Depending upon the patient’s own healing process, as well as the practitioner’s technique, there may be varying degrees of swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness, bumps and other minor, but noticeable, side effects.
But there is another factor that also plays a role in reducing the temporary side effects of BOTOX, Restylane, Juvederm and other non-invasive cosmetic dermatology procedures –your pre and post-treatment precautions! Yes, there are things you can do to help prevent and treat many of the injection side-effects or, at least, minimize their appearance.
Pre-treatment
First and foremost, always select the most experienced and skilled practitioner you can find. Do the research and revel in your results.
Secondly, be sure to allow 2 – 7 days for the disappearance of any visible traces of the treatment. Let common sense prevail – don’t schedule an important business or social event in the same week as your procedure. And, if you know that you bruise more easily, allow up to two weeks for full recovery. Usually, make-up will cover all minor redness or bruising, but be prepared for the unexpected.
One of the easiest precautions is to discontinue, if possible, the following medications/supplements one week prior to treatment. They are known “blood thinners” and might cause bruising: Aspirin (Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve, Advil), St. John’s Wort, Omega 3, Vitamin E, Ginko Biloba, Ginseng. Tylenol is always fine to use for pain. And check with your doctor for other prescribed medications you might avoid.
Eliminate alcohol and garlic 1 – 2 days before treatment; some evidence recommends eating pineapple 1 – 2 days ahead; Arnica Montana tablets may also be helpful (except if you have high blood pressure or heart problems), 1- day ahead or the morning of the procedure.
Post-treatment
Immediately following your procedure, you might ask for an ice pack to apply directly on the areas of injection. And if you have swelling, continue to apply a cold compress for 5 – 10 minutes every hour, for the first several hours, after treatment.
Things to avoid for 1 – 2 days after treatment: alcohol, exercise (except for walking), sun or heat exposure and aspirin (as above but Tylenol is still good to go). Also resist pressing on the treatment area – unless you were instructed to do so by your doctor.
