Botulinum Toxin Pre and Post Injection Instructions

Botulinum Toxin/Neurotoxin treatment involves the injection of highly diluted, individualized doses of botulinum toxin A into (or in close proximity to) overactive facial muscles which are responsible for wrinkles. Neurotoxin relaxes muscle(s) by diminishing their ability to contract. The following Neurotoxin injection Self-Care instructions have been prepared specifically for our patients.

BEFORE TREATMENT

• For one week before treatment, please avoid the following medications: Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen, Excedrin (all OTC pain pills except Tylenol), vitamin E, Vitamin A (Tretinoin, Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Triluma), Gingko Biloba, Omega-3 fatty acids, cod liver oil, CoQ10, garlic and ginger.
• Avoid sun exposure to the area to be treated one week before treatment.
• Do not take ANY muscle relaxing medications (example: Soma or Flexaril) at least one month before treatment.
• If you have a special event or vacation coming up, please keep in mind that you may want to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment. (All of these factors may increase risk of bruising and swelling).
• If you develop a cold / flu, cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, we recommend that you please reschedule your appointment until it resolves.
• It is recommended to discontinue Retin-A two (2-3) days before treatment to avoid any increased redness and irritation.
• It is recommended that you wait at least 2 weeks to have botulinum toxin treatments performed if you have previously had cosmetic treatments with laser, ultrasound, peels, facials or micro-dermabrasion.

AFTER TREATMENT

• Remain upright for 6 hours following treatment. No lying down or bending over for 6 hours.
• Keep the treated areas clean. Light make-up coverage is acceptable if desired.
• You may apply ice for 5 minutes every 1⁄2 hour if there is any pain or swelling. Any bruising will eventually resolve on its own, typically within one to two weeks.
• If post-injection bruising is noticed, consider using the OTC homeopathic natural remedy Arnica Montana, which has been shown to rapidly relieve and even prevent bruising. Arnica is available at most health food stores and is safe (free of reported side-effects).
• As always, wear at least SPF 30 sun block when appropriate and avoid exposure to intense, direct sunlight and heat (example: sun lamp steam, sauna) for at least two to three days.
• Move the facial muscles (frown, smile, raise eyebrows) that have been treated throughout the rest of the day. This will help the muscles absorb the Neurotoxin .
• Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours.
• Do not rub or massage the areas treated for 24 hours.
• Do not take aspirin containing products (see above) for the next 24 hours. These agents may increase bruising/bleeding at the injection site.  Tylenol may be taken.
• Avoid Aspirin, Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week after treatment. These items may increase bleeding and bruising.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours after your treatment. These items may contribute to increased swelling or irritation.
• Avoid the use of Retin-A or similar products (ex. Kinerase, Tazarac) 2 days after treatment to avoid increased irritation or redness.
• Avoid cosmetic treatments such as laser, ultrasound, peels, facials or micro-dermabrasion for 2 weeks after treatment.
• Try to avoid wearing makeup until the day after treatment. Earlier use may cause pustules. If you must wear makeup we recommend a good quality mineral makeup for the face.
• Avoid wearing hats or headbands after treatment.
• Please report to your provider if any increased pain, increased swelling, redness, blisters, or itching immediately, should it occur following your treatment.
• The onset of muscle relaxation usually begins in 7-10 days, but optimal results may take up to 2 weeks.
• *NOTE*: Results may vary. If there is partial improvement of a treated site, and re-treatment is desired, a second treatment may be performed no sooner than 2 weeks after the primary treatment. There is a subsequent charge for any “touch–up’s” or additional treatment.
  Please contact us immediately should there be any side effects or questions regarding your treatment with Neurotoxin .