact on the quality of treatment you receive.
This is because:
- There will be less chance of complications occurring
- Your care and comfort will always be at the forefront of a qualified professional’s mind
- You will have reassurance that you are seeing a licensed practitioner
- You will experience more reliable results
Always do your research before approaching an aesthetic doctor by checking reviews and medical history.
Dr. Robby Bajaj has over 15 years experience providing highly skilled treatments that begin with a consultation to establish your needs. As a fully registered member of the General Medical Council, he puts the health, safety and wellbeing of every patient at the heart of each procedure.
2. Schedule your appointment at a good time
Botox is a minimally invasive treatment that can take as little as 15 minutes, and allows you to return to work immediately. This means that you can schedule your appointment on a lunch break so it doesn’t take up too much of your spare time.
However, we would recommend making sure that you leave plenty of time either side of your appointment to make sure you attend in good time, and allow half an hour afterwards for any minor swelling to settle.
You may want a plan for 30-60mins of time before you resume your day.
3. Know what to expect
One of the best things you can do to prepare for your appointment is be well researched and know what to expect from the treatment.
This can be done most effectively by booking a consultation appointment and asking as many questions as you can to make sure you feel comfortable. If there is anything you’re concerned about, don’t hesitate to ask.
It can seem like a small thing, but having the right information will reduce your nerves and make sure you are relaxed when the Botox is being administered, which will make it easier for you.
4. Avoid irritation from strong topical treatments
Topical creams and serums that cause sensitivity to your skin should be avoided for two days leading up to your appointment. This is because they increase the risk of inflammation and bruising following your treatment. In addition, avoid treatment on skin with active acne in the area to be injected.
It can be helpful to inform your medical practitioner of any daily treatments as well as medication or supplements you use in your consultation. They will be able to advise on whether to avoid taking them in the build up to your appointment, and the risks they are likely to pose.
5. Avoid other aesthetic treatments
Do not book any appointments to have other aesthetic treatments in the build up to your Botox appointment. This includes microneedling, laser treatment or chemical peels. This would apply to 2 weeks before and after your Botox appointment.
You should also avoid tanning beds or excessive sun exposure as sunburnt skin cannot be treated with Botox.
Some treatments such as dermal fillers can be done at the same time as Botox, but please discuss with your practitioner.
6. Avoid taking stimulants
Drinking wine, taking anti-inflammatory medication, smoking and drinking caffeinated drinks can increase your risk of bruising following a Botox treatment, and consuming them before your appointment can have the same effect.
They can likewise slow down the healing process.
7. Stay hydrated and ensure you have eaten something
Drink plenty of water before your treatment, and ensure you are not fasting before your treatment if you are prone to fainting or feeling dizzy.
8. Avoid exercise and excessive heat for 24-48 hours after treatment
Ensure you do not plan to exercise for a good 24 hours after treatment as the heat and increased metabolism may break down the Botox protein quicker than anticipated, leading to shorter lasting results. This also applies to excessive heat from Sauna and Steam exposure.
9. Avoid touching the area or applying make-up immediately after treatment
To prevent infection into the injected areas, please refrain from applying make-up immediately after treatment or trying to touch the areas.
10. Avoid lying down for 4 hours after Botox
To ensure the Botox injected stays in the desired location to activate the muscle group intended, it is best to not touch the area or lie down for 4 hours after treatment, to ensure there is no diffusion of Botox into nearby muscles giving undesired results.
At London City Skin Clinic, your safety and wellbeing is our top priority which is why every Anti-Wrinkle Treatment begins with a consultation where we encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to ensure you feel informed and prepared for your upcoming treatment. We will also advise you on how to best prepare for your appointment, so there are no surprises on the day.
For more information on what is included in your treatment, take a look at our Skin Treatment Price List or Contact our Skin Clinic today.
020 3488 8469 | info@londoncityskinclinic.com
