Five Ways to Prepare for your First Botox Appointment
Botox is one of our most sought-after treatments, and we have been voted ‘Best Cosmetic Clinic in Glasgow’ for four years in a row.
Preparing in advance is the key to gaining the most out of your Botox treatment. If you are due for a Botox treatment, be it your first or repeat treatment, ensure you are adequately prepared. Here is a round-up of pre-treatment tips to make your experience more pleasant, help minimise post-treatment downtime and ensure that the results from your Botox treatment look natural.
Schedule your treatment at an appropriate day and time
Understandably, you might feel anxious or stressed if you are having Botox for the first time. That is why you need to plan your attendance carefully.
Ideally, you will not schedule your appointment on a busy day. Instead, have your treatment on a reasonably laid-back day to allow plenty of downtime both before the treatment begins and after it ends. For example, some of our patients prefer to schedule a morning appointment to avoid you having to endure a long, anxious wait leading up to your appointment.
Avoid taking certain medications
Some medications do not mix well with Botox. Discuss medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you may be taking with your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking specific prescriptions for a few days before Botox. Likewise, over-the-counter medicines and supplements like ibuprofen and St. John’s Wort should be discontinued at least five days before your Botox treatment.
Cleanse your skin before treatment
If practicable, before attending your appointment, cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and lukewarm water. Rinse your skin several times to ensure no makeup residue is left behind. To further minimise the risk of infection at injection sites, our doctor will clean your skin again with an antiseptic solution.
Take steps to minimise bruising.
One of the most common side effects of Botox injections is bruising. Often, this can’t be avoided, although you can take steps to limit the severity of bruising.
If you smoke, we recommend you stop this a couple of days before your appointment.
Some of our patients apply Arnica cream five days before and two more days after their appointment. Arnica is widely believed to help reduce the likelihood of bruising.
If you take anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, please discuss this with your doctor. These may be stopped a few days before your treatment.
Although not strictly necessary, you may use an ice pack over the injection sites immediately after your treatment. Not only can this help minimise swelling if you have sustained a bruise, but it will also vastly reduce the extent of it.
Be realistic
While being physically prepared, it is just as important to be emotionally ready for your Botox treatment. While it is true that Botox can make a huge difference in your face, and you can get smoother and younger-looking skin, it is by no means cosmetic surgery. So, keep your expectations realistic and proportionate, and you will not be disappointed with the results.
Undergo Botox injections in Glasgow
If you are reading this blog article, there is a decent chance that you are interested in having Botox treatment in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Ayr, Falkirk or the surrounding areas. If that is the case, look no further. Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic is one of Scotland’s most established and respected cosmetic clinics. We have been consistently voted ‘Best Botox Clinic in Glasgow’ for many years, and we are proud of our reputation as a leading provider of medical cosmetic treatments.
