When we are young, it never occurs to most of us that someday we will see our first wrinkle. Do you remember being a teenager and thinking that someone who was only 30 was old? We were so clueless!
Today, most of us wish we knew then what we know now because many of us would take better care of our skin. There are many preventive measures we can take to keep our faces from giving away our age. A good at-home skincare routine, periodic professional facials to deep clean our skin, microneedling, and other early interventions can help keep our skin looking healthy and youthful.
If you are starting to notice some crow’s feet or laugh lines, Botox injections may be the anti-aging procedure you’ve been searching for to smooth out your skin and banish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
You may be familiar with Botox and the basics of how it works, but did you know there are certain things you should avoid before and after Botox injections? Many patients want to know if they can drink red wine after Botox or if it’s cool if they meet their friends for cocktails after their treatment.
We understand that having a non-invasive treatment that takes just minutes and provides big benefits is cause for celebration, but you should forgo the cocktails for a few days. Read on to find out why!
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is a cosmetic injection that is used to disable certain facial muscles so they remain stationary when we smile or frown and do not cause the formation of visible wrinkles or lines.
Each of our faces has lines that show movement. These are called dynamic lines and are caused by muscle movement and emotional expressions, such as smiling and frowning. Because we repeatedly perform these facial movements, eventually these lines show up even when we are relaxed.
Sometimes these lines can make us look angry or upset. Especially the combination of the 11 lines (ridges in the center of the forehead) and the lines on the sides of the mouth (marionette lines).
When these muscles are injected with Botox, they become paralyzed and relax, which causes visible changes to our countenance. Botox injections are done in your cosmetic surgeon’s office and usually only take about 15 minutes.
Before Botox: What To Avoid And Why
Having cosmetic injections is so fast and easy that it would be easy to not even think about anything we should or should not do before having Botox injections. The fact is that there are some things you should definitely be aware of so you have the best experience and results.
- 1. Medication
- Before having Botox, you do not want to ingest anything that is going to make your blood thinner. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc. should be avoided for at least a week if possible, or a bare minimum of at least two days. If you are taking prescription medication that thins the blood, check with your doctor before having cosmetic injections.
- 2. Supplements
- In addition to medications, many supplements also cause blood thinning and should be avoided. Naturals such as Ginkgo biloba, flax or cod liver oil, garlic, vitamin A or E, or similar should be discontinued at least three to seven days prior to and after having Botox injections.
- 3. Alcoholic Beverages
- Drinking alcohol also has vasodilation properties (it opens up your blood vessels and allows them to flow more freely), so drinking wine before Botox injections or taking any medication or supplements that thin the blood will increase your probability of bruising.
- 4. Some Topical Skin Serums
- You should avoid the use of Retin-A and other similar acid-based facial creams two to three days in advance of your injections to reduce the risk of increased redness and irritation. If you have recently had laser or ultrasound cosmetic treatments, peels, facials, or microdermabrasion, you should wait about 14 days before getting Botox injections.
What Do I Need To Be Concerned About After Botox Treatments?
- Stay Upright
- The first thing to know is that you should not lie down for at least four hours. Remain in an upright position after your Botox injections for as long as you can. It is a good idea to sleep in an elevated position, using pillows to prop yourself up for the first night, and not sleep on your face. This prevents Botox from migrating to other locations in the face.
- Continue To Avoid Certain Medications
- Just like before your treatment, you should continue to avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements that offer the same properties. This will cut down on visible bruising and swelling after your treatments.
- Continue To Avoid Alcohol
- Many patients ask, “Can you drink alcohol after Botox? It’s best to avoid alcohol for a while after Botox because it can cause complications that could impede or even halt your healing process. Alcohol widens your blood vessels and is a blood thinner. It can also cause bruising and swelling at the injection site, which makes for a longer recovery.
Some patients see the word alcohol and wonder if they can drink wine after botox because they think “alcohol means vodka, gin, brandy, etc. Wine should also be avoided for at least several days after having Botox injections. Any type of alcoholic beverage thins the blood, but it can also dehydrate you and make your skin even more susceptible to bruising and swelling.
Another reason you should avoid any type of alcohol after your injections are because it may cause you to miss an adverse reaction to Botox. Although it is highly unlikely to happen, one of the side effects of Botox is that you may experience some drowsiness, lightheadedness, or dizziness. These symptoms can also be indicative of consuming alcohol, which could make the nature of your symptoms unclear.
When you drink, especially when there is no food in your stomach, the alcohol goes straight into the blood vessels that line the stomach instead of being absorbed by the food more slowly. Studies have shown that alcohol affects the release of a hormone called vasopressin into our bodies, which affects the kidney’s ability to maintain a balance in our electrolytes and fluids and results in dehydration. Being dehydrated can adversely affect your recovery and lessen the results of your Botox injections.
If you are wondering how long after botox you should wait before drinking alcohol for the best results, most experts agree that two days is a sufficient amount of time. You can do anything in just two days, right?
- Cut Out Caffeine
- Additionally, for all of you who asked, “Can you drink coffee after Botox? We are sorry to report that it is best to refrain from consuming large amounts of caffeine before or after your injections because it can dehydrate you and raise your heart rate. Similar to when engaging in vigorous exercise, a faster heartbeat and increased blood flow can hasten the breakdown of the Botox before the skin-tightening benefits have a chance to kick in.
Planning Your Botox Injections
Please remember that you may want to plan your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance if you have an upcoming special event or vacation. This gives the Botox an adequate amount of time to take effect and for any bruising to heal, so you will have optimal results for your special occasion.
Only Trust A Qualified Professional To Perform Your Botox Injections
Botox is among the most widely practiced anti-aging procedures in the world, but it is critical that you find a qualified specialist so you do not experience any major complications. The majority of the stories you hear about botched Botox procedures are due to an inexperienced practitioner or insufficient aftercare.
Botox injections can make a dramatic difference in how youthful your face looks and are a quick procedure that has virtually no downtime. There are just a few small but critical things you need to do to ensure you can enjoy fantastic results.
The few days following your botox treatment will be a time of healing for your skin and the treated areas. During this time, the areas will still be prone to bruising and swelling, and things that thin the blood, like alcohol, medications, and caffeine, are likely to make these side effects worse. Just give yourself a few days to recover, and then you can drink after Botox has had time to work its magic. When you see how great the result looks, you will feel like celebrating!
Where Can I Find A Qualified Professional For Botox Injections?
If you are looking for an extremely knowledgeable and highly experienced professional to help you with all your aesthetic concerns, you are in the right place. SuriCare Arts & Aesthetics offers Botox injections, dermal fillers, and a host of other solutions to address any type of cosmetic issue.
Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and she and her team of experts deliver excellent results in a comfortable and caring environment. Whether you are looking for non-invasive procedures to refresh your look or cosmetic surgery such as a mommy makeover or eyelid lift, we are here to help make all your aesthetic dreams come true. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We would love to get to know you and make a plan to enhance your natural beauty.
