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Preparing for BOTOX
How to Prepare for BOTOX Injections
At NewView Eye Center, we want every patient in Northern Virginia to feel fully prepared and confident before their BOTOX Cosmetic appointment.
Knowing what to do in the days leading up to your treatment helps minimize bruising, supports a smooth experience, and sets the stage for the best possible results.
Our Cosmetic Services
Our team is here to guide you through every step of your treatment, from preparation to aftercare. At NewView Eye Center, we bring the same precision and personalized attention to our cosmetic services that patients across Northern Virginia have trusted us with for over two decades.
Medical History and What to Tell Your Eye Doctor
A safe and effective treatment starts with an honest, complete conversation about your health history. Sharing this information upfront allows our eye doctors to personalize your treatment plan.
01
Conditions That Affect BOTOX Safety
Neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and ALS should be disclosed before any botulinum toxin treatment. BOTOX Cosmetic is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and we will ask about any previous neurotoxin injections.
02
Skin Conditions Near the Injection Site
Active skin infections, rashes, or cold sores at or near the planned injection area are a reason to reschedule. Please also mention any chemical peel, laser treatment, or microdermabrasion within the past month.
03
Your Complete Medication and Allergy List
Bring every prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, and herbal supplement, plus any previous adverse reaction to an injectable treatment and any known allergies — including to botulinum toxin products or cow's milk protein.
Practical Preparation for Your Appointment Day
A little planning before the day of your appointment goes a long way toward a smoother experience. From what you wear to how you schedule your day, these practical steps help you feel comfortable and make aftercare easier to follow.
01
Scheduling and Timing
Book at least two weeks before any major event — full results take 7 to 14 days, and mild bruising can show in the first few days. Avoid treatment during an active illness or fever.
02
What to Wear and Bring
Arrive with a clean face and no makeup on the treatment area, and choose clothing that does not need to be pulled over your face. Bring your photo ID, requested paperwork, and your medication list.
03
Numbing and Comfort
Injections use a very fine needle and most patients describe a brief, mild pinch. Topical numbing cream can be applied 30 to 45 minutes beforehand, and cold packs just before treatment also help.
Medications and Supplements to Adjust Before BOTOX
What you take in the days before your appointment can have a real impact on how your skin responds to treatment. Expand each item to learn more.
Blood-thinning medications and NSAIDs reduce the ability of platelets to clot, which makes bruising more likely after any injection. Common over-the-counter examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, and we generally recommend avoiding these for 7 to 10 days before your appointment when possible. If you take a prescription blood thinner such as warfarin, do not stop it without first speaking with the doctor who prescribed it.
Fish oil, vitamin E, garlic supplements, ginkgo biloba, and green tea extract are among the most frequent contributors to post-injection bruising. We recommend pausing these for at least one week before your appointment. Making a written list of everything you take, including vitamins and herbal products, and sharing it with our team is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Alcohol widens blood vessels and temporarily thins the blood, which increases your likelihood of bruising and swelling at injection sites, so we ask patients to avoid it for at least 24 hours before their appointment. Moderate caffeine on the day of your treatment is generally fine, and staying well hydrated with a normal meal beforehand helps reduce the chance of lightheadedness.
Frequently asked questions
These answers address questions patients often have when preparing for BOTOX Cosmetic, Xeomin, or filler treatments at our practice.
Light movement on the morning of your appointment is generally fine. However, intense exercise that significantly raises your heart rate and body temperature increases blood flow to your face, which can make bruising more likely. A good rule of thumb is to save your vigorous workouts for after your appointment, once the initial 24-hour window has passed.
You do not need to change most of your skincare routine in the days before treatment. However, on the day of your appointment, avoid applying retinol, glycolic acid, or other active exfoliating ingredients to the treatment area. These products can increase skin sensitivity and may contribute to irritation. If your skin is particularly reactive, let our team know and we can offer guidance specific to your products.
Please contact us to reschedule if you have an active infection, a fever, or are simply not feeling well. Your immune system is under stress when you are sick, and your body may not respond to treatment the way it would under normal conditions. Rescheduling is always the right call, and we are happy to find another time that works for you.
Yes, acetaminophen is a safe choice for pain relief in the days before your appointment because it does not affect platelet function or thin the blood. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are the ones to avoid, as these are NSAIDs that impair the blood's ability to clot at the injection site. If you are unsure about a specific medication, our eye doctors can confirm whether it is safe to take before treatment.
Let our team know at the start of your appointment. Our eye doctors will take that into account and may proceed with the understanding that bruising risk is slightly higher, or may recommend rescheduling if a particularly strong blood-thinning supplement was taken recently. Being upfront about this is always the right approach and helps us make the safest decision for your care.
Yes, we recommend stopping the use of gua sha tools, jade rollers, microcurrent devices, and similar facial massage tools for at least one week before treatment. These devices can increase baseline skin sensitivity and circulation near the surface of the skin, which may raise your risk of bruising at the injection site.
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Monday: 8:30AM-5PM
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