Nova Med Spa
Botox Pre & Post Care
Following these guidelines will help ensure the best possible results and a smooth, comfortable recovery from your Botox treatment.
Before Your Treatment
Pre-Care Instructions
Medications & Supplements
- Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and NSAIDs for at least 7 days before treatment.
- Discontinue fish oil, vitamin E, flaxseed oil, and herbal supplements (ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng) for 7 days prior.
- Do not stop any prescribed medications without consulting your physician first.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before your appointment.
Skin Preparation
- Arrive with clean skin — free of makeup, lotions, and skincare products on the day of treatment.
- Avoid retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin, retinol) and exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs) for 5–7 days before treatment.
- Do not use any harsh or active skincare products in the treatment area for 48 hours prior.
- Inform your provider of any active skin infections, cold sores, or open wounds in the treatment area.
Sun & Heat Exposure
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
- Do not receive any laser treatments, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion within 2 weeks prior.
- If you have an active sunburn in the treatment area, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Health & Lifestyle
- Eat a light meal and stay well hydrated before your appointment.
- Inform your provider of any recent illnesses, infections, or changes in health status.
- Notify your provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of neuromuscular disorders.
- Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your appointment.
After Your Treatment
Post-Care Instructions
Immediate Aftercare (0–4 Hours)
- Remain upright for at least 4 hours after treatment — do not lie down or bend forward.
- Gently exercise the treated muscles (e.g., frown, raise brows, smile) to help distribute the Botox.
- Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated areas.
- Avoid touching your face unnecessarily to prevent spreading the product to unintended areas.
First 24 Hours
- Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy exercise, and anything that raises your heart rate significantly.
- Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours after treatment.
- Avoid exposure to extreme heat — saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and hot yoga.
- Skip facials, facial massages, and any other facial treatments for at least 24 hours.
- Mild redness, swelling, or small bumps at injection sites are normal and will resolve quickly.
First Week Recovery
- Avoid sleeping face-down for the first 1–2 nights after treatment.
- Do not receive any laser treatments, chemical peels, or microneedling for at least 2 weeks.
- Results begin to appear within 3–5 days and full effect is visible at 10–14 days.
- Some areas may take longer to respond — be patient and allow the full 2 weeks before assessing results.
- Contact us if you experience any unusual symptoms such as drooping, vision changes, or difficulty swallowing.
Long-Term Care
- Schedule your follow-up appointment 2 weeks after treatment to assess results.
- Botox typically lasts 3–4 months; consistent treatments can extend duration over time.
- Protect your skin with SPF 30+ daily to maintain and prolong your results.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy skincare routine to support skin health between treatments.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I see results from Botox?
Results typically begin to appear within 3–5 days after treatment, with full effect visible at 10–14 days. Some patients may notice results sooner or later depending on the treatment area and individual response.
How long does Botox last?
Botox generally lasts 3–4 months. With consistent treatments over time, many patients find that results last longer as the muscles become trained to relax.
Will I bruise after Botox?
Mild bruising at injection sites is possible but not common. To minimize bruising, avoid blood thinners, alcohol, and NSAIDs before your appointment as instructed.
Can I wear makeup after Botox?
We recommend waiting at least 4 hours before applying makeup to the treated areas. When you do apply makeup, do so gently without rubbing or pressing on the injection sites.
What if I don't see full results after 2 weeks?
Contact us for a complimentary follow-up assessment. Some areas may require a touch-up, which we can discuss at your 2-week check-in appointment.
Can I exercise after Botox?
Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment. Light walking is fine, but anything that significantly raises your heart rate or causes heavy sweating should be postponed.
Related Care Guides
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